In the year that King Uzziah died
This phrase sets the historical context for Isaiah's vision. King Uzziah reigned over Judah for approximately 52 years, a period marked by prosperity and military success. His death around 740 BC marked the end of an era and a time of uncertainty for the nation. Uzziah's reign is detailed in 2 Chronicles 26, where his initial faithfulness and subsequent pride are highlighted. His death symbolizes a transition and a reminder of human mortality and the need for divine leadership.

I saw the Lord
Isaiah's vision of the Lord is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God. This encounter emphasizes God's sovereignty and holiness. The term "Lord" here is significant, often associated with God's covenant name, Yahweh, indicating a personal and relational aspect of God. This vision underscores the prophetic calling of Isaiah, aligning with other biblical figures who encountered God, such as Moses in Exodus 3 and Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1.

Seated on a throne
The imagery of God seated on a throne conveys His authority and kingship over all creation. Thrones are symbols of power and judgment, and this vision reassures Isaiah of God's control amidst political instability. This throne room scene parallels other biblical visions, such as those in Daniel 7 and Revelation 4, where God's sovereignty is a central theme.

High and exalted
This description emphasizes God's transcendence and majesty. The terms "high" and "exalted" reflect God's supreme position above all earthly rulers and powers. This language is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 97:9, which declares God's exaltation above all gods. It serves as a reminder of God's unparalleled greatness and the reverence due to Him.

And the train of His robe filled the temple
The train of the robe symbolizes majesty and splendor. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the length of a king's robe was a measure of his status and glory. The fact that it "filled the temple" signifies God's overwhelming presence and glory, leaving no space for anything else. This imagery connects to the temple as the dwelling place of God, as seen in 1 Kings 8:10-11, where the glory of the Lord filled Solomon's temple. It foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with His people through Jesus Christ, who is described as the true temple in John 2:19-21.

Above Him stood seraphim
The seraphim are celestial beings associated with the presence of God, often understood as a high order of angels. Their position "above Him" signifies their role in the heavenly hierarchy, serving and worshiping God. The term "seraphim" is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to burn," indicating their fiery nature and purity. This vision of seraphim is unique to Isaiah, emphasizing the holiness and majesty of God. In the broader biblical context, angels often appear in significant moments of divine revelation, such as in Genesis 28:12 and Revelation 4:8.

each having six wings
The six wings of the seraphim symbolize their readiness and ability to serve God. This imagery is echoed in Revelation 4:8, where the living creatures around God's throne also have six wings. The number six, often associated with imperfection in biblical numerology, here highlights the completeness of their service and worship, as they are fully equipped to fulfill their divine roles.

With two wings they covered their faces
Covering their faces signifies reverence and humility before God's overwhelming holiness and glory. Even these exalted beings cannot gaze directly upon the divine presence, underscoring the transcendence and otherness of God. This act of covering is reminiscent of Moses covering his face after speaking with God (Exodus 34:33-35), illustrating the profound respect required in the presence of the divine.

with two they covered their feet
Covering their feet suggests modesty and the acknowledgment of their creatureliness before the Creator. In the ancient Near Eastern context, feet were often considered unclean or a symbol of one's earthly journey. By covering their feet, the seraphim demonstrate their awareness of their position as created beings, despite their exalted status.

and with two they were flying
The act of flying indicates their readiness to act on God's commands, symbolizing swift obedience and service. This imagery reflects the biblical theme of angels as messengers and servants of God, as seen in passages like Psalm 103:20, where angels are described as mighty ones who do God's bidding. The continuous motion of flying also suggests the ceaseless nature of their worship and service.

And they were calling out to one another:
This phrase describes the seraphim, angelic beings, in the heavenly vision Isaiah experiences. The repetition of their calling emphasizes the continuous and communal nature of their worship. In the context of ancient Near Eastern culture, communal worship was a significant aspect of religious practice, reflecting unity and shared reverence. The seraphim's call to one another signifies the importance of collective acknowledgment of God's holiness.

Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts;
The thrice-repeated "holy" underscores the absolute and perfect holiness of God, a concept central to the understanding of God's nature in the Bible. The repetition is a Hebrew literary device used for emphasis, indicating the completeness and superlative nature of God's holiness. The title "LORD of Hosts" refers to God's sovereignty over the heavenly armies, highlighting His supreme authority and power. This phrase connects to Revelation 4:8, where the same declaration is made, showing continuity in the depiction of God's holiness throughout Scripture.

all the earth is full of His glory.
This statement reflects the belief that God's presence and majesty are evident throughout creation. The earth, as part of God's creation, is a testament to His glory, which is a recurring theme in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 19:1). The phrase also anticipates the eschatological vision where God's glory will be fully realized and acknowledged by all creation, as seen in Habakkuk 2:14. This prophetic vision points to the ultimate fulfillment in the new creation, where God's glory will be fully manifest.

At the sound of their voices
The voices refer to the seraphim, heavenly beings who are in the presence of God. Their proclamation of God's holiness is so powerful that it causes a physical reaction in the temple. This emphasizes the majesty and authority of God, as even the voices of His attendants have immense power. The seraphim's cry of "Holy, holy, holy" (Isaiah 6:3) underscores the complete and perfect holiness of God, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, such as in Revelation 4:8.

the doorposts and thresholds shook
The shaking of the doorposts and thresholds signifies the overwhelming presence and power of God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such physical manifestations were often associated with divine appearances or theophanies. This shaking can be compared to other biblical instances where God's presence causes the earth to tremble, such as at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18). It symbolizes the awe and reverence due to God and the transformative impact of His presence.

and the temple was filled with smoke
Smoke is often associated with the presence of God, as seen in the cloud that filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35) and the temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). It represents God's glory and holiness, creating a barrier between the divine and the human, emphasizing the need for purification and atonement. The smoke in Isaiah's vision also prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provides the means for humanity to enter into God's holy presence.

Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined,
Isaiah's response to the vision of God's holiness is one of despair and self-awareness of his own sinfulness. The term "woe" is often used in prophetic literature to pronounce judgment or lamentation. Here, Isaiah pronounces it upon himself, recognizing his unworthiness. This moment reflects the common biblical theme of human inadequacy before divine perfection, as seen in other encounters with God, such as Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:6) and Peter's reaction to Jesus' miracle (Luke 5:8).

because I am a man of unclean lips
Isaiah acknowledges his sinfulness, specifically focusing on his speech. In the biblical context, the lips represent what comes from the heart (Matthew 12:34). Isaiah's confession highlights the importance of purity in speech, a theme echoed in James 3:6, where the tongue is described as a fire. This acknowledgment of impurity is crucial for understanding the need for divine cleansing and forgiveness.

dwelling among a people of unclean lips;
Isaiah not only confesses his own sin but also identifies with the sinfulness of his people, Israel. This reflects the communal aspect of sin in the Old Testament, where the actions of individuals affect the entire community (Joshua 7). The phrase underscores the pervasive nature of sin and the need for national repentance, a recurring theme in the prophetic books.

for my eyes have seen the King,
Isaiah's vision of God as King emphasizes His sovereignty and majesty. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kingship was associated with authority and power. This vision contrasts earthly kings with the divine King, highlighting God's ultimate authority. The recognition of God as King is a central theme in the Bible, pointing to the future reign of Christ as King of Kings (Revelation 19:16).

the LORD of Hosts.”
The title "LORD of Hosts" refers to God's command over the heavenly armies, signifying His omnipotence and supreme authority. This title is used frequently in the Old Testament to emphasize God's power and ability to execute judgment and deliverance. It connects to the New Testament portrayal of Christ leading the heavenly armies (Revelation 19:14), reinforcing the continuity of God's sovereign rule throughout scripture.

