Please expain chapter 6 of Isaiah?

[Jonah2005bt]

Isaiah 6
Isaiah's Commission
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory."
4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

9 He said, "Go and tell this people:
" 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding;
be ever seeing, but never perceiving.'

10 Make the heart of this people calloused;
make their ears dull
and close their eyes. [a]
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed."

11 Then I said, "For how long, O Lord?"
And he answered:
"Until the cities lie ruined
and without inhabitant,
until the houses are left deserted
and the fields ruined and ravaged,

12 until the LORD has sent everyone far away
and the land is utterly forsaken.

13 And though a tenth remains in the land,
it will again be laid waste.
But as the terebinth and oak
leave stumps when they are cut down,
so the holy seed will be the stump in the land."

 

[SpiritLedEd]

I think that Isaiah is telling the story of his commissioning by the Lord to the office of prophet, how his prophesying would be received by the Israelites, and how their nation would be overrun by the Babylonians and their people (all except a remnant) exiled to Babylon.

Verses 9 & 10 are God preparing him ahead of time for the rejection he would suffer.



SLE

 

[Nigh]

Jonah2005bt,
He fears that he will die because he looked at God. Even the creatures around the throne are covering their faces. But " my eyes have seen the King", and now he thinks he'll be destroyed. But instead, he is forgiven, and made clean, especially his lips to prepare him for his appointed role as prophet.
Also God shows him the righteous judgment to come to the people, except the chosen few. Versus 11, 12, and 13.
God bless,
Nigh

 

[Jonah2005bt]

Thank you!

I looked at this Scripture as though the Scripture were talking to me. Is that o.k. to do?
5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."
Here I was thinking about my imperfect ways. I want so much to become righteous as GOD is righteous for this would pleasing to HIM. But instead I find myself to be who I do not long to be. And here: 6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
9 He said, "Go and tell this people:
" 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding;
be ever seeing, but never perceiving.'
I long for something like that to happen to me. And when I talk to my husband about GOD'S Rules & Regulations he doesn't understand me & tries to turn the Scriptures around. My husband also says that he does not believe in the Bible. And what do you think that GOD is saying to me here?: 10 Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed."

 

[Nigh]

I long for something like that to happen to me.

"Something" like this can very easily happen to you. This "something" is called redemption, and it contains forgiveness. It is packaged in a box called "Grace", and it is sufficient for all the world. When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and you repent and walk with him, you are redeemed, and Gods grace offers you forgiveness and salvation. Praise and Glory to our Lord and God Jesus.

And when I talk to my husband about GOD'S Rules & Regulations he doesn't understand me & tries to turn the Scriptures around.

Instead of talking about God's Laws, try speaking of God's Love! Talk about what God has done for you, not so much what you do for God (obey). For first and foremost, it is God's love that brings us into the Kingdom of God. It is by his grace, and not by our works (abiding by laws) that we are made clean in his eyes. NOTHING that you can do will make you spotless in God's eyes. NOTHING. Including, but not limited to: giving to the poor, keeping His commandments, going to church, tithing, or being baptized. All things which He wants for us to do, but also things which do not result in a room in His mansion. It is only through the works of his perfect son Jesus that we are given riches in heaven.

And what do you think that GOD is saying to me here?

Try not to look at what a few versus are saying to you. Instead look at the whole scripture in context. The story is how a man, who feels less than worthy, is made clean by the grace of God, and is given a purpose for his life. It doesn't have to be specifically to be a prophet. He is then given the tools and information needed to fulfill his purpose. Maybe the reason you were drawn to this passage is because God is about to reveal to you his purpose for your life, and He is about to equip you to do it. Pray for His wisdom, and understanding on this sister, as will I for you.

