Introduction

Isaiah's vision and commission, as recorded in Isaiah 6, is a pivotal moment in the prophetic ministry of Isaiah, one of the major prophets of the Old Testament. This event marks the beginning of Isaiah's mission to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, providing a profound insight into the holiness of God, the sinfulness of man, and the call to prophetic ministry.

The Vision of the Lord (Isaiah 6:1-4)

Isaiah's vision occurs "in the year that King Uzziah died" (Isaiah 6:1), a time of national uncertainty and transition. Isaiah sees "the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple" (Isaiah 6:1). This vision emphasizes the sovereignty and majesty of God, who reigns supreme over all earthly kings and kingdoms.

The seraphim, angelic beings attending to the Lord, proclaim His holiness: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth" (Isaiah 6:3). The repetition of "holy" underscores the absolute purity and otherness of God. The temple shakes, and it is filled with smoke, symbolizing the awe-inspiring presence of God (Isaiah 6:4).

Isaiah's Response and Cleansing (Isaiah 6:5-7)

Confronted with the holiness of God, Isaiah becomes acutely aware of his own sinfulness and the sinfulness of his people. He cries out, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts" (Isaiah 6:5). This confession highlights the human condition of sin and the need for divine intervention.

In response, one of the seraphim flies to Isaiah with a live coal taken from the altar, touching it to his lips and declaring, "Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin is atoned for" (Isaiah 6:7). This act symbolizes purification and forgiveness, preparing Isaiah for his prophetic mission.

The Divine Commission (Isaiah 6:8-13)

Having been cleansed, Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord asking, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?" (Isaiah 6:8). Isaiah responds with willingness and obedience, saying, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8). This response exemplifies the proper reaction to God's call—one of readiness and submission.

The Lord commissions Isaiah with a challenging message: "Go and tell this people: 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving'" (Isaiah 6:9). Isaiah is to proclaim a message that will harden the hearts of the people, leading to judgment. This difficult task underscores the reality that prophetic ministry often involves delivering messages of both warning and hope.

Isaiah inquires about the duration of this mission, and the Lord replies that it will continue "until the cities lie in ruins without inhabitant, until the houses are left unoccupied and the land is desolate" (Isaiah 6:11). Despite the impending judgment, a remnant will remain, symbolized by the "holy seed" (Isaiah 6:13), pointing to the hope of restoration and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Theological Significance

Isaiah's vision and commission reveal key theological themes: the holiness and sovereignty of God, the sinfulness of humanity, the necessity of atonement, and the call to prophetic ministry. This passage serves as a reminder of God's transcendence and immanence, His justice and mercy, and the responsibility of His servants to faithfully proclaim His word, regardless of the response.