Isaiah 6:3
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Holy, holy, holy - This hymn performed by the seraphim, divided into two choirs, the one singing responsively to the other, which Gregory Nazian., Carm. 18, very elegantly calls Συμφωνον, αντιφωνον, αγγελων στασιν, is formed upon the practice of alternate singing, which prevailed in the Jewish Church from the time of Moses, whose ode at the Red Sea was thus performed, (see Exo 15:20, Exo 15:21), to that of Ezra, under whom the priests and Levites sung alternately, "O praise Jehovah, for he is gracious; For his mercy endureth for ever;" Ezr 3:11. See De Sac. Poes. Hebr. Prael. xix., at the beginning.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
"And one cried to the other, and said, Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of hosts: filling the whole earth is His glory." The meaning is not that they all lifted up their voice in concert at one and the same time (just as in Psa 42:8 el is not used in this sense, viz., as equivalent to C'neged), but that there was a continuous and unbroken antiphonal song. One set commenced, and the others responded, either repeating the "Holy, holy, holy," or following with "filling the whole earth is His glory." Isaiah heard this antiphonal or "hypophonal" song of the seraphim, not merely that he might know that the uninterrupted worship of God was their blessed employment, but because it was with this doxology as with the doxologies of the Apocalypse, it had a certain historical significance in common with the whole scene. God is in Himself the Holy One (kâdōsh), i.e., the separate One, beyond or above the world, true light, spotless purity, the perfect One. His glory (Câbod) is His manifested holiness, as Oetinger and Bengel express it, just as, on the other hand, His holiness is His veiled or hidden glory. The design of all the work of God is that His holiness should become universally manifest, or, what is the same thing, that His glory should become the fulness of the whole earth (Isa 11:9; Num 14:21; Hab 2:14). This design of the work of God stands before God as eternally present; and the seraphim also have it ever before them in its ultimate completion, as the theme of their song of praise. But Isaiah was a man living in the very midst of the history that was moving on towards this goal; and the cry of the seraphim, in the precise form in which it reached him, showed him to what it would eventually come on earth, whilst the heavenly shapes that were made visible to him helped him to understand the nature of that divine glory with which the earth was to be filled. The whole of the book of Isaiah contains traces of the impression made by this ecstatic vision. The favourite name of God in the mouth of the prophet viz., "the Holy One of Israel" (kedosh Yisrael), is the echo of this seraphic sanctus; and the fact that this name already occurs with such marked preference on the part of the prophet in the addresses contained in Isaiah 1:2-4:5, supports the view that Isaiah is here describing his own first call. All the prophecies of Isaiah carry this name of God as their stamp. It occurs twenty-nine times (including Isa 10:17; Isa 43:15; Isa 49:7), viz., twelve times in chapters 1-39, and seventeen times in chapters 40-66. As Luzzatto has well observed, "the prophet, as if with a presentiment that the authenticity of the second part of his book would be disputed, has stamped both parts with this name of God, 'the Holy One of Israel,' as if with his own seal." The only other passages in which the word occurs, are three times in the Psalms (Psa 71:22; Psa 78:41; Psa 89:19), and twice in Jeremiah (Jer 50:29; Jer 51:5), and that not without an allusion to Isaiah. It forms an essential part of Isaiah's distinctive prophetic signature. And here we are standing at the source from which it sprang. But did this thrice-holy refer to the triune God? Knobel contents himself with saying that the threefold repetition of the word "holy" serves to give it the greater emphasis. No doubt men are accustomed to say three times what they wish to say in an exhaustive and satisfying manner; for three is the number of expanded unity, of satisfied and satisfying development, of the key-note extended into the chord. But why is this? The Pythagoreans said that numbers were the first principle of all things; but the Scriptures, according to which God created the world in twice three days by ten mighty words, and completed it in seven days, teach us that God is the first principle of all numbers. The fact that three is the number of developed and yet self-contained unity, has its ultimate ground in the circumstance that it is the number of the trinitarian process; and consequently the trilogy (trisagion) of the seraphim (like that of the cherubim in Rev 4:8), whether Isaiah was aware of it or no, really pointed in the distinct consciousness of the spirits themselves to the truine God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Rev 4:8). The Trinity is implied (on "Lord," see on Isa 6:1). God's holiness is the keynote of Isaiah's whole prophecies. whole earth--the Hebrew more emphatically, the fulness of the whole earth is His glory (Psa 24:1; Psa 72:19).