Isaiah 6:1-13 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the LORD sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.… I. THE VISION WHICH THE PROPHET BEHELD (vers. 1-4). 1. Of the Divine supremacy. 2. Of the Divine attendants. Their name signifies "fiery ones." There is a remarkable analogy between what is said here, and what is stated of the mysterious beings in the Book of Revelation — "They rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." The holiness of God is the great burthen of the celestial songs. 3. The vision connects holiness with the Divine greatness — "The whole earth is full of His glory." All His creatures speak His praise. 4. A remarkable effect is stated to have been produced by this celebration of the Divine majesty and holiness — "The posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke." This may be intended to show the terrors of the Divine holiness, when it is kindled and brought into exercise by human transgression. Smoke is connected in Scripture with the tokens of rising wrath in the Almighty. (Deuteronomy 29:20; Psalm 18:7, 8; Revelation 15:8.) And the sequel informs us that He had determined to "waste the cities, and depopulate the habitations, until there should be a great forsaking in the midst of the land." Observe from the vision here granted to the prophet, how necessary it is that those who go out on the work of the Lord should have a vision of His glory and greatness that they may have a proper sense of the work in which they are engaged. How can he speak of the glory of God, who has not seen it? Or how can he speak of the holiness of God, of the terrors of me Almighty, who has himself no true idea of either? II. THE EFFECT WHICH THIS VISION PRODUCED UPON THE PROPHET'S MIND. "Then said I, Woe is met for I am undone." etc. The vision of the glory of God which he beheld, became the means of filling him with reverence, humility, and fear. The prophet was filled with an awful sense of his own depravity in two respects — 1. As a man. Why are the lips mentioned! Not because the depravity, is merely superficial, or resting on the surface; but because the depravity of the heart rends and rages without, and finds vent in the tongue. The vision of the Divine holiness is the best way of impressing our minds with a sense of our own defects and vileness. 2. As an intended messenger of God. He saw how unworthy he was to receive messages from God and go out to the people. If private Christians should feel their depravity and unworthiness, how much more should those who are ministers. He who has not been humbled under a sense of his own unworthiness before God has no right at all to go out to speak to others. III. THE SUSTAINING VISITATION WHICH WAS MADE IN CONNECTION WITH THE EFFECT PRODUCED. To prevent the prophet from sinking into despair, Divine consolation was given. Notice — 1. The agent sent. "One of the seraphim." These are often employed in messages of goodness to man. Observe his celerity — he "flew." These celestial beings take an especial interest in the fulfilment of the designs of God. 2. The assurance communicated. "Thine iniquity is taken away," etc. 3. The manner in which the assurance is testified. "Then flew one," etc. Fire is symbolical of purity. The Spirit's influence is compared to fire. This transaction signifies — (1) The purity of the ministry. (2) The fervour of the ministry. IV. THE COMMISSION WHICH, IN CONNECTION WITH THIS VISITATION, WAS PROPOSED AND ACCEPTED. "Whom shall I send," etc. Observe — 1. That the messenger who goes out, God sends by His own power. 2. Such messengers are fully devoted to God. They may indeed say "Corban" with respect to all they have. What an honourable work is this! It is also a work of responsibility. 3. The messenger of God must proceed without debate as to the object of his mission. (J. Parsons.) Parallel Verses KJV: In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. |
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