Isaiah 6

Isaiah 6:1

THe Lord] namely, Gods everlasting Sonne, a great King of the Church in his own person, John 12:41.

Isaiah 6:2

The Seraphims] a name of blessed Angels, which signifieth servent and fiery, as well in regard of their office as of their substance, who are here assistants as Ministers of Gods judgements His face] by this covering of the face is meant, adoration and deep reverence; by the covering of their feet, immaculate holinesse; and by their flying with two wings, promptitude and zeale to obey.

Isaiah 6:4

The posts] or thresholds, namely, the upper and lower threshold, in which the two axels whereon the doors did turn were fixed With smoak] or chick cloud and dark mist, a thing which was ordinary when God appeared in glory, to hide his majestie, and to strike a terrour in mens hearts, Exod. 19. 16. and 40. 34 Numb. 9. 15. 1 King. 8. 10.

Isaiah 6:5

Wo is me] the ordinary feare of the faithfull, when God appeared to them in glory, see Genesis 16:13. Deuteronomy 5:24. Jud. 6. 22. and 13. 22. feeling of their own weaknesse, and knowing their owne naturall corruption Unclean] thereby signifying that sinne which is most frequent amongst, and most avoidable for men, namely, the sinne of the tongue, James 3:2. or because even in his own calling he found himselfe defective many wayes And I dwell] that is to say, I doe too much participate of the contagion of sin living thus amongst sinners.

Isaiah 6:6

A live coale] a figure of the gift of the holy Ghost proceeding from Christ, who is the true spirituall altar of expiation and intercession for the Church. Which Spirit workes in the manner of fire for the purging of sin, Matth. 3. 11.

Isaiah 6:7

Laid it upon] the Italian, brought it neer; see Jeremiah 1:9. Daniel 10:16. Thine iniquity] not that Isaiah was purged from all remainder of sinne as concerning his person, but onely concerning his office of Prophet he received the gift of the infallible conduct of the holy Ghost, that he might not erre through ignorance, nor prevaricate through malice, in the receiving and preaching of his prophecies. A promise contrary to that which Isaiah had confessed, namely, to be of unclean lips.

Isaiah 6:8

For us] see of this unspeakable manner of consultation held by the sacred Trinitie, Gen. 1. 26. and 3. 22. and 11. 7: Here am I] an effect of the holy Ghost, who after he hath conferred the gift, which is necessary for the calling, doth also powerfully give the will, to cause him employ himselfe therein vigorously and cheerfully.

Isaiah 6:9

Understand not] that is to say, Hereafter I will not send my word unto you for to convert and save you, but to convince and condemne you; for seeing I have deservedly taken away my Spirit from you, which you have so long withstood, that you have utterly extinguished it, the sound of my word hereafter shall but astonish you, and this light shall but dazell and blinde you so much the more.

Isaiah 6:10

Make the heart] preach my word powerfully to this rebellious and profane people, that their wickednesse being thereby provoked, they may become more stupid, insensible, and hardned; a signe whereof is the fatnesse of the heart, see Psal. 119. 70. see Deuter. 29. 4. Isaiah 63:17. John 8:43. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12. Be healed] namely, that they may not be saved, delivered from all evil, and re-established in a happy state.

Isaiah 6:11

How long] is there no stay, nor no end of this rejection of thy people, that it may not come to the uttermost extremity?

Isaiah 6:13

A tenth] he seemeth to meane that little remnant which was left in the countrey in the generall captivity, which was at last likewise destroyed for its rebellion.