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And one cried unto another,.... This denotes the publicness of their ministry, and their harmony and unity in it; they answered to one another, and agreed in what they said; their preaching was not yea and nay, Co2 1:19, and said, holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; this expresses the subject matter of the Gospel ministry, respecting the holiness of God; all the doctrines of the Gospel are pure and holy, and have a tendency to promote holiness of heart and life, and are agreeable to the holiness of God, and in them the holiness of God in each of the divine Persons is declared; particularly the Gospel ministry affirms that there is one God, who is the Lord of hosts, of armies above and below, of angels and men; that there are three Persons in the Godhead, Father, Son, and Spirit; and that each of these three are glorious in holiness; there is the Holy Father, and the Holy Son, and the Holy Ghost, and the holiness of them is displayed in each of the doctrines of grace: the holiness of the Father appears in the choice of persons to eternal life, through sanctification of the Spirit; in the covenant of grace, which provides for the holiness of covenant ones; and in the justification of his people through Christ, and redemption by him, whereby the honour of his justice and holiness is secured: the holiness of the Son appears in his incarnation and life; in redemption from sin by him, and in satisfying for it, and justifying from it: and the holiness of the Spirit is seen in the doctrines of regeneration and sanctification, ascribed unto him. The whole earth is full of his glory; as it was when Christ dwelt in it, wrought his miracles, and manifested forth his glory, and when his Gospel was preached everywhere by his apostles; and as it will be, more especially in the latter day, when it will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord; when the kingdoms of this world will become his, and his kingdom will be everywhere, even from sea to sea, and from the rivers to the ends of the earth; and this is what Gospel ministers declare will be: or "the fulness of the whole earth is his glory" (m); the earth is his, and all that is in it, and all declare his glory; see Rev 4:8. (m) "plenitudo totius terrae gloria ejus", Montanus; "quicquid replet terram est gloria ejus", Piscator.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:3 The triple usage of the word holy emphasizes the absolute separateness of the Lord. • The whole earth is filled: Because there is no verb in the Hebrew, two slightly different translations of the seraphim’s proclamation are possible. It could be that the earth, though defiled, is currently filled with his glory in creation. Or, it could mean that the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord when he establishes his kingship on the earth in the future. Either way, the Lord’s glorious presence will one day dwell more fully on earth, despite humanity’s sinfulness and the power of wicked nations. God’s glory was further revealed in the incarnation of the Son (John 12:41; 2 Cor 3:18; 4:4-7).
Isaiah 6:3
Isaiah’s Commission
2Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 2
By Paul Washer17K1:14:55Justice Of GodPRO 17:15ISA 6:3MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 3:23In 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. The preacher also criticizes Southern Baptist preachers who he believes will misuse the film. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the true depth of Christ's suffering and the significance of sin in the eyes of God. The sermon highlights the power and obedience of creation to God's commands, contrasting it with the fallen state of humanity.
(The Glory of God) in Missions
By Paul Washer14K1:19:33MissionsISA 6:3MAL 1:11MAT 6:33In 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 highlights the incredible work that God is doing around the world, even in the most remote and impoverished places. He encourages Christians to get involved in missions and evangelism, either by going themselves or supporting others who are called to go. The speaker also points out that the effectiveness of evangelism and missions is hindered by not preaching the true gospel, and he shares powerful examples of people from different cultures who have found hope and salvation in Christ.