May God's blessing pour down on you like rain,
Nigh

 

[Jonah2005bt]

Instead of talking about God's Laws, try speaking of God's Love! Talk about what God has done for you, not so much what you do for God (obey). For first and foremost, it is God's love that brings us into the Kingdom of God. It is by his grace, and not by our works (abiding by laws) that we are made clean in his eyes. NOTHING that you can do will make you spotless in God's eyes. NOTHING. Including, but not limited to: giving to the poor, keeping His commandments, going to church, tithing, or being baptized. All things which He wants for us to do, but also things which do not result in a room in His mansion. It is only through the works of his perfect son Jesus that we are given riches in heaven.

I have memtioned many times of GOD'S Love - he does seem to respond better to that. But, then he starts saying that it's ok to do certain things as long as we do these things with true love in our hearts, like: certian sexual things, (that I care not to mention) also having sex before marage, and war. He's trying to perswayed me to go along with him in things that I feel are sinfull in the eyes of The Almighty.

 

[Chad]

Matthew Henry's Commentary:

The vision which Isaiah beheld in the temple. (1-8) The Lord declares the blindness to come upon the Jewish nation, and the destruction which would follow. (9-13)

Verses 1-8 In this figurative vision, the temple is thrown open to view, even to the most holy place. The prophet, standing outside the temple, sees the Divine Presence seated on the mercy-seat, raised over the ark of the covenant, between the cherubim and seraphim, and the Divine glory filled the whole temple. See God upon his throne. This vision is explained, john 12:41, that Isaiah now saw Christ's glory, and spake of Him, which is a full proof that our Saviour is God. In Christ Jesus, God is seated on a throne of grace; and through him the way into the holiest is laid open. See God's temple, his church on earth, filled with his glory. His train, the skirts of his robes, filled the temple, the whole world, for it is all God's temple. And yet he dwells in every contrite heart. See the blessed attendants by whom his government is served. Above the throne stood the holy angels, called seraphim, which means "burners;" they burn in love to God, and zeal for his glory against sin. The seraphim showing their faces veiled, declares that they are ready to yield obedience to all God's commands, though they do not understand the secret reasons of his counsels, government, or promises.

All vain-glory, ambition, ignorance, and pride, would be done away by one view of Christ in his glory. This awful vision of the Divine Majesty overwhelmed the prophet with a sense of his own vileness. We are undone if there is not a Mediator between us and this holy God. A glimpse of heavenly glory is enough to convince us that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Nor is there a man that would dare to speak to the Lord, if he saw the justice, holiness, and majesty of God, without discerning his glorious mercy and grace in Jesus Christ. The live coal may denote the assurance given to the prophet, of pardon, and acceptance in his work, through the atonement of Christ. Nothing is powerful to cleanse and comfort the soul, but what is taken from Christ's satisfaction and intercession. The taking away sin is necessary to our speaking with confidence and comfort, either to God in prayer, or from God in preaching; and those shall have their sin taken away who complain of it as a burden, and see themselves in danger of being undone by it. It is great comfort to those whom God sends, that they go for God, and may therefore speak in his name, assured that he will bear them out.

Verses 9-13 God sends Isaiah to foretell the ruin of his people. Many hear the sound of God's word, but do not feel the power of it. God sometimes, in righteous judgment, gives men up to blindness of mind, because they will not receive the truth in the love of it. But no humble inquirer after Christ, need to fear this awful doom, which is a spiritual judgment on those who will still hold fast their sins. Let every one pray for the enlightening of the Holy Spirit, that he may perceive how precious are the Divine mercies, by which alone we are secured against this dreadful danger. Yet the Lord would preserve a remnant, like the tenth, holy to him. And blessed be God, he still preserves his church; however professors or visible churches may be lopped off as unfruitful, the holy seed will shoot forth, from whom all the numerous branches of righteousness shall arise.

 

[Jonah2005bt]

I thank the all three of you.

