Keraia
Isaiah 6

Isaiah 6:8

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

Translations

Modern
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”
Traditional
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Literal
And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom will I send, and who will go for Us?” And I said “Here am I—send me!”
Latin
Et audivi vocem Domini dicentis: Quem mittam? et quis ibit nobis? Et dixi: Ecce ego, mitte me.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”

Notes

Isaiah 6:8

  • Who will go for Us?: The Lord spoke in the presence of his angels. The Bible sometimes describes this gathering as a heavenly council (a group of heavenly beings who stand before God; see also 1 Kings 22:19–22; Jeremiah 23:18, 22).

  • Here am I: Isaiah answered quickly and willingly. God had just forgiven and cleansed him from sin. Because of this grace (God’s undeserved kindness), Isaiah was ready to serve.

    He committed himself to a lifetime of ministry (service for God).

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

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

Angel Apocalyptic Ezekiel, Book of Host, Host of Heaven Isaiah, Book of Ordain, Ordination Prayer Presence of God Prophecy Prophet, Prophetess Vision, Visions Work

Topics

Availability Christian Minister: Call of Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Evangelism Holy Spirit: General Scriptures Concerning Military Service Ministers: should be Willing Ministry Mission Trips Missionary Work Missionary Work by Ministers: Be Ready to Engage In Missionary Work by Ministers: God Qualifies For Police Prophets: Extraordinary: Specially Raised up on Occasions of Emergency Prophets: Inspiration of Religious Zeal: Exemplified Symbols and Similitudes of the Holy Spirit: A Voice The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: A Voice The Great Commission The Inspiration of the Holy Spirit: Modes of by a Voice Travel Trinity: The Holy Visions: To Isaiah