(Deeper Waters) Session 3 - the Habitation of God
By David Ravenhill6.6K1:21:22GEN 8:13EXO 25:8ISA 6:3MAL 3:62CO 6:14EPH 1:17REV 4:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing his arrival at a new home and how he can immediately discern certain characteristics about the people living there. He then moves on to discuss the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on chapter 4. He explains that John, the author of Revelation, was in the Spirit on the Lord's day on the island of Patmos when he heard a voice like a trumpet calling him to come up to heaven. The speaker emphasizes the unchanging nature of God and highlights the continuous worship of the heavenly beings who proclaim the holiness of God day and night.
The Holiness of God - Part 3
By A.W. Tozer4.8K17:20Holiness Of GodGEN 18:25EXO 33:20ISA 6:3MAT 6:33ACT 13:2ROM 8:26HEB 12:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holiness and the need for individuals to give account of their deeds before God. He highlights the urgency of seeking forgiveness and confessing one's sins, as God is a consuming fire. The preacher laments the lack of reverence for God in modern times and criticizes interpretations that downplay the significance of holiness. He urges listeners to have a deep understanding of the overwhelming holiness of God and to approach Him with a sense of awe and conviction.
The Greatness of God
By A.W. Tozer4.7K39:14God's Character1CH 29:11JOB 26:14ISA 6:31TI 6:15REV 4:11REV 19:6In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a mother who takes her young child to the beach to escape the monotony of housework. As the mother reads, she occasionally looks up to check on her child who is happily playing with sand. However, when the mother gets engrossed in her reading, she looks up to find that her child has disappeared. The speaker uses this story to emphasize the importance of paying attention to God and not getting distracted by worldly things. He encourages the audience to focus on God's glory and the coming of Jesus Christ.
Se Pt5 - Practical Holiness
By Paul Washer3.8K1:06:19ISA 6:3ISA 42:3MAT 6:33MAT 12:20ROM 3:23ROM 12:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of guarding one's mind and making decisions based on what is true. He warns against allowing sinful influences, such as television programs promoting sex outside of marriage, to enter one's mind, as it goes against God's teachings. The preacher also highlights the consequences of not retaining the knowledge of God, as described in Romans 1:28, where people become filled with wickedness and depravity. He encourages the audience to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives and reminds them of the vastness of God's love.
By Their Fruit - Part 2
By Paul Washer3.4K36:41DiscernmentPRO 2:21ISA 6:3MAT 7:13MAT 7:21MAT 22:37MAT 28:18JHN 6:66In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the power and impact of the word of God. He describes how the word cuts and breaks before it heals and binds. The pastor challenges the listeners to examine their souls and question whether they are truly living in obedience to God's will. He warns against being selective in following only what aligns with culture and personal desires, and emphasizes the importance of submitting to the truths that may contradict and challenge us. The pastor also highlights the consequences of rejecting God's law and the words of Christ, emphasizing the need to build our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ.
Fulfilling Your Calling
By Erlo Stegen3.3K1:03:55CallingPRO 18:9ISA 6:3JER 42:10JER 48:10MAT 28:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being lazy or slack in our work, especially when it comes to God's work. He references Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands his disciples to go into the world and make disciples, teaching them to obey his teachings. The preacher highlights the need to recognize and understand the work that God has entrusted to us and to diligently carry it out with all our strength. He warns against being negligent in our work, as it is considered destructive and brings curses upon us, as mentioned in Proverbs 18:9 and Jeremiah 48:10.
Particular Redemption, Mission
By Paul Washer2.7K1:02:54PSA 37:9ISA 6:3ISA 53:7ACT 15:14ACT 15:17ROM 1:16EPH 1:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of simple preaching and the need for humility in delivering the gospel. He shares his experience of preaching a simple message that attracted a large crowd and led to opportunities to speak about his beliefs. The preacher also discusses the importance of relying on the power of God rather than eloquence or intellectual arguments. He then delves into the biblical story of Peter's vision, highlighting its significance and the lessons it teaches about God's cleansing power.
