Overview

Isaiah 6 records the prophet Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness and his personal call to ministry. The chapter opens with Isaiah seeing the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, with seraphim worshiping Him and declaring His holiness. Isaiah immediately recognizes his own sinfulness in the presence of the holy God, saying, “Woe to me! I am ruined!” In response, one of the seraphim touches Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal from the altar, symbolizing his purification and cleansing from sin.

Following this powerful encounter, Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord asking, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah willingly responds, “Here am I. Send me!” God then commissions him to deliver a difficult message to the people of Israel, one that foretells their spiritual blindness and coming judgment. Despite this, the chapter ends with a glimmer of hope as God promises that a remnant will remain, likened to a stump after a tree is cut down.

This chapter is significant in both Old and New Testament theology. It highlights God’s absolute holiness, the necessity of personal cleansing for service, and the responsibility of those called to proclaim His truth, even in times of widespread rebellion. The passage also foreshadows Christ, the ultimate servant and messenger of God, who was sent into a world that largely rejected His message.

Historical and Literary Context

Isaiah 6 takes place during the reign of King Uzziah, a long-serving king of Judah who had led the nation to prosperity but fell into pride and disobedience in his later years. Uzziah’s death marked a turning point for Judah, as the nation was beginning to decline morally and spiritually. This historical backdrop is important because Isaiah’s vision occurs at a time of national uncertainty, showing that God’s sovereignty is not dependent on earthly kings.

Literarily, Isaiah 6 functions as the prophet’s official call to ministry. While Isaiah had likely been active before this moment, this chapter serves as a formal commissioning, much like the calls of Moses (Exodus 3), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1), and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1). The structure follows a common prophetic pattern: an encounter with God, an acknowledgment of personal unworthiness, divine cleansing, and a commission to speak God’s message.

The imagery of God’s throne and the seraphim’s worship reflects themes found throughout Scripture, particularly in Revelation 4, where John sees a vision of God’s throne and angelic beings declaring His holiness. The description of Isaiah’s lips being cleansed by fire echoes themes of purification found in Malachi 3:2-3, where God refines His people like a refiner’s fire.

Isaiah’s mission to preach to a people who will not understand or respond points to the hard-heartedness of Israel, a theme that Jesus later applies to His own ministry (Matthew 13:14-15). This connects Isaiah’s commission to the broader biblical story of God calling His messengers to proclaim truth even when people refuse to listen.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

God’s holiness is the central theme of Isaiah 6. The seraphim declare, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty,” emphasizing God’s absolute purity and separateness from sin. This vision reveals that true worship must be rooted in a recognition of God’s holiness, leading to humility and reverence.

The necessity of cleansing for those who serve God is demonstrated in Isaiah’s response to God’s holiness. He immediately recognizes his own sinfulness, and only after his lips are purified is he able to respond to God’s call. This underscores the biblical truth that those who serve God must first be cleansed by Him, a reality ultimately fulfilled through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

God’s call to His servants is another key theme. Isaiah’s willingness to go, even in the face of a difficult mission, reflects the heart of a true servant of God. This passage serves as a model for Christian discipleship, where believers must be willing to say, “Here am I. Send me,” trusting in God’s plan even when the task is challenging.

The hardness of human hearts is also highlighted. God tells Isaiah that his message will not be received by the people, but he is still called to preach. This foreshadows Jesus’ ministry, where many would reject His teaching despite clear evidence of His identity as the Messiah. The passage reminds us that faithfulness to God’s calling is more important than results or popularity.

The promise of a remnant provides hope amid judgment. Though Israel will face destruction, a holy remnant will remain, just as a stump contains the potential for new growth. This theme runs throughout Scripture, pointing forward to the ultimate remnant of God’s people redeemed through Christ.

Isaiah 6 is a powerful call to recognize God’s holiness, respond in humility, and commit wholeheartedly to His mission. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts, embrace God’s cleansing, and boldly proclaim His truth, knowing that their calling is not dependent on human approval but on faithfulness to the Lord.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Isaiah 6:1 – A Vision of the Lord’s Sovereignty

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.”

The death of King Uzziah marks a time of transition and uncertainty for Judah, but Isaiah is immediately shown that God remains on His throne, ruling over all things. Earthly kings rise and fall, but God’s sovereignty is eternal. The imagery of God’s robe filling the temple conveys His majesty and absolute authority.

• Cross-References:

• • Psalm 47:8 – “God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.”
  • Revelation 4:2 – John’s vision of God’s throne in heaven.
• Doctrinal Insight: God’s sovereignty is not dependent on earthly rulers. He reigns supreme, guiding history according to His perfect will.
• Application: In times of uncertainty, believers must fix their eyes on God, recognizing that He remains in control regardless of human leadership changes.

