Keraia
Isaiah 6

Isaiah 6:4

Isaiah’s Commission · Isaiah 6:1–13
Read Isaiah 6

Translations

Modern
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.
Traditional
And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
Literal
And the posts of the doors were shaken from the voice of the one calling, and the house was filled with smoke.
Latin
Et commota sunt superliminaria cardinum a voce clamantis, et domus repleta est fumo.

Original

Hebrew
English
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.

Notes

Isaiah 6:1–13

Isaiah’s great vision of the Lord as King on his throne was a turning point in his life. This vision shaped his work as a prophet.

Scholars understand the historical setting of this event in two main ways:

  1. Some see Isaiah 6 as Isaiah's original call to ministry. This would mean Isaiah 1–5 and 7–12 belong to the time of King Ahaz. Ahaz began to rule after King Uzziah died(Isaiah 6:1).

    If this is correct, Isaiah’s call did not appear at the beginning of the book for literary reasons. Perhaps the author placed the call in chapter 6 to end chapters 1–5 and introduce chapters 7–12.

    Isaiah’s personal cleansing and commissioning show what the whole nation needed. The people also needed to turn back to God if they were to fulfill their calling to be God’s light to the world.

  2. Others believe that chapters 1–12 follow a chronological order (in the order events happened).

    In this view, chapter 6 does not describe Isaiah’s first call. Instead, it describes a recommissioning. This means God sent Isaiah again to serve in a new way.

    This new stage of ministry took place during the time of Ahaz. During this period, people would reject Isaiah’s message.

    Supporters of this interpretation refer to Isaiah 2:7–9; 3:16–24; and 5:8–14. They argue that these sections describe a time of wealth, military strength, pride, and luxury. These conditions fit the reign of Uzziah but not the reign of Ahaz.

Events

Parallels

Matthew 13:10–17 Mark 4:10–12 Acts 28:16–31

Glossary

Angel Apocalyptic Atonement Burning Bush Exaltation of Christ Ezekiel, Book of Host, Host of Heaven Incense Isaiah, Book of Ordain, Ordination Presence of God Prophecy Prophet, Prophetess Seraph, Seraphim Vision, Visions

Topics

Cloud: Pillar of God: Appearances of To Isaiah God: Glory of Prophets: Inspiration of Smoke: Figurative The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As King Visions: To Isaiah