All to Jesus Compilation (Full Version)
By Compilations2.5K27:17ISA 6:3MAT 6:24MAT 11:28MAT 16:24LUK 9:23LUK 14:262CO 5:17GAL 2:20PHP 3:8JAS 4:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of true surrender to Jesus Christ, highlighting the need to move beyond a superficial understanding of salvation to a deep, transformative relationship with Him. It challenges believers to prioritize Christ above all else, including relationships, ambitions, and worldly desires. The sermon underscores the necessity of encountering the holy, sovereign God and living solely for His glory, forsaking all for the sake of following Christ wholeheartedly.
Altar Tent and Well
By David Ravenhill2.4K1:03:54AltarEXO 20:24ISA 6:3ISA 6:8JER 48:11ACT 9:1ROM 11:36In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenge of maintaining faith and consecration in the Christian life. He uses the analogy of a marriage proposal to illustrate the initial excitement and commitment, but emphasizes the importance of keeping the fire burning during difficult times. The speaker also highlights the need for revelation and consecration in following God's will, using examples from the Bible such as Paul's conversion on the Damascus road. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of being led by the Spirit and having a flexible mindset in order to grow in faith.
Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks2.1K45:42Seeing JesusPSA 66:18ISA 6:3EZK 1:1MAT 6:33JHN 20:31REV 7:9REV 21:11In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the visions of God that Ezekiel saw. The speaker highlights that whenever the Lord takes a new step or movement, He reveals His glory to someone or some instrument. The speaker then discusses the symbolism of the four living ones or cherubim and the wheels under the throne. The wheels represent a great multitude of redeemed individuals who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and are now worshiping and praising God. The sermon emphasizes that this vision of glory through holiness is not limited to Ezekiel's time but is a timeless message for all believers.
Four Steps in Fellowship With God
By Zac Poonen1.9K1:00:19PSA 73:25ISA 6:3HAB 3:17LUK 18:1JHN 4:23ACT 20:351TH 5:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of communion with God through prayer, thanksgiving, praise, and worship. It highlights the need to have a deep, intimate fellowship with God, focusing on listening to Him, being thankful for His blessings, praising Him for who He is, and ultimately worshiping Him above all else.
The Holiness of God - Part 1
By Art Katz1.8K52:36Holiness Of GodGEN 1:1PSA 11:7PSA 45:7PSA 99:4ISA 6:3ROM 1:18GAL 3:13In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a profound episode in the history of Ben Israel, emphasizing the transformative power of encountering the truth. He highlights the importance of being open and teachable, willing to confront the painful lessons and failures in our lives. The speaker then delves into the significance of Jesus as the Redeemer, emphasizing that his sacrifice on the cross reveals the irreconcilable nature of sin and the depth of God's holiness. The sermon concludes with a reminder that understanding the cost of sin and the value of holiness is essential for truly worshiping and honoring God.
(Divine Attributes) 10 the Awesome Knowledge of the Holy
By Denny Kenaston1.6K59:57Character Of GodISA 1:13ISA 6:3MAT 5:4HEB 1:91PE 2:91JN 1:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's holiness and its importance in understanding His mercy and love. He emphasizes that God's holiness is awe-inspiring and sets Him apart from anyone else. The preacher describes a scene from the Bible where angels, who are pure and holy themselves, humble themselves in the presence of the Lord by covering their faces and feet. This act of humility demonstrates the principle that all glory veils itself in the presence of God's glory.
A Message to the Pulpits of America
By Shane Idleman1.6K04:352CH 36:15ISA 6:3JER 1:5JER 20:9JER 23:161PE 1:16This sermon emphasizes the paramount importance of holiness as the key attribute of God, even above His love. It highlights how leaders, prophets, and the church have fallen short in recognizing and upholding the holy standard set by God. The message calls for a return to holiness, not weirdness, as seen in the example of Jeremiah being sanctified and called to convict and bring God's people back to Him.
