He was the One high and lifted up on the throne, and He was the One lifted up on the Cross. And something new is entering his hearthumility. We don't have to ask Isaiah what he believed about God. Ruined (01820) (damah) primarily means made to cease, come to one's end, cut off, undone, doomed to die. The Old Testament As he touched Isaiahs mouth with it, the seraph said, Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for (verse 7). (cp Nu 21:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, cp Jesus' teaching Jn 3:14, 15 , 2Co 5:21, cp destruction of the idol Israel had made from the bronze serpent 2Ki 18:4). Who was, and is, and evermore shall be. Thus hardening comes at the end of God's dealing with rebellious sinners and just before their judgment. General Epistles 739 B.C. We may safely say at once that God never harden [sic] hearts that would otherwise be soft, and that owe their hardness to His interposition. The upshot is that those who have rejected truth, are to be irreparably hardened by the very truth they chose to reject! Isaiah, chapter six teaches us that even in this age the day of grace may come to an end for certain individuals. Interactive Bible study with John Piper. Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Daniel depicts this final destruction of the Gentile nations by Messiah as a Stone (Messiah) that returns to crush Nebuchadnezzar's statue which symbolizes all of the anti-God, anti-Christ nations of the world. All this describes, in a twofold application, the circumstances of the remnant both after the return from captivity and hereafter in the great tribulation. When the boats come in, the former fishermen leave everything behind and follow Jesus. Antiochus IV of Syria almost consumed even this remnant during the inter-testamental period. Questions and answers with John Piper. Grogan writes that "This verse teaches us that in order to be an effective channel for Gods penetrating word, the power of that word must be felt in the persons own conscience. He had been eternally transformed! Long before Cyrus, king of Persia appeared on the scene, Isaiah named him as Judahs deliverer from the Babylonian captivity (44:28; 45:1). Alex Johnston 3. He is "set apart" from the world over which He rules. You should find someone upon whom you can depend. The Lord, however, did not intend to get rid of Simon Peter. (See context in Be Comforted (Isaiah): Feeling Secure in the Arms of God) (Bolding added), Chapter 6 also serves a literary function as the conclusion to Isaiah 2-5 and the introduction to Isaiah. Praise God. Though the closing years of Uzziahs reign were filled with disobedience to God, this Judean monarch, in comparison with many other kings, was still considered godly, for he did right in the sight of the Lord (2Ki 15:3). Grogan notes that Kabod "is used of God in his manifestation to his creatures. Spurgeon comments that: the light about Him as a monarch puts on his robe. Historical Books In that passage Isaiah was saying that sin would yield captivity, but that God would bring a Redeemer (cf Isa 7:14). To be where God is will be glory. J Vernon McGee applies this grand scene to our everyday lives noting that, if we would see Him today in that (high and lifted up) position, we would be delivered from low living. The lips are specified because of the fact that he had just seen choirs of holy creatures worshipping with pure lips. Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; But having your act together runs contrary to Scripture. Sennacheribs effort to take Jerusalem failed, just as Isaiah had said it would (37:6, 7, 3638). Historical Books (The Commission of Isaiah - Emmaus Journal V4:1, Summer, 95), Regarding the trembling of the foundations Harry Ironside makes a piercing comment. Covered his face his feet - Notice how the Seraphim acknowledge the person of Jehovah by their actions (and then in Isa 6:3 with their words), even covering their face undoubtedly because of the overwhelming glory of God's holy presence. 18:7). 1 John I can only imagine what my eyes will see Wounded hands remove my filthiness, Gods caress in every move. This message is also a message that grace really is grace. The voice of the seraphim was so powerful that the sound waves caused the temple foundation to sway back and forth, even as mountains tremble when Jehovah appears (Ex 19:18, Jdg 5:4). But it was at this point that the character of this terrifying God shined through. 