Isaiah 6:9
And He replied: "Go and tell this people, 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.'
He replied
This phrase indicates a direct response from God to Isaiah. The Hebrew root here is "אָמַר" (amar), which means to say or declare. This highlights the authority and direct communication from God, emphasizing the divine origin of the message. In the context of Isaiah's vision, it underscores the solemnity and seriousness of the prophetic mission Isaiah is being commissioned for.

Go and tell this people
The command "Go" (Hebrew: "הָלַךְ" - halak) signifies a mission or a journey, often used in the context of divine commissioning. "This people" refers specifically to the Israelites, indicating a personal and direct message to God's chosen nation. Historically, this reflects the period of spiritual decline in Israel, where the people had turned away from God, necessitating a prophetic intervention.

Be ever hearing, but never understanding
The phrase "ever hearing" (Hebrew: "שָׁמַע" - shama) implies a continuous action of listening. However, "never understanding" (Hebrew: "בִּין" - bin) suggests a failure to comprehend or discern. This dichotomy highlights the spiritual dullness and obstinacy of the people. It serves as a warning about the consequences of persistent disobedience and the hardening of hearts against divine truth.

Be ever seeing, but never perceiving
Similar to the previous phrase, "ever seeing" (Hebrew: "רָאָה" - ra'ah) indicates a constant exposure to God's works and messages. Yet, "never perceiving" (Hebrew: "יָדַע" - yada) points to a lack of insight or recognition. This reflects a spiritual blindness, where despite witnessing God's actions, the people fail to grasp their significance. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual apathy and the importance of seeking true understanding.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by visions and prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.

2. God
The sovereign Lord who commissions Isaiah to deliver a message to the people. He is the ultimate authority and the one who reveals His will through His prophets.

3. The People of Judah
The audience of Isaiah's message. They are characterized by their persistent disobedience and spiritual insensitivity, which leads to their inability to understand or perceive God's message.

4. The Temple
The setting of Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6, where he sees the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted. This vision marks the beginning of Isaiah's prophetic ministry.

5. The Seraphim
Angelic beings present in Isaiah's vision, who proclaim God's holiness and glory. They play a role in Isaiah's commissioning by purifying him with a coal from the altar.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Sensitivity
The importance of being spiritually sensitive and responsive to God's word. Isaiah's message warns against the dangers of hearing without understanding and seeing without perceiving.

The Role of Prophets
Understanding the role of prophets as God's messengers, who often deliver difficult truths. Isaiah's commission reminds us of the need for boldness and faithfulness in sharing God's message.

Judgment and Mercy
Recognizing the balance of judgment and mercy in God's dealings with His people. While Isaiah's message is one of judgment, it also points to the hope of redemption.

The Condition of the Heart
The passage challenges us to examine the condition of our hearts. Are we open to God's voice, or are we hardened and resistant?

Fulfillment in Christ
Seeing the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in the New Testament, particularly in the ministry of Jesus and the early church, underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Isaiah's vision and commission in Isaiah 6:1-8 prepare him for the message he is to deliver in verse 9?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not like the people described in Isaiah 6:9, who hear but do not understand and see but do not perceive?

3. How does the New Testament use of Isaiah 6:9-10 in the Gospels and Acts enhance our understanding of Jesus' ministry and the response of the people?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate a heart that is receptive to God's word and responsive to His leading?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Isaiah 6:9 in our own context, particularly in sharing the Gospel with those who may be spiritually blind or resistant?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 13:14-15
Jesus references Isaiah 6:9-10 when explaining why He speaks in parables. This connection highlights the theme of spiritual blindness and the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in the New Testament context.

Acts 28:26-27
Paul cites Isaiah 6:9-10 when addressing the Jewish leaders in Rome, emphasizing the continued relevance of Isaiah's message about spiritual insensitivity.