(Compilation) Facts on Revival
By Leonard Ravenhill1.6K13:01PSA 51:10ISA 6:3ROM 8:262CO 7:10EPH 5:27PHP 3:31TH 5:23HEB 12:14JAS 4:8REV 4:8This sermon emphasizes the need for believers to pay the price for revival, to sanctify their whole lives, and to seek a deep, speechless form of worship. It recounts the impact of past revivals where individuals fully surrendered to God, leading to transformation and the spread of revival. The importance of being a prophet, seeing what others don't, and suffering for the sake of others is highlighted. The sermon challenges listeners to seek purity, holiness, and a God-filled personality, emphasizing the necessity of the Holy Spirit in true evangelism and revival.
Creation-Providence-Redemption - Part 1
By William MacDonald1.6K34:04RedemptionPSA 9:1PSA 104:24PSA 111:2PSA 145:10ISA 6:3In this sermon, the speaker marvels at the intricate design of the human body and the wonders of God's creation. He expresses gratitude for the gift of eyesight and emphasizes the complexity of the human eye, comparing it to a camera with various functions. The speaker also highlights the role of the brain in processing visual information and describes it as an "enchanted loom" that weaves together the signals from the eyes. Additionally, he discusses the process of digestion and the importance of food in providing energy for the body. Throughout the sermon, the speaker references verses from the Psalms and Isaiah to emphasize the greatness of God's works in creation.
Repentance - Part 1
By Michael H Yeager1.4K08:00ISA 6:3MAT 6:24ACT 2:36HEB 12:29REV 22:17This sermon emphasizes the call to surrender completely to God, acknowledging His lordship over every aspect of our lives. It warns against the deception of the world and the consequences of rejecting God's holiness. The message urges listeners to repent and turn to God before it's too late, highlighting the need for purity and seeking the kingdom of God above all else.
The Threefold Sin of Society
By Harold Vaughan1.3K44:18SinJOB 15:14ISA 6:3MAT 10:28ROM 1:21In this sermon, the speaker addresses the decline of integrity and morality in society, specifically in the United States. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's culture and family through the lens of Romans chapter one. The speaker highlights the threefold sin of society, which includes not glorifying God, lack of gratitude, and idolatry. He also mentions the negative influences on children, such as treating them as pets, daycare centers, excessive television consumption, and virtual worlds. The sermon encourages confession of sins, thanksgiving to God, and intercession as a way to address and overcome these societal challenges.
Passionate for God's Holiness - Part 4
By John Piper1.2K05:24PSA 34:8PSA 37:4ISA 6:3MRK 1:24JHN 3:16ROM 5:81CO 10:31PHP 3:8HEB 12:281PE 1:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of not making ourselves the center of worship but rather exalting God as the ultimate treasure and focus of our lives. It challenges the notion of self-centeredness and self-exaltation, pointing to the glory of God and magnifying Christ as the true center of God's values and redeeming work. The test presented revolves around understanding true love from God, whether it is in being made much of or in being enabled to enjoy making much of Him forever through the sacrifice of Jesus.
(History of the Salvation Army) the Doctrine of Holiness
By H. Scotney1.1K59:36Salvation ArmyEXO 15:11PRO 24:9ISA 6:3JHN 9:41In this sermon, the speaker discusses the struggle that believers often face in asserting their own will instead of surrendering to the divine will. He references Romans 7, where Paul describes a man in a state of defeat and longing for deliverance from the bondage of sin. The speaker emphasizes that this longing for purity and victory typically occurs after conversion. The sermon also highlights God's eternal purpose to restore the image of His Son in humanity, as seen in Genesis 3 and throughout the Bible. The role of the Holy Spirit as the light that expels darkness and imparts love is also emphasized, drawing from the story of the Day of Pentecost and Romans 5:5.
Passionate for God's Holiness - Part 3
By John Piper1.1K06:53PSA 50:2PSA 90:2PSA 96:4PSA 145:3ISA 6:3JHN 14:6ROM 11:331TI 1:171PE 1:16REV 4:8This sermon emphasizes the incomparable nature of God's holiness, highlighting His unique, divine, and morally perfect attributes. It delves into the rarity, permanence, and accessibility of God's infinite value, making Him the ultimate standard. The speaker challenges the audience to be passionate not only for God's holiness but also for His supreme, infinite value, which will uproot worldly joys and misconceptions about the gospel.