11:8). Bareness/Productivity- Isaiah 54, Genesis 1, . Note: MLA no longer requires the URL as part of their citation standard. The shrinking Jeremiah, ordained from before his birth to be a prophet, answers the call to service by saying, somewhat like Moses: "Ah, Adonai Jehovah! (Luke. They need to have their lips touched with a living coal. The early church father Jerome likened him to Demosthenes, the legendary Greek orator. Although God is omnipresent, He has chosen to manifest His presence in certain locations and at certain times within history. (Isaiah - Expository Notes), From this passage one can conclude that the servants of the Holy King may be called upon to. Having been reared in Jerusalem, he was an appropriate choice as a political and religious counselor to the nation. These numbers are on the rise and account for half the deaths in the state. God gave them up. He cut them off from further light. 2 Chronicles Jotham was a builder and a fighter like his father, but spiritual corruption still existed in the Land (2 Kin. He saw his need of Jesus Christ. Drive-through service, cell phones, beepers and other time-saving devices say a lot about a culture that always seems to be in a hurry. Beloved, is there not a powerful principle here? These are frightening words to me, for my heart too often "prone to wander, Lord I feel it", and it always crosses my mind that God might do just this to my heart! Motyer adds that:As we speak of a sum of money as sufficient to cover a debt, so kipper/koper is the payment of whatever divine justice sees as sufficient to cover the sinners debt, the death of the substitute sacrifice on the altar. The Lord of all in spirit did behold. "With twain they covered their faces, and with twain they covered their feet." Isaiah 6:3AND ONE CALLED OUT TO ANOTHER AND SAID "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE WHOLE EARTH IS FULL OF HIS GLORY: And one called out to another - One to another suggest an antiphony (as when one choir alternates in singing with another). 3 John What the hardening is. Hezekiah began his reign over Judah in 715 B.C. Ahazs alliance with Assyria led to his introduction of a heathen altar, which he set up in Solomons temple (2 Kin. John Piper Moody Publishers). Sinful men with tender hearts rightly respond with a reverent fear and awe when confronted with the manifest presence of the Holy One of Israel. The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (Lk 5:1). Although some of Isaiah's responsibilities might not seem very inviting, personal preferences and fear fade into the background when a person has had the privilege of seeing the glory of the Holy King. Simons response recalls the reaction of earlier great servants of God like Isaiah and Jeremiah, who also bowed low in humility when they caught a glimpse of Gods presence (Isa 6; Jer 1:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10). (Luke 5:4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11). Or consider the woman in todays reading from Mark. He sees himself as he really is in the presence of God -- undone. No doubt visitors to Mount St. Helens will gasp as they look into a crater almost two miles wide. At the Cross, His wounds acquit me! Holy, holy, holy! ", Oswald Chambers -God did not address the call to Isaiah; Isaiah overheard God saying, "Who will go for us?" This vision is the glory of Christ (John 12:41). Isaiah 6:10b is also clearly sarcastic. Isaiah 6:1IN THE YEAR OF KING UZZIAH'S DEATH, I SAW THE LORD SITTING ON A THRONE, LOFTY AND EXALTED, WITH THE TRAIN OF HIS ROBE FILLING THE TEMPLE: To help keep this chapter in context observe the preceding table and the following outline adapted from Talk Thru the Bible which summarizes the first section of Isaiah dealing primarily with prophecies concerning the Kingdom of Judah, E The Destruction of Israel by Assyria Isa 7:110:4, 2 Sign of Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz Isa 8:122, 3 Prophecy of the Messiahs Birth Isa 9:17, F The Destruction of Assyria by God Isa 10:512:6, 3 Restoration of the Messiahs Kingdom Isa 11:116, 4 Thanksgiving in the Messiahs Kingdom Isa 12:16, 790 - Uzziah (790-739BC) becomes king of Judah, reigns 52 years, 759 - Jotham becomes king of Judah assuming reign when Uzziah becomes leprous, 742 - Micah begins his prophetic ministry (cp ministry to Hezekiah Jer 26:18, 19, Mic 3:12), 739 - Isaiah begins prophetic ministry in year King Uzziah died (Isa 6:1f), 731 - Ahaz becomes king of Judah (2Ki 15:38, 16:1, 2Chr 28:1), 726 - Hezekiah becomes 12th king of Judah (2Ki 