John 12:39-41
John refers to Isaiah's prophecy to explain the unbelief of the people despite Jesus' miraculous signs, indicating that Isaiah foresaw the rejection of the Messiah.
A Mission of HardeningR. Tuck Isaiah 6:9
An Anticipation of the IncarnationT. Allen, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
Christian MissionsRichard Knill.Isaiah 6:1-13
Gain Through LossJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
Government Human and DivineR. Winter, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah a Typical ProphetJ. G. Rogers, B. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah's CallHomiletic MagazineIsaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah's VisionT. Allen, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah's VisionHomilistIsaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah's VisionJ. Parsons.Isaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah's VisionR. S. Candlish, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah's VisionR. Brodie, M. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah's VisionG. Cron, M. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah's VisionAbp. Trench.Isaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah's Vision in the TempleG. T. Perks, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah's Vision of Christ's GloryJ. J. Bonar.Isaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah's Vision of GodF. D. Maurice, M. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah's Vision of GodA. Maclaren, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah's Vision of God's GloryJ. Summerfield, M. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
Preparation for the Lord's WorkJ. Sherwood.Isaiah 6:1-13
Realising GodT. Allen, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
Removing the VeilJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
Seeing GodAmory H. Bradford, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Circumstances of the VisionW. Hay Aitken, M. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Command and Encouragement to Communicate the GospelW. Ellis.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Compensations of LifeJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Dead King; the Living GodIsaiah 6:1-13
The Elevating Presence of GodF. B. Meyer, B. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Empty Throne FilledA. Maclaren, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Enthroned LordJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Idea of GodJames Stalker, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Inaugural Vision of IsaiahA. B. Davidson, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Making of a ProphetProf. W. G. Elmslie, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Material Fleeting: the Spiritual EnduringJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Prophet's Call and ConsecrationE. Johnson Isaiah 6:1-13
The Rectal and Mediatorial Dominion of GodW. M. Bunting.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Story of the Prophet's Call -- Why Inserted HereProf . S. R. Driver, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Symbolism of Isaiah's VisionJ. Matthews.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Three-Fold VisionU. R. Thomas, B. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Trinity in UnityR. W. Forrest, M. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Triune Name a Call, a Message, a ChasteningB. F. Westcott, D. D.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Uzziahs of History and the LordJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
The VisionSir E. Strachey, Bart.Isaiah 6:1-13
The Vision of GodW. Clarkson B. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
Uzziah and Isaiah: George Iii and John WesleyB. Hellier.Isaiah 6:1-13
Vision and ServiceJ. Matthews.Isaiah 6:1-13
Why Did Isaiah Publish This Account of His CallP. Thomson, M. A.Isaiah 6:1-13
A Hard MinistryIsaiah 6:9-13
A Loud Call to RepentanceP. Thomson, M. A.Isaiah 6:9-13
Conditions of Spiritual VisionJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Isaiah 6:9-13
God Vindicating HimselfG. Cron, M. A.Isaiah 6:9-13
Incidental PenaltyE. W. Shalders.Isaiah 6:9-13
Isaiah: His Heaviness and His ConsolationE. B. Pusey, D. D.Isaiah 6:9-13
Israel's Detective InsightR. Macculloch.Isaiah 6:9-13
Israel's Punishment NecessarySir E. Strachey, Bart.Isaiah 6:9-13
Judgment and MercyE. W. Shalders.Isaiah 6:9-13
Opposite Effects from the Same AgenciesSunday School ChronicleIsaiah 6:9-13
PetrifactionW. L. Watkinson.Isaiah 6:9-13
Religious, But Without Spiritual DiscernmentJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Isaiah 6:9-13
Responsibility of Having the GospelSunday School ChronicleIsaiah 6:9-13
Sight Without InsightJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Isaiah 6:9-13
The Importance of Understanding TruthR. Macculloch.Isaiah 6:9-13
The Meaning of the Message Intrusted to IsaiahE. W. Shalders.Isaiah 6:9-13
The Message from GodE. W. Shalders.Isaiah 6:9-13
The Prophet's Thoughts At This PeriodA. B. Davidson, D. D.Isaiah 6:9-13
The Shadow of Sacred TruthW. Clarkson Isaiah 6:9-13
Two Ways of Looking At ThingsJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Isaiah 6:9-13
People
Isaiah, Uzziah
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Getting, Hast, Hearing, Indeed, Learning, Listening, Nothing, Perceive, Perceiving, Seeing, Understand, Understanding, Wiser
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 6:9

     2426   gospel, responses
     5941   secrecy

Isaiah 6:1-10

     7755   preaching, importance

Isaiah 6:8-9

     7734   leaders, spiritual
     8426   evangelism, motivation

Isaiah 6:8-10

     7740   missionaries, call

Isaiah 6:8-13

     5548   speech, divine

Isaiah 6:9-10

     1445   revelation, responses
     2333   Christ, attitude to OT
     2357   Christ, parables
     2366   Christ, prophecies concerning
     5135   blindness, spiritual
     5159   hearing
     5263   communication
     5438   parables
     5534   sleep, spiritual
     7712   convincing
     8228   discernment, examples
     8319   perception, spiritual
     8351   teachableness
     8355   understanding
     8844   unforgiveness