Wonders of God-01 in Creation
By William MacDonald99649:07CreationPSA 104:24PSA 111:2PSA 145:10ISA 6:3In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the wonders of God in creation, specifically focusing on the human body. He highlights how the human body is often referred to as God's masterpiece and marvels at the intricate design and functions of the body. The preacher mentions the role of DNA in passing down abilities and emotions from parents to children. He also touches on the circulatory system and the amazing capabilities of the heart, which pumps blood tirelessly throughout a person's life. The sermon emphasizes the complexity and marvels of God's creation, leaving the audience in awe of His handiwork.
The Great Spreading of the Gospel Across the World by Brother Yun
By Brother Yun98809:40PSA 22:27ISA 6:3MAT 28:18MRK 16:15ACT 1:8ROM 10:14This sermon emphasizes the power and glory of God, calling believers to surrender their lives to serve Jesus and spread His message to all nations, especially focusing on China, Central Asia, and the Middle East. It encourages discipleship, sharing the Gospel, and praying for the Word of God to reach all people, including Muslims. The prayer is for believers to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be missionaries and witnesses for Jesus Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Holy, holy, holy - This hymn performed by the seraphim, divided into two choirs, the one singing responsively to the other, which Gregory Nazian., Carm. 18, very elegantly calls Συμφωνον, αντιφωνον, αγγελων στασιν, is formed upon the practice of alternate singing, which prevailed in the Jewish Church from the time of Moses, whose ode at the Red Sea was thus performed, (see Exo 15:20, Exo 15:21), to that of Ezra, under whom the priests and Levites sung alternately, "O praise Jehovah, for he is gracious; For his mercy endureth for ever;" Ezr 3:11. See De Sac. Poes. Hebr. Prael. xix., at the beginning.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
"And one cried to the other, and said, Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of hosts: filling the whole earth is His glory." The meaning is not that they all lifted up their voice in concert at one and the same time (just as in Psa 42:8 el is not used in this sense, viz., as equivalent to C'neged), but that there was a continuous and unbroken antiphonal song. One set commenced, and the others responded, either repeating the "Holy, holy, holy," or following with "filling the whole earth is His glory." Isaiah heard this antiphonal or "hypophonal" song of the seraphim, not merely that he might know that the uninterrupted worship of God was their blessed employment, but because it was with this doxology as with the doxologies of the Apocalypse, it had a certain historical significance in common with the whole scene. God is in Himself the Holy One (kâdōsh), i.e., the separate One, beyond or above the world, true light, spotless purity, the perfect One. His glory (Câbod) is His manifested holiness, as Oetinger and Bengel express it, just as, on the other hand, His holiness is His veiled or hidden glory. The design of all the work of God is that His holiness should become universally manifest, or, what is the same thing, that His glory should become the fulness of the whole earth (Isa 11:9; Num 14:21; Hab 2:14). This design of the work of God stands before God as eternally present; and the seraphim also have it ever before them in its ultimate completion, as the theme of their song of praise. But Isaiah was a man living in the very midst of the history that was moving on towards this goal; and the cry of the seraphim, in the precise form in which it reached him, showed him to what it would eventually come on earth, whilst the heavenly shapes that were made visible to him helped him to understand the nature of that divine glory with which the earth was to be filled. The whole of the book of Isaiah contains traces of the impression made by this ecstatic vision. The favourite name of God in the mouth of the prophet viz., "the Holy One of Israel" (kedosh Yisrael), is the echo of this seraphic sanctus; and the fact that this name already occurs with such marked preference on the part of the prophet in the addresses contained in Isaiah 1:2-4:5, supports the view that Isaiah is here describing his own first call. All the prophecies of Isaiah carry this name of God as their stamp. It occurs twenty-nine times (including Isa 10:17; Isa 43:15; Isa 49:7), viz., twelve times in chapters 1-39, and seventeen times in chapters 40-66. As Luzzatto has well observed, "the prophet, as if with a presentiment that the authenticity of the second part of his book would be disputed, has stamped both parts with this name of God, 'the Holy One of Israel,' as if with his own seal." The only