Isaiah 6

Chapter Summary

In Isaiah 6, the prophet describes his vision of God seated on a throne, surrounded by seraphim who cry 'Holy, holy, holy' (Isaiah 6:1-3). Isaiah is overcome with a sense of his own sinfulness and the sinfulness of the people, but he is purified by a coal from the altar (Isaiah 6:5-7). God then commissions Isaiah to preach to the people, warning them of judgment and calling them to repentance (Isaiah 6:8-13). Despite the people's hardness of heart, Isaiah is to continue preaching, and a remnant will be saved (Isaiah 6:9-13). This chapter sets the tone for Isaiah's ministry, emphasizing the importance of proclaiming God's holiness and calling people to repentance.

Context for the Chapter

Isaiah 6 is set in the context of the prophet Isaiah's ministry during the reign of King Uzziah of Judah (Isaiah 6:1). The chapter serves as a introduction to Isaiah's prophetic ministry, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's holiness and responding with humility and obedience. The chapter also sets the tone for the rest of the book of Isaiah, which emphasizes the themes of judgment, repentance, and redemption. In the larger biblical narrative, Isaiah 6 is part of the prophetic literature that points forward to the coming Messiah and the redemption that He will bring.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Isaiah 6, we are reminded of the importance of acknowledging God's majesty and responding with humility and obedience. We are called to recognize our own sinfulness and the sinfulness of the world around us, and to respond with repentance and faith. May we be like Isaiah, willing to surrender to God's will and to be used by Him to proclaim His message to a world in need of redemption.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Isaiah 6 is about the prophet Isaiah's call to ministry, where he encounters God's holiness and is commissioned to preach to the people of Israel. The chapter emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's majesty and responding with humility and obedience. Isaiah's experience serves as a model for all believers, highlighting the need to acknowledge God's sovereignty and submit to His will. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of repentance and faith, and the need to surrender to God's will and to be used by Him to proclaim His message to a world in need of redemption.

Voices from the Church

“The prophet's vision of God's throne is a reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of God's majesty, and the importance of approaching Him with reverence and humility.”

— John Calvin

“Isaiah's purification by the coal from the altar is a symbol of the cleansing and forgiveness that God offers to those who repent and turn to Him. May we be like Isaiah, willing to receive God's purification and to be used by Him for His glory.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Isaiah's Ministry (Isaiah 6:1-5) — Isaiah describes his vision of God seated on a throne, surrounded by seraphim who cry 'Holy, holy, holy'. This vision emphasizes God's majesty and holiness, and sets the tone for Isaiah's prophetic ministry.
2. Isaiah's Call to Ministry (Isaiah 6:6-8) — Isaiah is purified by a coal from the altar and is commissioned by God to preach to the people of Israel. This call emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith, and the need for Isaiah to surrender to God's will and to be used by Him.
3. Isaiah's Response to God's Call (Isaiah 6:9-10) — Isaiah responds to God's call with humility and obedience, acknowledging his own sinfulness and the sinfulness of the people. This response serves as a model for all believers, highlighting the importance of humility and obedience in the face of God's majesty.
4. The Consequences of Rebellion (Isaiah 6:11-12) — God warns of the consequences of rebellion and unbelief, emphasizing the importance of repentance and faith. This warning serves as a reminder of the urgency and importance of responding to God's message.
5. The Remnant that will be Saved (Isaiah 6:13) — Despite the widespread rebellion and unbelief, a remnant will be saved. This remnant represents the faithful few who remain loyal to God, and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and grace.

Core Doctrines

The Holiness of God

Isaiah 6 emphasizes the holiness of God, highlighting His unique nature and character. This doctrine is central to the Bible, where God's holiness is consistently emphasized as a key aspect of His character.

The Importance of Repentance

The chapter's emphasis on repentance and the call to turn to God highlights the urgency and importance of responding to God's message. Repentance is a central theme in the Bible, where God consistently calls people to turn away from sin and towards Himself.

The Sovereignty of God

Isaiah 6 emphasizes God's sovereignty and initiative in calling and sending His messengers. This doctrine is central to the Bible, where God's sovereignty is consistently emphasized as a key aspect of His character.

The Importance of Faith

The chapter's emphasis on faith and the need to surrender to God's will highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence. Faith is a central theme in the Bible, where God consistently calls people to trust in Him and to obey His commands.