Isaiah 6:9-13

     7135   Israel, people of God

Library
The Empty Throne Filled
'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.'--ISAIAH vi. 1. Uzziah had reigned for fifty-two years, during the greater part of which he and his people had been brilliantly prosperous. Victorious in war, he was also successful in the arts of peaceful industry. The later years of his life were clouded, but on the whole the reign had been a time of great well-being. His son and successor was a young man of five-and-twenty;
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Seraph's Wings
'With twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.'--ISAIAH vi. 2. This is the only mention in Scripture of the seraphim. I do not need to enter upon the much-debated, and in some respects interesting, question as to whether these are to be taken as identical with the cherubim, or as to whether they are altogether imaginary and symbolical beings, nor as to whether they are identical with the angels, or part of their hierarchy. All that may be left on
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Making of a Prophet
'Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.'--ISAIAH vi. 5. In previous pages we have seen how Isaiah's vision of Jehovah throned in the Temple, 'high and lifted up,' derived significance from the time of its occurrence. It was 'in the year that' the earthly King 'died' that the heavenly King was revealed. The passing of the transient prepared the way for the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Vision and SerVice
'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. 2. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of Hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory. 4. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Twelfth Day. The Thrice Holy One.
I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up. Above Him stood the seraphim. And one cried to another, and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory.'--Isa. vi. 1-3. 'And the four living creatures, they have no rest day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, which was, and which is, and which is to come.'--Rev. iv. 8. It is not only on earth, but in heaven too, that the Holiness of God is His chief and most glorious
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

May the Fourteenth Calamity as Revealer
"In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord." --ISAIAH vi. 1-8. He lost a hero, and he found the Lord. He feared because a great pillar had fallen: and he found the Pillar of the universe. He thought everything would topple into disaster, and lo! he felt the strength of the everlasting arms. When Uzziah lived Isaiah had forgotten his Lord. He so depended on the earthly that he had overlooked the heavenly. Uzziah concealed his Lord as a thick veil can hide a face. And when Uzziah died, when
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Leafless Tree
The figure is taken, first of all, from the terebinth or turpentine tree--here translated the teil tree. That tree is an evergreen, with this exception, that in very severe and inclement weather it loses its leaves; but even then the terebinth tree is not dead. And so of the oak; it loses its leaves every year, of course, but even then it is not dead. "So," says God, "you have seen the tree in winter, standing naked and bare, without any sign of life, its roots buried in the hard and frozen soil,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

"And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee,"
Isaiah lxiv. 7.--"And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold on thee," &c. They go on in the confession of their sins. Many a man hath soon done with that a general notion of sin is the highest advancement in repentance that many attain to. You may see here sin and judgment mixed in thorough other(315) in their complaint. They do not so fix their eyes upon their desolate estate of captivity, as to forget their provocations. Many a man would spend more affection,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

An Appeal and a Response
I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me! And He said, Go.' (Isaiah vi. 8, 9.) The incident with which these words are connected was a real mosaic in sacred history. You have the record of a vision which was not a dream but a revelation--a panorama of actualities. The background of this vision might well absorb our attention. The temple and the glory which filled it; the throne and Him who sat thereon; the seraphim, with
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

His Holy Covenant
"To remember His Holy Covenant; to grant unto us that we, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, should serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all our days."-LUKE i. 68-75. WHEN Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, he spoke of God's visiting and redeeming His people, as a remembering of His Holy Covenant. He speaks of what the blessings of that Covenant would be, not in words that had been used before, but in what is manifestly a Divine revelation
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

Holy, Holy, Holy! All
7.7.7.7 D James Montgomery "Thrice Holy!"--Isaiah vi. 3. Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of Hosts! when heaven and earth, Out of darkness at Thy word, Issued into glorious birth, All Thy works before Thee stood, And Thine eye beheld them good, While they sang with sweet accord, Holy, Holy, Holy Lord! Holy, Holy, Holy! Thee, One Jehovah evermore, Father, Son, and Spirit! we, Dust and ashes, would adore; Lightly by the world esteem'd, From that world by Thee redeem'd, Sing we here with glad accord, Holy,
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

The Trisagion Wrongly Explained by Arians. Its True Significance.
And how do the impious men venture to speak folly, as they ought not, being men and unable to find out how to describe even what is on the earth? But why do I say what is on the earth?' Let them tell us their own nature, if they can discover how to investigate their own nature? Rash they are indeed, and self-willed, not trembling to form opinions of things which angels desire to look into (1 Pet. i. 12), who are so far above them, both in nature and in rank. For what is nearer [God] than the Cherubim
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

