B. The prophet’s commission 6:9-13The Lord proceeded to give Isaiah specific instructions about what He wanted him to do and what the prophet could expect regarding his ministry (Isaiah 6:9-10), his historic-political situation (Isaiah 6:11-12), and his nation’s survival (Isaiah 6:13). read more
The effect of Isaiah’s preaching would not be that the people would repent, but that they would harden their hearts against his messages (cf. Matthew 13:14-15; Mark 4:10-12; Luke 8:10; John 12:39-41; Acts 28:26-27; Romans 11:8).The Apostle John quoted this verse (and Isaiah 53:1) in reference to the Jews’ inability in Jesus’ day to believe on Him (John 12:40). John then added, "These things Isaiah said, because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him" (John 12:41). Isaiah may or may not have... read more
The news that the Israelites would harden their hearts against Isaiah’s message undoubtedly disappointed the prophet. So he asked the Lord how long he should continue to preach (cf. Isaiah 6:9) and how long the Israelites would be unresponsive (cf. Isaiah 6:10). [Note: Delitzsch, 1:201; Motyer, p. 79; Grogan, p. 58.] The Lord did not give him a certain number of years but implied that he should continue preaching until the full extent of God’s judgment on the people because of their prolonged... read more
The Prophet’s CallThis c., which recounts the prophet’s call and commission, would stand first in a chronological arrangement of the book. The opening words remind us of the vision of Micaiah (1 Kings 22:19), and we should compare the visions of Jeremiah and Ezekiel which inaugurated their prophetic activity. In St. John’s vision (Revelation 4) the same anthem, ’Holy, holy, holy,’ is sung by the six-winged living creatures round about the throne. Isaiah’s vision foreshadows such leading... read more
(10) Make the heart of this people fat.—The thought is the same as that of the “hardening” of Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 8:19; Exodus 9:34, &c) and that of Sihon (Deuteronomy 2:30). It implies the reckless headstrong will which defies restraint and warnings. So the poets of Greece, in their thoughts as to the Divine government of the world, recognised the truth that there is a judicial blindness and, as it were, insanity of will that comes as the consequence of sinful deeds ( Æsch. Agam.... read more
(11) Lord, how long?—The prophet asks the question which is ever on the lips of those who are brought face to face with the problems of the world, with the great mystery of evil, sin permitted to work out fresh evil as its punishment, and yet remaining evil. How long shall all this last? So a later prophet, towards the close of the seventy years of exile, cried once again, “How long?” (Daniel 8:13). So the cry, “How long, O Lord, dost thou not judge?” came from the souls beneath the altar... read more
Redeeming Vision Isaiah 6:1 In all life's necessary contact and inevitable contest with reality, nothing is more needed than the uplifted eye with its power of vision, which is the power of purity. To see 'also the Lord' is alike the secret of steadfastness and the guarantee of that knowledge in the midst of perplexity, which alone liberates from fretful anxiety and unbelief, and leads to right choice and wise action. I. In connexion with duty, how indispensable is the sight of the... read more
CHAPTER IVISAIAH’S CALL AND CONSECRATION740 B.C.written 735? or 727?Isaiah 6:1-13IT has been already remarked that in chapter 6 we should find no other truths than those which have been unfolded in chapters 2-5: the Lord exalted in righteousness, the coming of a terrible judgment from Him upon Judah and the survival of a bare remnant of the people. But chapter 6 treats the same subjects with a difference. In chapters 2-4 they gradually appear and grow to clearness in connection with the... read more
CHAPTER 6 The Prophet’s Vision and New Commission 1. The time of the vision (Isaiah 6:1 ) 2. Jehovah of hosts (Isaiah 6:2-4 ) 3. The prophet’s woe (Isaiah 6:5 ) 4. The cleansing (Isaiah 6:6-7 ) 5. “Here am I. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8 ) 6. The new commission (Isaiah 6:9-10 ) 7. The limitation of the judgment (Isaiah 6:11-13 ) Note the eight steps: vision, conversion, self-judgment, cleansing, self-surrender, communion, commission, intercession. This vision is the glory of Christ John... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 6:11
11. how long—will this wretched condition of the nation being hardened to its destruction continue? until— ( :-) —fulfilled primarily at the Babylonish captivity, and more fully at the dispersion under the Roman Titus. read more