Then one of the seraphim flew to me
The seraphim are angelic beings associated with the presence of God, often depicted as having six wings. Their role in this passage highlights the holiness and majesty of God. The act of flying to Isaiah signifies divine intervention and the urgency of the message. The seraphim's presence underscores the heavenly realm's involvement in earthly matters, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the importance of Isaiah's prophetic mission.

and in his hand was a glowing coal
The glowing coal symbolizes purification and cleansing. In ancient Israelite culture, fire often represented God's presence and holiness. The coal's glow indicates its divine origin and power to purify. This imagery connects to the sacrificial system, where fire consumed offerings, symbolizing atonement and purification. The coal's role here prefigures the ultimate purification through Christ's sacrifice, who cleanses believers from sin.

that he had taken with tongs from the altar
The altar is a central element in the temple, representing the place of sacrifice and atonement. The use of tongs suggests the coal's intense heat and holiness, which even a seraph must handle with care. This altar likely refers to the heavenly altar, indicating the divine source of purification. The imagery connects to the Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system, foreshadowing Christ as the ultimate high priest and sacrifice, who provides eternal cleansing and access to God.

And with it he touched my mouth
This phrase refers to the seraphim using a live coal from the altar to touch Isaiah's mouth. The altar in the temple was a place of sacrifice and atonement, symbolizing purification and cleansing. The act of touching Isaiah's mouth signifies the purification of his speech and his readiness to speak God's words. This moment is a divine commissioning, similar to the calling of other prophets like Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:9), where God touches the prophet's mouth to equip them for their mission.

and said: “Now that this has touched your lips,
The lips are symbolic of speech and communication. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the mouth and lips were often seen as the instruments of prophecy. The touching of Isaiah's lips signifies a transformation and preparation for his prophetic role. This act is reminiscent of the purification rituals in the temple, where contact with holy objects was believed to impart holiness and readiness for service.

your iniquity is removed
Iniquity refers to moral impurity or sin. The removal of iniquity is a central theme in the Old Testament, often associated with the sacrificial system where offerings were made to atone for sin. This phrase indicates a divine act of forgiveness and cleansing, preparing Isaiah to stand in God's presence and serve as His messenger. It echoes the promise of forgiveness found in passages like Psalm 103:12, where God removes transgressions from His people.

and your sin is atoned for.”
Atonement involves reconciliation between God and humanity, often through a sacrificial act. In the Old Testament, atonement was achieved through the shedding of blood, as seen in Leviticus 17:11. This phrase foreshadows the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross provides the final and complete atonement for sin (Hebrews 9:14). Isaiah's experience here prefigures the cleansing and redemption available through Christ, highlighting the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout scripture.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying:
This phrase indicates a direct encounter with God, a theophany, which is a significant moment in biblical narratives. Isaiah's experience is similar to other prophetic callings, such as Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3) and Samuel hearing God's voice (1 Samuel 3). The voice of the Lord signifies divine authority and the initiation of a prophetic mission.

“Whom shall I send?
The question posed by God highlights the divine initiative in calling and sending prophets. It reflects God's sovereign choice in selecting His messengers. This echoes the calling of other prophets and leaders, such as Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5) and the apostles in the New Testament (Matthew 28:19-20).

Who will go for Us?”
The plural "Us" can be seen as a reference to the divine council or the Trinity, suggesting a complex unity within the Godhead. This aligns with Genesis 1:26, "Let Us make man in Our image," and can be interpreted as an early hint of the Trinitarian nature of God, which is more fully revealed in the New Testament.

And I said:
Isaiah's response is immediate and personal, indicating his readiness and willingness to serve. This reflects the proper response to God's call, characterized by obedience and submission. It parallels the responses of other biblical figures who were called by God, such as Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4) and Mary (Luke 1:38).

“Here am I.
This declaration signifies Isaiah's availability and readiness to be used by God. It is an expression of humility and willingness, similar to Samuel's response to God's call (1 Samuel 3:10). It underscores the importance of being present and attentive to God's voice.

