Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryIsaiah 6

Isaiah's Heavenly VisionIsaiah’s vision came when God was establishing him as a prophet, just as he did with Samuel (1 Samuel 3:20 ). This vision had two main purposes. First, it was to make Isaiah sure about God’s truth, so he would trust what God told him in the future. Second, it was to fill Isaiah’s heart with deep respect for God, motivating him to serve faithfully. God often began his relationship with his servants by showing them his glory—like he did with Abraham (Acts 7:2 ) and Moses (Exodus 3:2 ). These visions were not repeated every time, but they made a strong impression at the start. This vision is also for us, so we can learn to honor God by seeing how great and holy he is.v. 1: Isaiah saw this vision in the year King Uzziah died. Uzziah had been a strong king who ruled for more than fifty years, but his life ended sadly because he became a leper. While kings and leaders die, God remains alive and powerful forever. Isaiah saw God sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, even as human rulers come and go. This reminds us to put our hope in the eternal King, not in earthly leaders (Psalm 146:3,4,10 ).

v. 2: Isaiah saw the Lord sitting on a throne—this means God’s rule covers everything. The vision is really about Jesus, as explained later (John 12:41 ). God’s throne is above every other throne. He rules in glory, governs all things, and offers grace to his people. His throne is high and above all. Isaiah also noticed that God’s robe filled the temple, showing that God’s presence covers his church and the whole world (Psalm 29:10 ).Above the throne stood the seraphim, which are holy angels. “Seraphim” means “burning ones.” They are full of love for God and are ready to do his will. Each seraph had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. Covering their faces and feet shows their respect and humility before God, even though they are perfect beings (Psalm 89:7 ). The wings for flying show they are always ready to obey God quickly (Daniel 9:21 ). This teaches us to worship God with both humility and eagerness to serve (Luke 20:36 ).

v. 3: The seraphim called to one another, singing with great energy and in perfect harmony. They praised God, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord

v. 4: As the angels praised God, the temple shook, and smoke filled the house. Even the strong doorposts moved at the sound. This trembling showed God’s great power and his anger against sin. The smoke made it hard to see clearly, reminding us that God’s glory is too great for us to fully understand (Job 26:9 ). The shaking and the smoke were also warnings that God judges sin and that we should feel humble and respectful before him (2 Chronicles 6:1 ).

Isaiah's Heavenly VisionAfter Isaiah’s vision of the angels and God’s glory, the focus shifts from the mysterious world of angels to what happens between God and Isaiah. The secret things about angels are not for us to know, but what God reveals to his prophets is for us, because it teaches us about his rule over people.v. 5: When Isaiah saw God’s glory, he was terrified. He said, “Woe is me! for I am undone” . He felt he should be happy to see such a vision, but instead he was afraid he would die, just as others in the Bible feared when they saw God (Judges 13:22; Daniel 10:15,17 ). Isaiah realized he was a sinner, especially because of his “unclean lips.” He did not feel worthy to speak for God or to praise him like the angels did. He was also sad that he lived among people who sinned with their lips too. Isaiah’s fear shows how holy God is and how far people are from his purity (James 3:2 ). When we see how great God is, we should also feel humble and sorry for our sins.

v. 6-7: God did not leave Isaiah in fear. One of the seraphim (angels) flew to him with a live coal from the altar and touched Isaiah’s lips. The angel said, “Your guilt is taken away and your sin is purged.” (Isaiah 6:7 ) This act showed that God forgives and cleanses those who are humble and sorry for their sins. The coal from the altar meant that forgiveness comes from God’s sacrifice. Only those who are cleansed by God are ready to serve him (Hebrews 9:14 ). Isaiah’s lips needed to be purified because he would speak for God to the people.

v. 8: After Isaiah was cleansed, God spoke and asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah replied, “Here am I; send me.” God did not need advice, but he spoke this way to show that sending messengers is important and should be considered carefully. Isaiah was now ready and willing to go, even though the job would be hard. He showed courage and trust in God. God sends people to speak for him, and it is a great honor to be chosen. Isaiah’s readiness teaches us to answer God’s call with, “Here am I; send me,” trusting him to guide and help us (Isaiah 50:4-7 ).

Judicial Blindness ThreatenedGod accepted Isaiah’s offer to serve and gave him a difficult mission. Isaiah was to warn the people of their coming ruin, but his message would also make their hearts harder because they would refuse to listen. This was not only about Isaiah’s time, but also pointed forward to the days of Jesus, when many would reject the gospel. These verses are quoted several times in the New Testament to show how serious it is when people refuse to listen to God. Spiritual blindness is a very severe judgment, even though it may not seem dramatic on the outside.v. 9: God told Isaiah to go and speak to the people, but warned him that most would not truly listen. They would hear his words but not understand them. They would see what God was doing but not realize what it meant for them. Their hearts were closed, and they did not want to change. Many people today also hear God’s word but do not let it change their lives.

v. 10: Because the people refused to listen, God said their hearts would become even harder. Their ears would become dull, and their eyes would be shut. They would not see, hear, or understand, so they would not turn back to God and be healed. This shows that when people keep rejecting God’s truth, he may let them stay in their blindness as a punishment (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 ). The word of God can soften hearts, but it can also make them harder if people refuse to obey.

v. 11-12: Isaiah asked, “Lord, how long?” He wanted to know if this blindness and judgment would last forever. God answered that it would continue until the land was ruined and empty, with cities destroyed and people taken far away. This happened partly when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians, but it was fulfilled even more when the Romans destroyed the Jewish nation after they rejected Jesus. Spiritual blindness often leads to real, physical troubles for people and nations.

v. 13: Even though most people would be judged, God promised that a small group—a remnant—would be saved. This remnant would be like a tree that looks dead in winter but still has life inside. They would return to God and be accepted by him, just as the tithe was set apart for God. This holy seed would keep hope alive for the future. Sometimes, the remnant points to Jesus himself, who came from Israel and brought blessing to the world (Romans 11:5 ). Even when most people turn away, God always keeps a faithful few who support and preserve his people.