Isaiah 6:2-3 – The Holiness of God

“Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’”

The seraphim, angelic beings, cover their faces and feet, demonstrating reverence before God’s holiness. Their threefold declaration of “Holy, holy, holy” emphasizes the absolute purity and perfection of God. The repetition highlights that God is set apart in a way that no other being is.

• Cross-References:

• • Revelation 4:8 – The living creatures in heaven declare the holiness of God.
  • Exodus 15:11 – “Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?”
• Doctrinal Insight: God’s holiness is His defining attribute, setting Him apart from all creation. True worship begins with recognizing His holiness.
• Application: Believers must approach God with reverence, understanding that He is pure and righteous, calling His people to live holy lives.

Isaiah 6:4-5 – Isaiah’s Response to God’s Holiness

“At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. ‘Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’”

Isaiah’s immediate reaction to God’s holiness is an overwhelming sense of his own sinfulness. Unlike earthly kings, the presence of the Lord brings conviction and awareness of one’s need for purification. Isaiah realizes that he is unworthy to stand before a holy God.

• Cross-References:

• • Luke 5:8 – Peter, after witnessing Jesus’ power, says, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”
  • Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
• Doctrinal Insight: A true encounter with God reveals human sinfulness. Before anyone can serve God, they must first be confronted with their own need for cleansing.
• Application: When confronted with God’s holiness, believers should respond with humility, confession, and a desire for purification.

Isaiah 6:6-7 – Cleansing and Forgiveness

“Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’”

Isaiah is cleansed through the symbolic act of having a burning coal touch his lips. Fire often represents purification in Scripture, and the fact that the coal comes from the altar suggests that atonement has been made. This foreshadows Christ’s ultimate atonement for sin.

• Cross-References:

• • Malachi 3:2-3 – The Lord refines His people like a refiner’s fire.
  • 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
• Doctrinal Insight: God does not leave sinners in their guilt but provides a way of cleansing and restoration.
• Application: Believers must receive God’s cleansing and live in the freedom of His forgiveness, allowing Him to purify their hearts for service.

Isaiah 6:8 – The Call to Serve

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”

God calls for a messenger, and Isaiah responds with immediate willingness. His cleansing prepares him to serve, showing that God uses purified vessels for His purposes.

• Cross-References:

• • Matthew 9:37-38 – “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
  • Romans 10:14-15 – “How can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?”
• Doctrinal Insight: God calls those whom He cleanses. Availability and willingness are essential for those who desire to serve Him.
• Application: Christians must be ready to respond to God’s call, trusting that He will equip them for the work He assigns.

Isaiah 6:9-10 – The Hardness of Hearts

“He said, ‘Go and tell this people: Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’”

God’s message to Isaiah is difficult—his preaching will not lead to repentance but will instead harden the hearts of those who reject it. This passage is later quoted by Jesus to describe Israel’s rejection of the gospel.

• Cross-References:

• • Matthew 13:14-15 – Jesus applies this passage to those who refuse to believe.
  • Acts 28:26-27 – Paul cites Isaiah to explain Israel’s rejection of Christ.
• Doctrinal Insight: God’s truth softens those who are willing but hardens those who continually resist Him.
• Application: Believers must be faithful in sharing the gospel, even when people do not respond positively.

Isaiah 6:11-13 – The Hope of a Remnant

“Then I said, ‘For how long, Lord?’ And he answered: ‘Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant… But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.’”

Though judgment is certain, God promises that a remnant will remain. The “stump” represents a small but faithful group that will survive and ultimately bring forth renewal. This foreshadows Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to restore His people.

• Cross-References:

• • Romans 11:5 – Paul speaks of a remnant chosen by grace.
  • Isaiah 11:1 – “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.”
• Doctrinal Insight: God always preserves a faithful remnant, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled.
• Application: Even in times of spiritual decline, believers should remain faithful, knowing that God always preserves His people.

Isaiah 6 presents a powerful vision of God’s holiness, the necessity of cleansing, the call to serve, and the reality of judgment. It challenges believers to respond in humility, accept God’s purification, and boldly proclaim His truth, even in difficult times.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Isaiah 6 directly points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness foreshadows the revelation of Jesus as the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being (Hebrews 1:3). The call of Isaiah parallels the mission of Christ, who was sent by the Father to proclaim the truth to a people who would largely reject His message. Jesus Himself quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 in Matthew 13:14-15 to explain why many in Israel would not understand His teaching. Just as Isaiah was sent to preach to a hardened people, Christ came to His own, but His own did not receive Him (John 1:11). The cleansing of Isaiah with the burning coal is a foreshadowing of the ultimate cleansing provided through Jesus’ sacrifice. While Isaiah’s sin was atoned for with a symbolic act, Jesus provides full atonement through His blood, cleansing believers from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7). The promise of a remnant in Isaiah 6:13 is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who is the holy seed from whom salvation springs. The stump that remains points forward to the prophecy in Isaiah 11:1, which speaks of a shoot coming from the stump of Jesse—Jesus, the Messiah, who would bring restoration and establish an everlasting kingdom.