Send me!”
Isaiah's willingness to be sent highlights the theme of mission and service in the prophetic tradition. This anticipates the Great Commission in the New Testament, where Jesus sends His disciples into the world (Matthew 28:19-20). Isaiah's readiness to be sent foreshadows the ultimate sending of Jesus Christ, who was sent by the Father to fulfill His redemptive mission (John 3:16-17).

And He replied:
This phrase indicates a direct response from God, highlighting the divine authority and initiation of the message. It reflects the prophetic nature of Isaiah's mission, where God communicates His will directly to the prophet. This is a common theme in the prophetic books, where God often speaks directly to His chosen messengers.

Go and tell this people:
The command to "go" signifies the active role of the prophet as God's messenger. "This people" refers specifically to the Israelites, emphasizing their identity as God's chosen nation. Historically, this period was marked by spiritual decline and political turmoil in Judah, necessitating a prophetic call to repentance and awareness.

‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding;
This phrase underscores the spiritual dullness and obstinacy of the people. Despite having access to God's word and prophets, they fail to grasp the deeper spiritual truths. This condition is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus uses similar language to describe those who hear His parables but do not understand (Matthew 13:14-15). It highlights the theme of spiritual blindness and the need for divine intervention to truly understand God's message.

be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’
The repetition of sensory verbs "hearing" and "seeing" emphasizes the people's persistent failure to comprehend God's revelations. This reflects a hardened heart and a refusal to acknowledge God's works and warnings. The concept of seeing without perceiving is also found in the Gospels, where Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their lack of spiritual insight (John 9:39-41). This phrase serves as a warning of judgment and a call to seek true understanding through repentance and faith.

Make the hearts of this people calloused;
This phrase reflects a divine judgment upon the people of Israel for their persistent disobedience and rebellion against God. The hardening of hearts is a recurring theme in the Bible, often indicating a judicial act of God in response to human obstinacy. In Exodus, Pharaoh's heart was hardened as a demonstration of God's power and sovereignty (Exodus 9:12). Similarly, in the New Testament, Paul speaks of a hardening that has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in (Romans 11:25). This hardening serves as both a consequence of sin and a means to fulfill God's redemptive purposes.

deafen their ears and close their eyes.
This imagery of sensory impairment symbolizes spiritual insensitivity and unresponsiveness to God's message. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, hearing and seeing were often associated with understanding and obedience. The prophets frequently used these metaphors to describe the people's failure to heed God's word (Jeremiah 5:21, Ezekiel 12:2). Jesus also referenced this passage in the Gospels to explain why He spoke in parables, indicating that the people's spiritual blindness prevented them from grasping the truth (Matthew 13:14-15).

Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears,
This conditional statement underscores the potential for repentance and restoration if the people were to perceive and understand God's message. The possibility of seeing and hearing implies that the current state of spiritual blindness is not irreversible. Throughout Scripture, God consistently calls His people to repentance, offering forgiveness and healing to those who turn back to Him (2 Chronicles 7:14, Acts 3:19). The use of sensory language here highlights the importance of spiritual perception in the process of conversion.

understand with their hearts,
Understanding with the heart signifies a deep, internal comprehension that goes beyond mere intellectual assent. In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. True understanding involves a transformation of the heart, leading to genuine repentance and faith. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Paul prays for the Ephesians to have the eyes of their hearts enlightened (Ephesians 1:18). The transformation of the heart is a key aspect of the new covenant, where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 31:33).

and turn and be healed.”
The call to "turn" is a call to repentance, a fundamental theme in the prophetic literature. Repentance involves a change of direction, turning away from sin and towards God. The promise of healing indicates not only physical restoration but also spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God. This healing is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who came to heal the brokenhearted and restore the relationship between God and humanity (Isaiah 53:5, Luke 4:18). The prophetic message of Isaiah points forward to the redemptive work of Christ, who offers healing and salvation to all who believe.

Then I asked: “How long, O Lord?”
Isaiah's question reflects a deep concern for the fate of his people. This inquiry is not just about time but about the extent of judgment. It echoes the cries of other prophets and psalmists who sought understanding of God's timing (e.g., Psalm 13:1, Habakkuk 1:2). It shows the prophet's empathy and his desire for restoration.