other passages in which the word occurs, are three times in the Psalms (Psa 71:22; Psa 78:41; Psa 89:19), and twice in Jeremiah (Jer 50:29; Jer 51:5), and that not without an allusion to Isaiah. It forms an essential part of Isaiah's distinctive prophetic signature. And here we are standing at the source from which it sprang. But did this thrice-holy refer to the triune God? Knobel contents himself with saying that the threefold repetition of the word "holy" serves to give it the greater emphasis. No doubt men are accustomed to say three times what they wish to say in an exhaustive and satisfying manner; for three is the number of expanded unity, of satisfied and satisfying development, of the key-note extended into the chord. But why is this? The Pythagoreans said that numbers were the first principle of all things; but the Scriptures, according to which God created the world in twice three days by ten mighty words, and completed it in seven days, teach us that God is the first principle of all numbers. The fact that three is the number of developed and yet self-contained unity, has its ultimate ground in the circumstance that it is the number of the trinitarian process; and consequently the trilogy (trisagion) of the seraphim (like that of the cherubim in Rev 4:8), whether Isaiah was aware of it or no, really pointed in the distinct consciousness of the spirits themselves to the truine God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Rev 4:8). The Trinity is implied (on "Lord," see on Isa 6:1). God's holiness is the keynote of Isaiah's whole prophecies. whole earth--the Hebrew more emphatically, the fulness of the whole earth is His glory (Psa 24:1; Psa 72:19).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And one cried unto another,.... This denotes the publicness of their ministry, and their harmony and unity in it; they answered to one another, and agreed in what they said; their preaching was not yea and nay, Co2 1:19, and said, holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; this expresses the subject matter of the Gospel ministry, respecting the holiness of God; all the doctrines of the Gospel are pure and holy, and have a tendency to promote holiness of heart and life, and are agreeable to the holiness of God, and in them the holiness of God in each of the divine Persons is declared; particularly the Gospel ministry affirms that there is one God, who is the Lord of hosts, of armies above and below, of angels and men; that there are three Persons in the Godhead, Father, Son, and Spirit; and that each of these three are glorious in holiness; there is the Holy Father, and the Holy Son, and the Holy Ghost, and the holiness of them is displayed in each of the doctrines of grace: the holiness of the Father appears in the choice of persons to eternal life, through sanctification of the Spirit; in the covenant of grace, which provides for the holiness of covenant ones; and in the justification of his people through Christ, and redemption by him, whereby the honour of his justice and holiness is secured: the holiness of the Son appears in his incarnation and life; in redemption from sin by him, and in satisfying for it, and justifying from it: and the holiness of the Spirit is seen in the doctrines of regeneration and sanctification, ascribed unto him. The whole earth is full of his glory; as it was when Christ dwelt in it, wrought his miracles, and manifested forth his glory, and when his Gospel was preached everywhere by his apostles; and as it will be, more especially in the latter day, when it will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord; when the kingdoms of this world will become his, and his kingdom will be everywhere, even from sea to sea, and from the rivers to the ends of the earth; and this is what Gospel ministers declare will be: or "the fulness of the whole earth is his glory" (m); the earth is his, and all that is in it, and all declare his glory; see Rev 4:8. (m) "plenitudo totius terrae gloria ejus", Montanus; "quicquid replet terram est gloria ejus", Piscator.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:3 The triple usage of the word holy emphasizes the absolute separateness of the Lord. • The whole earth is filled: Because there is no verb in the Hebrew, two slightly different translations of the seraphim’s proclamation are possible. It could be that the earth, though defiled, is currently filled with his glory in creation. Or, it could mean that the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord when he establishes his kingship on the earth in the future. Either way, the Lord’s glorious presence will one day dwell more fully on earth, despite humanity’s sinfulness and the power of wicked nations. God’s glory was further revealed in the incarnation of the Son (John 12:41; 2 Cor 3:18; 4:4-7).