Lessons from Isaiah 6

1. The Importance of Recognizing God's Majesty — Isaiah 6 emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's majesty and responding with humility and obedience. This lesson serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of God's majesty, and the need to approach Him with reverence and humility.
2. The Need for Repentance and Faith — The chapter's emphasis on repentance and faith highlights the urgency and importance of responding to God's message. This lesson serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, and of surrendering to His will.
3. The Sovereignty of God in Calling and Sending Messengers — Isaiah 6 emphasizes God's sovereignty and initiative in calling and sending His messengers. This lesson serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and control over all things, and of the importance of trusting in His providence.
4. The Importance of Humility and Obedience — Isaiah's response to God's call serves as a model for believers today, highlighting the importance of humility and obedience in the face of God's majesty. This lesson serves as a reminder of the need to surrender to God's will and to be used by Him for His glory.
5. The Significance of the Remnant that will be Saved — The remnant that will be saved represents the faithful few who remain loyal to God, and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and grace. This lesson serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God, even in the face of widespread rebellion and unbelief.

Themes from Isaiah 6

1. The Holiness of God — Isaiah 6 emphasizes the holiness of God, highlighting His unique nature and character. This theme is central to the Bible, where God's holiness is consistently emphasized as a key aspect of His character.
2. The Importance of Repentance — The chapter's emphasis on repentance and the call to turn to God highlights the urgency and importance of responding to God's message. This theme is central to the Bible, where God consistently calls people to turn away from sin and towards Himself.
3. The Sovereignty of God — Isaiah 6 emphasizes God's sovereignty and initiative in calling and sending His messengers. This theme is central to the Bible, where God's sovereignty is consistently emphasized as a key aspect of His character.
4. The Importance of Faith — The chapter's emphasis on faith and the need to surrender to God's will highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence. This theme is central to the Bible, where God consistently calls people to trust in Him and to obey His commands.
5. The Remnant that will be Saved — The remnant that will be saved represents the faithful few who remain loyal to God, and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and grace. This theme is central to the Bible, where God consistently calls people to remain faithful to Him, even in the face of widespread rebellion and unbelief.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does Isaiah's vision of God's throne reveal about God's character and nature?
2. How does Isaiah's response to God's call serve as a model for believers today?
3. What are the consequences of rebellion and unbelief, and how can we avoid them?
4. What is the significance of the remnant that will be saved, and how does this relate to God's sovereignty and grace?
5. How can we apply the themes of Isaiah 6 to our own lives and ministry, and what are the implications for our faith and practice?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Isaiah 6

	Sermon	Description
	How to Experience Personal Revival by Andrew Strom	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing revival in one's life. He explains that revival is a state of continuous, close communion with God. The founda
	A Three-Fold Vision by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of vision and obedience to God's will. He emphasizes the need for a cleansing wave of revival in a nation plagued by immoralit
	(Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 2 by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the movie "The Passion" and his response to it. He expresses his fear of watching the film due to the emotional impact it may have on him. Th
	And They Crucified Him by Art Katz	This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to embrace the suffering and humility exemplified by the early church in the book of Acts. It challenges believers to confront the av
	True Revival - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a recent earthquake in Houston and connects it to the idea of the whole creation groaning, expressing dissatisfaction and a limit to materia
	(The Glory of God) in Missions by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of participating in the Great Commission, which is the command given by Jesus to spread the gospel to all nations. The speaker
	Revival by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah chapter 6 and highlights three key words: woe, love, and go. The first word, woe, represents confession and recognizing our own sinfu
	Anahiem Talk on Revival by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a three-fold vision. He shares a story about a Welshman named Stephen Jeffries who was able to elicit a response fro
	God Is Training a Holy Remnant by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the scarcity of true men of God who walk with God, seek His face, and speak His word without manipulation or greed. He highlights the need fo
	The Enemy of Revival - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher starts by quoting a scripture about the children of Israel doing evil in the sight of the Lord and being delivered into the hands of the Philistines fo

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 6

In his commentary on Isaiah 6, Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's majesty and responding with humility and obedience. He notes that Isaiah's vision of God's throne is a reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of God's majesty, and the need to approach Him with reverence and humility. Henry also emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith, highlighting the need to surrender to God's will and to be used by Him for His glory. He notes that the remnant that will be saved is a reminder of God's sovereignty and grace, and that it is a call to remain faithful to God, even in the face of widespread rebellion and unbelief. Throughout the commentary, Henry emphasizes the practical lessons that can be learned from Isaiah 6, including the importance of humility, obedience, and faith in the face of God's majesty. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?