16:20, 18:1,2) and one of 3 best (2Ki 18:5), 722 - Shalmaneser (2Ki 17:3, 18:9) dies while besieging Samaria, Sargon seizes crown, 722 - Sargon of Assyria (Sargon) (Is 20:1) conquers Samaria (2Ki 17:6, 18:9, 10, 11, 12), 701 - Sennacherib (son of Sargon) of Assyria lays siege to Jerusalem, 695 - Manasseh becomes king of Judah (2Ki 21:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), 586 - Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah. March 28, 2018 The reality of Christ's vicarious, substitutionary death on our behalf is the heart of the gospel according to God. When Job really saw who he was, he said. After Paul met the Lord, he no longer saw himself as a self-righteous Pharisee, but as a lost sinner in need of salvation. The third presidential term of Franklin D. Roosevelt began on January 20, 1941, when he was once again inaugurated as the 32nd president of the United States, and the fourth term of his presidency ended with his death on April 12, 1945. Today in the Word - How did Isaiah respond to this vision? For example, the high priest took live coals into the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:12). He stood condemned and ruined. The book derives its title from the author, whose name means The LORD is salvation, and is similar to the names Joshua, Elisha, and Jesus. He was judged with leprosy, from which he never recovered (2 Kin. If we did, we would see ourselves. Peter could not stand the contrast between the purity and power of Christ and his own sinfulness. 4:19). There will come a day when He will come and deal out. 2 Samuel Keep on listening do not perceive keep on looking do not understand - Can you imagine Isaiah's first reaction upon hearing these words he was to speak to the people of Judah - to say they are not seeker friendly would be an understatement! Acts In Jerusalem? 33:20). For example in Ex 21:4 (Ge 24:9, 10), adon is used of the slave owner who was the master of the slave. zera, a collective singular; cf. Capitol Hill Baptist . All rights reserved.For details about our copyright policy, click here: https://www.gty.org/about#copyright (The Bookends of the Christian Life-recommended read - I have read this one 3-4 times. Nahum For instance, God's throne is in the heavenly temple, which, as we will learn later this month, served as the pattern for the earthly temple. Joshua It is that which causes the Holy Spirit to use us for real blessing amidst them. There was a man in the New Testament who also was "undone." Ironically, Israel's rejection of prophetic preaching in turn expedites disciplinary punishment, and brings the battered people to a point where they might be ready for reconciliation. (Zech 14:8, 9+), is a man with unclean lips. Bleeding feet stride through the temple! There is some disagreement as to how to best interpret this phrase, so the reader needs to be a Berean (Acts 17:11), even regarding the present comments. But, as the surrounding chapters clearly reveal, the people were hardly ready or willing to repent. Then - After Isaiah had received the specifics regarding his "difficult" mission. One is that the judgment of blindness over the nation as a whole did not preclude the salvation of individuals. (The Gospel of John : An Expositional Commentary. Isaiah 6:9,10 has been the subject of much debate and speculation because instead of calling his readers to repent and to not harden their hearts, these verses command Isaiah to issue a proclamation which is just the opposite! GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point And thus will it ever be. The seraphim Isaiah saw are magnificent beings. John Fish makes an interesting observation on Isaiah 6 noting that Preachers often speak on Isaiah, chapter six because of the vision of the awesome majesty and holiness of God presented there. (Listen free online - Isaiah 6:6-8.mp3)(See context in Thru the Bible), Paul reminded his young disciple Timothy of the importance of the principle of Biblically based "separation" (not exclusiveness or becoming part of an "elite") from potentially corrupting influences, if we would be used by God, Therefore (based on the preceding truth), if a man cleanses himself from these things, (Ed: Some interpret this as "these people") he will be a vessel for honor (precious, valuable), sanctified (set apart from the common and profane uses and readied for holy, consecrated uses), useful to the Master, prepared for every good (God - Jn 15:5 type) work. (The Commission of Isaiah - Emmaus Journal V4:1, Summer, 95), Motyer observes that "The two verbs, has touched and is taken away, are co-ordinate perfects, stressing that as soon as the one happened the other happened also. 3One called to another, and said, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?' Pastor John MacArthur. Isaiah 53:4-6. That was also the experience of Saul of Tarsus, who became Paul the apostle. Glory(03519)kabod means literally to be heavy or weighty (only rarely used literally), the figurative use ("heavy with sin") being more common. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The Gospels He touches the lips of Jeremiah, as of Isaiah, and promises His presence and protection. ), It is interesting to note the parallels between the divine encounter in Isaiah 6 and that of Peter and the disciples with Christ in Luke 5, And when He (Jesus) had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Isaiah has more prophecies about Jesus Christ than any OT prophet. True worship ought to lead to witness and service. Isa 41:8; 43:5; 53:10; 59:21; 65:9; 66:22; 1Ki 19:18; Ro 11:5), but Messiah would be the ultimate holy seed (Heb. Zephaniah Latrell Mitchell 2. Perhaps we could expand our paraphrase: "Otherwise they mightrepent, and be restored, and they certainly wouldn't want that, would they? 28:3). Series: The Gospel According to God. Don't just flee, but fill that "spiritual vacuum" with persistent proper pious pursuit of ) righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart (Ed: Select your "spiritual running companions" prayerfully and carefully). Isaiah did the same thing we would have done. Series: The Gospel According to God. FOR SALE! The Apostle Paul entered into this when he spoke of being a sweet savor of CHRIST unto GOD both in them that are saved and in them that perish (2Co 2:15). Thus this "emphatic Semitic triplet" underscores God's extreme/unsurpassed level of holiness, an infinite degree of holiness. But whether suddenly or slowly, we should aim to increase our awareness of Gods holiness and our sinfulness, coupled with an ever-deepening understanding of the meaning and application of the gospel. To contend that those yet unfulfilled will see non-literal fulfillment is biblically groundless. TODAY ALONG THE WAY - Isaiah 6 is not the kind of text we can just read and put down. For details about this sermon and for related resources, click here: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/80-324 To receive John MacArthurs monthly letter, as well as free resources by mail, click here: https://www.gty.org/home/newtogty/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracetoyou Twitter: https://twitter.com/gracetoyou Google +: https://plus.google.com/+gracetoyou Copyright 2007, Grace to You. What overwhelmed him with this keen sense of his vileness? Peter was at best but a babe in grace, weak in faith, short of experience, and poor in knowledge. Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth. The same distinction appears in Josh 7:8, 9, 10, 11. Whatever the case, being burned wasnt a pleasant experience. There was an advanced religious corruption Departure from God inevitably results in moral and social corruption, and these are apparent, It was to this people that Isaiah was commissioned to preach, and while Judah was not as far degenerate as the northern kingdom of Israel, it was a people so immersed in sin as to be incapable of repentance and correction. Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; One might paraphrase: "Your preaching will desensitize the minds of these people, make their hearing dull, and blind their eyes.". These individuals who would be saved through Isaiahs ministry are the basis for the remnant of verse 13. (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Hezekiah became very ill with a life-threatening disease, but he prayed and God graciously extended his life for 15 years (2 Kin. Simply amazing amazing grace! A tenth portion in it - "It" is the land of Judah. I believe it would be more accurate to say that this glowing coal is symbolic of none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. 735715 B.C.). Ask Pastor John. Moody Publishers, The Commission of Isaiah - Emmaus Journal V4:1, Summer, 95, Be Comforted (Isaiah): Feeling Secure in the Arms of God, New American Commentary: Volume 15a: Isaiah 1-39. He condemned the empty ritualism of his day and the idolatry into which the people had fallen. Dr. Evans goes on to say, Only one thing happens [in heaven]: people get to know God.