That Sometimes Some Laudably Desire the Office of Preaching, While Others, as Laudably, are Drawn to it by Compulsion.
Although sometimes some laudably desire the office of preaching, yet others are as laudably drawn to it by compulsion; as we plainly perceive, if we consider the conduct of two prophets, one of whom offered himself of his own accord to be sent to preach, yet the other in fear refused to go. For Isaiah, when the Lord asked whom He should send, offered himself of his own accord, saying, Here I am; send me (Isai. vi. 8). But Jeremiah is sent, yet humbly pleads that he should not be sent, saying, Ah,
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

"Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. "
Rom. viii. 15.--"Whereby we cry, Abba, Father." All that know any thing of religion, must needs know and confess that there is no exercise either more suitable to him that professeth it, or more needful for him, than to give himself to the exercise of prayer. But that which is confessed by all, and as to the outward performance gone about by many, I fear is yet a mystery sealed up from us, as the true and living nature of it. There is much of it expressed here in few words, "whereby we cry, Abba,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"But we are all as an Unclean Thing, and all Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags,"
Isaiah lxiv 6, 7.--"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags," &c. This people's condition agreeth well with ours, though the Lord's dealing be very different. The confessory part of this prayer belongeth to us now; and strange it is, that there is such odds of the Lord's dispensations, when there is no difference in our conditions; always we know not how soon the complaint may be ours also. This prayer was prayed long before the judgment and captivity came
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The First Part
Of the Apocalyptical Commentaries, according to the Rule of the Apocalyptical Key, on the First Prophecy which is contained in the Seals and Trumpets; with an Introduction concerning the Scene of the Apocalypse. As it is my design to investigate the meaning of the Apocalyptical visions, it is requisite for me to treat, in the first place, of that celestial theatre to which John was called, in order to behold them, exhibited as on a stage, and afterwards of the prophecies in succession, examined by
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

One Thing is Needful;
or, SERIOUS MEDITATIONS UPON THE FOUR LAST THINGS: DEATH, JUDGMENT, HEAVEN, AND HELL UNTO WHICH IS ADDED EBAL AND GERIZZIM, OR THE BLESSING AND THE CURSE, by John Bunyan. London: Printed for Nath. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1688.[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. According to Charles Doe, in that curious sheet called The Struggler for the Preservation of Mr. John Bunyan's Labours, these poems were published about the year 1664, while the author was suffering imprisonment for conscience
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Purpose in the Coming of Jesus.
God Spelling Himself out in Jesus: change in the original language--bother in spelling Jesus out--sticklers for the old forms--Jesus' new spelling of old words. Jesus is God following us up: God heart-broken--man's native air--bad choice affected man's will--the wrong lane--God following us up. The Early Eden Picture, Genesis 1:26-31. 2:7-25: unfallen man--like God--the breath of God in man--a spirit, infinite, eternal--love--holy--wise--sovereign over creation, Psalm 8:5-8--in his own will--summary--God's
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

The Angel of the Lord in the Pentateuch, and the Book of Joshua.
The New Testament distinguishes between the hidden God and the revealed God--the Son or Logos--who is connected with the former by oneness of nature, and who from everlasting, and even at the creation itself, filled up the immeasurable distance between the Creator and the creation;--who has been the Mediator in all God's relations to the world;--who at all times, and even before He became man in Christ, has been the light of [Pg 116] the world,--and to whom, specially, was committed the direction
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Sense in Which, and End for which all Things were Delivered to the Incarnate Son.
For whereas man sinned, and is fallen, and by his fall all things are in confusion: death prevailed from Adam to Moses (cf. Rom. v. 14), the earth was cursed, Hades was opened, Paradise shut, Heaven offended, man, lastly, corrupted and brutalised (cf. Ps. xlix. 12), while the devil was exulting against us;--then God, in His loving-kindness, not willing man made in His own image to perish, said, Whom shall I send, and who will go?' (Isa. vi. 8). But while all held their peace, the Son [441] said,
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed by Angels to the Shepherds.
(Near Bethlehem, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 8-20. ^c 8 And there were shepherds in the same country [they were in the same fields from which David had been called to tend God's Israel, or flock] abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. [When the flock is too far from the village to lead it to the fold at night, these shepherds still so abide with it in the field, even in the dead of winter.] 9 And an angel of the Lord stood by them [He stood upon the earth at their side, and did
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Refutation of the Calumnies by which this Doctrine is Always Unjustly Assailed.
1. Error of those who deny reprobation. 1. Election opposed to reprobation. 2. Those who deny reprobation presumptuously plead with God, whose counsels even angels adore. 3. They murmur against God when disclosing his counsels by the Apostle. Exception and answer. Passage of Augustine. 2. First objection--viz. that God is unjustly offended with those whom he dooms to destruction without their own desert. First answer, from the consideration of the divine will. The nature of this will, and how to
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

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