Connection to the Father

Isaiah 6 reveals the Father’s sovereignty and holiness. He is seated on the throne, ruling over all creation, unaffected by the instability of earthly kingdoms. The death of King Uzziah signifies the end of a human reign, but the vision reminds Isaiah that God’s reign is eternal and unshaken. The Father’s holiness is emphasized through the seraphim’s declaration of “Holy, holy, holy,” showing that His nature is absolutely pure and set apart from all creation. The Father is also the one who calls and commissions His messengers. He initiates Isaiah’s calling and asks, “Whom shall I send?” This demonstrates that God actively seeks people to carry out His will. His justice is also revealed as He declares judgment upon Israel for their persistent disobedience, yet He remains merciful by preserving a remnant. The Father’s actions in Isaiah 6 reflect His character as both just and merciful, upholding righteousness while providing hope for restoration.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit’s role is seen in the cleansing and commissioning of Isaiah. The burning coal that touches Isaiah’s lips symbolizes the purifying work of the Spirit, who sanctifies and prepares God’s servants for ministry. Fire is often associated with the Holy Spirit’s refining presence, as seen at Pentecost when tongues of fire rested on the disciples (Acts 2:3). The Spirit is also the one who enables prophets to speak God’s truth, even when their message is difficult or unpopular. Isaiah’s prophetic calling is empowered by the Spirit, just as the prophets and apostles spoke as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). The hardening of Israel’s hearts in Isaiah 6:9-10 is also a work that aligns with the Spirit’s convicting role. When people reject the truth, their hearts become increasingly resistant, a reality echoed in Jesus’ ministry when He spoke in parables to those who refused to believe. The promise of a remnant in Isaiah 6:13 also points to the Spirit’s role in preserving a faithful people, just as He continues to sanctify and sustain the church today.

Connection to God’s Love

Isaiah 6 reveals God’s love through His willingness to cleanse and call Isaiah despite human unworthiness. Isaiah, recognizing his sin, declares himself ruined, yet God does not leave him in that state. Instead, He provides cleansing, symbolizing His desire to redeem and restore sinners rather than condemn them. God’s call to Isaiah to preach, even when people will not listen, demonstrates His patience and persistent love. He continues to send messengers, offering opportunities for repentance even when judgment is deserved. The promise of a remnant shows that God never completely abandons His people, always preserving a faithful group through whom His plan will continue. This love is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who was sent to bring salvation to a world that largely rejected Him. God’s love is seen not only in His justice but also in His mercy, providing a way of purification and redemption for all who turn to Him. Isaiah 6 reminds believers that even in judgment, God’s love remains, calling people to Himself and offering cleansing, purpose, and hope for the future.

Sermon Outline and Flow: 

Title: “A Vision of Holiness – Responding to God’s Call” 

Introduction

• Open with a story or illustration about encountering something overwhelmingly great—such as standing before a massive mountain, witnessing a powerful storm, or seeing a famous leader.
• Transition by explaining that Isaiah 6 presents an even greater encounter—the prophet Isaiah coming face to face with the holiness of God.
• Introduce the main themes of the sermon: God’s holiness, personal cleansing, divine calling, and the challenge of obedience.

Main Point 1: A Vision of God’s Holiness (Isaiah 6:1-4)

• Isaiah sees the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, surrounded by seraphim declaring, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty.”
• The scene is one of overwhelming majesty, showing that God is completely set apart from all creation. Even the angels cover their faces in reverence.
• The shaking thresholds and the smoke filling the temple symbolize the power and purity of God’s presence.
• Transition: When we truly see who God is, we realize our own smallness and unworthiness.

Application: Many people have a casual view of God. Isaiah’s vision reminds us that approaching God requires reverence and humility.

Illustration: Imagine walking into a palace to meet a king. You wouldn’t enter casually—you would come with honor and respect. How much more should we approach God with reverence?

Main Point 2: A Recognition of Sin and the Need for Cleansing (Isaiah 6:5-7)

• Isaiah’s immediate reaction to God’s holiness is despair: “Woe to me! I am ruined!” He realizes his sinfulness and the sinfulness of his people.
• God does not leave Isaiah in his guilt. A seraph touches his lips with a burning coal, symbolizing purification and forgiveness.
• The lesson is clear: before Isaiah can serve God, he must first be cleansed. God’s holiness demands purity, but He also provides the means for it.
• Transition: Like Isaiah, we must be cleansed before we can effectively serve God.

Application: True encounters with God expose our need for repentance. We must be willing to acknowledge our sin and receive God’s cleansing.