And He replied: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant,
This response indicates a complete and thorough judgment. The imagery of ruined cities is consistent with the consequences of disobedience outlined in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled during the Babylonian exile when Jerusalem and other cities were destroyed (2 Kings 25:8-10). The desolation serves as a warning and a call to repentance.

until the houses are left unoccupied
The abandonment of houses signifies a total societal collapse. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a house was not just a dwelling but a symbol of family and legacy. The empty houses represent the loss of community and continuity. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the exile, where the Israelites were removed from their land and homes.

and the land is desolate and ravaged,
The desolation of the land is a direct consequence of the people's sin, as outlined in Leviticus 26:31-35. The land, once flowing with milk and honey, becomes barren, reflecting the spiritual barrenness of the people. This devastation also points to the need for a future restoration, which is ultimately fulfilled in the coming of Christ, who brings spiritual renewal and hope for a new creation (Revelation 21:1-5).

until the LORD has driven men far away
This phrase indicates a divine action where God Himself is responsible for the dispersion of the people. Historically, this can be linked to the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, where the Israelites were taken from their land as a consequence of their disobedience and idolatry. Theologically, it reflects God's sovereignty and justice, emphasizing that the exile is not merely a political or military event but a fulfillment of divine judgment. This dispersion is also a recurring theme in the Old Testament, seen in Leviticus 26:33 and Deuteronomy 28:64, where God warns of scattering His people if they turn away from Him. The phrase foreshadows the New Testament concept of spiritual exile and separation from God due to sin, which is reconciled through Christ.

and the land is utterly forsaken
This part of the verse highlights the complete desolation that will come upon the land. The term "utterly forsaken" suggests a total abandonment, which can be understood both physically and spiritually. Geographically, the land of Israel, once flowing with milk and honey, becomes barren and desolate, a stark contrast to its intended state. This desolation serves as a tangible sign of God's judgment and the consequences of the people's unfaithfulness. Culturally, the land was central to the identity and covenant relationship between God and Israel, so its forsakenness signifies a severe breach in that relationship. Prophetically, this desolation points to the need for restoration and redemption, themes that are fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, who restores the broken relationship between God and humanity and promises a new creation where desolation is no more.

And though a tenth remains in the land
This phrase suggests a remnant, a concept frequently found in the Old Testament, where God preserves a portion of His people despite widespread judgment. The "tenth" can be seen as a tithe, symbolizing a small, faithful group that remains after divine judgment. This remnant theme is echoed in passages like Amos 5:3 and Zechariah 13:8-9, where a fraction of the population survives to continue God's covenant. Historically, this reflects the survival of a faithful group during the Babylonian exile, maintaining the continuity of Israel's identity and faith.

it will be burned again
The imagery of burning indicates further purification and judgment. Fire is often used in the Bible as a symbol of purification and judgment (Malachi 3:2-3, 1 Corinthians 3:13). This suggests that even the remnant will undergo further trials to refine and purify them. Historically, this can be linked to the repeated invasions and hardships faced by Israel, which served to purify and strengthen the faith of the people.

As the terebinth and oak leave stumps when felled
The terebinth and oak are strong, resilient trees common in the region, symbolizing endurance and longevity. When these trees are cut down, their stumps remain, suggesting that life can spring forth again. This imagery is used to convey hope and the potential for renewal. In biblical symbolism, trees often represent nations or people (Daniel 4:10-12), and the stump signifies the enduring promise of God's covenant with Israel.

so the holy seed will be a stump in the land
The "holy seed" refers to the faithful remnant that will survive and eventually lead to the restoration of Israel. This concept is prophetic, pointing to the future coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "seed" (Genesis 3:15, Galatians 3:16). The stump symbolizes the continuity of God's promise and the eventual flourishing of His people. This imagery is fulfilled in the New Testament, where Jesus is seen as the shoot from the stump of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1), bringing salvation and restoration.