The LORD's command to Isaiah is a significant event in the prophetic ministry of Isaiah, one of the major prophets in the Old Testament. This command is recorded in the book of Isaiah, specifically in Isaiah 6, where the prophet receives his divine commission. The context and content of this command reveal much about the nature of God's relationship with His people and His expectations for His prophets.

Context and Background

Isaiah's prophetic ministry began in the year that King Uzziah died (circa 740 B.C.). This period was marked by political instability and spiritual decline in the Kingdom of Judah. The people of Judah had turned away from the LORD, engaging in idolatry and social injustice. It was against this backdrop that Isaiah received his calling.

The Vision of the LORD

Isaiah 6:1-4 describes a profound vision that Isaiah experienced. He saw the LORD seated on a high and exalted throne, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim, angelic beings, stood above Him, each having six wings. They called to one another, saying:

“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts;
the whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:3)

The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of the seraphim, and the temple was filled with smoke. This vision emphasizes the holiness and majesty of God, setting the stage for Isaiah's commission.

Isaiah's Response and Cleansing

Confronted with the holiness of God, Isaiah became acutely aware of his own sinfulness and the sinfulness of his people. He exclaimed:

“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)

In response, one of the seraphim flew to Isaiah with a live coal taken from the altar. The seraph touched Isaiah's mouth with the coal and declared that his iniquity was taken away and his sin atoned for (Isaiah 6:6-7). This act of cleansing prepared Isaiah for his prophetic mission.

The Divine Commission

Following his cleansing, Isaiah heard the voice of the LORD asking:

“Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” (Isaiah 6:8)

Isaiah responded with readiness and willingness, saying, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). The LORD then gave Isaiah a challenging commission:

“Go and tell this people:
‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding;
be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’
Make the hearts of this people calloused;
deafen their ears and close their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed.” (Isaiah 6:9-10)

This command highlights the difficult nature of Isaiah's mission. He was to deliver a message that would harden the hearts of the people, serving as a judgment for their persistent rebellion against God.

The Duration of the Mission

Isaiah, concerned about the length of this judgment, asked, “For how long, O Lord?” (Isaiah 6:11). The LORD replied that the desolation would continue until cities lay in ruins and the land was utterly forsaken. However, a remnant would remain, symbolized by the holy seed in the stump of a felled tree (Isaiah 6:11-13).

Significance

The LORD's command to Isaiah underscores the themes of holiness, judgment, and hope. It reveals God's sovereignty and the seriousness of sin, while also pointing to the promise of redemption through a faithful remnant. Isaiah's willingness to accept this daunting task exemplifies the obedience and dedication expected of God's prophets.