Illustration: A surgeon must wash his hands thoroughly before performing surgery. In the same way, we must be purified before being useful in God’s service.

Main Point 3: A Willing Response to God’s Call (Isaiah 6:8-10)

• After Isaiah’s cleansing, God asks, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah immediately responds, “Here am I. Send me!”
• Isaiah’s response is voluntary—he is not forced but willingly offers himself for God’s mission.
• However, the mission God gives him is difficult. Isaiah is sent to preach to a people who will not listen or understand.
• Transition: Answering God’s call is not about personal success but about faithfulness to His mission.

Application: God is still calling people today to share His truth, even in places where people may resist or reject the message. The question is, are we willing to say, “Here am I. Send me”?

Illustration: Missionaries often leave comfort and security to preach in difficult places. They go not because it’s easy, but because they are obedient to God’s call.

Main Point 4: The Challenge of Faithful Ministry (Isaiah 6:11-13)

• Isaiah asks, “For how long, Lord?” The answer is sobering—he is to keep preaching even as the nation faces judgment and destruction.
• However, God promises that a remnant will remain, symbolized by a stump after a tree is cut down.
• This teaches that even when the world rejects God, He always preserves a faithful remnant who will carry on His work.
• Transition: Serving God is not about immediate results but about trusting Him for the ultimate outcome.

Application: Believers must stay faithful in serving God, even when they do not see immediate fruit. Obedience is more important than visible success.

Illustration: Farmers plant seeds and often wait months before seeing growth. Faithfulness to God’s call requires patience and trust that He is working, even when we don’t see results.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

• Isaiah 6 teaches us that an encounter with God leads to humility, cleansing, and calling.
• God is still calling people today to proclaim His truth. The question is, will we respond like Isaiah?
• Challenge the congregation to self-examination: Are you living with reverence for God’s holiness? Have you received His cleansing? Are you willing to answer His call?
• Close in prayer, inviting people to surrender their lives to God’s purpose, whether in full-time ministry or faithful service in daily life.

Illustrations and Examples

A Grand Meeting with a King

If a person were invited to meet a great ruler, they would prepare carefully, ensuring they dressed appropriately and acted with respect. Isaiah 6 shows that coming into God’s presence is far greater, requiring humility and reverence.

The Refining Fire of a Blacksmith

A blacksmith heats metal in fire to remove impurities, just as God purifies those who come into His presence. Isaiah’s cleansing with the burning coal represents how God refines and prepares His servants.

A Missionary’s Commitment

Missionaries often leave behind comfort and familiarity to serve in difficult places, trusting in God rather than expecting success by worldly standards. Isaiah’s willingness to go despite knowing the people would reject him mirrors the call of faithful servants today.

A Stump that Grows Again

Even when a tree is cut down, a stump can still produce new shoots. Isaiah’s message of judgment ends with hope, showing that God always preserves a faithful remnant.

Application for Today’s Christian

Approach God with Reverence and Humility

Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness reminds believers that worship should be filled with awe and reverence. Casual attitudes toward God must be replaced with deep respect and a recognition of His majesty.

Recognize Your Need for Cleansing

Isaiah acknowledged his sinfulness before he could be cleansed. Believers must confess their sins and receive the purification that comes through Jesus Christ.

Be Willing to Answer God’s Call

When God calls, the response should be immediate, like Isaiah’s. Christians must be ready to serve wherever God leads, whether in ministry, missions, or everyday witness.

Stay Faithful Even When It’s Difficult

Isaiah was called to preach to a people who would not listen. Similarly, believers must share the gospel even when they face resistance. Faithfulness is more important than visible success.

Trust in God’s Plan for the Future

Even in judgment, God promises a remnant. Christians should never lose hope, knowing that God’s purposes will prevail and His kingdom will endure.

Isaiah 6 is a powerful call to recognize God’s holiness, receive His cleansing, and commit to His mission. It challenges believers to respond with the same heart as Isaiah: “Here am I. Send me!”

Reflection Questions

1. How does Isaiah’s vision of God’s throne challenge the way you think about God’s holiness?
2. The seraphim declared, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty.” Why is the threefold repetition of “holy” significant? How should this affect the way we worship and approach God?
3. What are some ways in which people today fail to recognize or respect the holiness of God? How can we cultivate a greater sense of reverence for Him?
4. Why does Isaiah immediately feel unworthy when he sees God’s holiness? How does this compare to how people today respond to their sin?
5. Isaiah specifically mentions having “unclean lips.” Why do you think he focuses on his words? In what ways do our words reveal the condition of our hearts?
6. How does the image of the burning coal symbolize God’s purification? How does this foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ in cleansing us from sin?
7. In what areas of your life do you need God’s refining work? How can you actively seek His cleansing and renewal?