I do thank you all for helping me out with this Chapter. And I will do more reading on what you said.
And I understand what you are saying, Chad. I too, a burning love for GOD, and a zest for HIS rules & regulations & hate sin. I also believe that Christ Jesus is our Mediator, who shows us the way to GOD. But non-the-les I still hope to become righteous as GOD is righteous & do away with my 'dirty rags' -1 Peter 1:15- -1 Thessalonians 4:7- -Matthew 5:48-
And though I want to 'yield obedience to all God's commands,' I still find myself stumbling & falling at times through my own bad habits. And as far as the live coal goes, you are saying it could mean that what ever sin that I may stumble on or made to do against my will, will be forgiven through the atonement of Christ Jesus, His death on the Cross that He died for {our} my sins. Right? You also explained: "Many hear the sound of God's word, but do not feel the power of it. God sometimes, in righteous judgment, gives men up to blindness of mind, because they will not receive the truth in the love of it." Do you think that could be my husband's case?
And once again, thank you all for helping me to understand this Chapter. *genesis!

 

[Coconut]

Jonah, there was an excellent study in the Bible Study thread (I think its gone now, but would have to check with Chad) on how to read the Bible.
The gist of it is always ask the five "W`s" - Who, what, when, where, and why, is the author speaking to.

With that being said, I want to quickly respond to a few of your questions...

I looked at this Scripture as though the Scripture were talking to me. Is that o.k. to do?

Apply the five "W`s"...and you will find no the author is not talking to you, and no it is not ok to do.

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

This passage tells us how we apply the Word to our lives, but you cant make a scripture talk directly to you when it is not...otherwise there would be men still convinced they must build arks

When I talk to my husband about GOD'S Rules & Regulations he doesn't understand me & tries to turn the Scriptures around. My husband also says that he does not believe in the Bible.

From what you are saying, the Bible does not apply to your husband, because he is yet an unbeliever. The Bible is a guide for christians. Preaching to him out of it (other than the gospel message) is like blowing into the wind.

And what do you think that GOD is saying to me here?: 10 Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed."

God is not saying anything to you there. Who is the author talking about?
Read it in context to find the answer.
As I said, if your husband is not a believer, your one sole job is to pray for him, and be an example to him in word and deed. You cant make a man come to God by demanding they obey His laws.
God said no man can come to him except God himself draws him. You also cant take an unregenerate man (not born again) and convince him the Word of God is truth. The Bible says those who are not born of God, dont understand the things of God.

But, then he starts saying that it's ok to do certain things as long as we do these things with true love in our hearts, like: certian sexual things, (that I care not to mention)

If this man is your husband, the marriage bed is undefiled, and there are no 'certain sexual things' that are wrong between a husband and wife (if just between the two of you is what you are referring to)

"Many hear the sound of God's word, but do not feel the power of it. God sometimes, in righteous judgment, gives men up to blindness of mind, because they will not receive the truth in the love of it." Do you think that could be my husband's case?

Again, God has to draw your husband to Himself ... you, nor any of us has the right to assume God has given up on your husband...keep praying for him.
2Pe 3:15


These are just quick thoughts....hope it helps clear up some of your confusion.

 

[Jonah2005bt]

Dear Coconut,

Dear Coconut, thank you for your concern & for your reply. And I will check out that Bible Study on how to read the Bible. But I must disagree with you, I do believe that GOD will use certain Bible scriptures to get our attention or to give us advice. Especially when it is an answer to a prayer. I don't think that the Scripture was meant only for me, alone, by all means. And I don't think that there would be people still building arks. God does talk to us through the Bible in many ways, not just to teach, but to also answer our prayers. I know, because HE has answered my prayers many times this way. As long as what I am asking HIM is in line according to what HE approves of {HIS Will}. For I believe that not only is GOD talking to us through the Scriptures but is also teaching us.
I love GOD with all my heart, soul & mind. So much that some may think it insane or fanatical. But, I don't care. I see GOD as a Powerful, Stern, Caring, Loving GOD, who also has feelings of pleasure & grief. Here are some Scriptures to back that up. {Genesis 6:6, Deuteronomy 5:29, Ezekiel 33:11, Ezekiel 18:23, Ezekiel 18:32, Isaiah 55:6-7}
And as far as my husband goes, I do not demand him to serve GOD. But I do not like it when my husband tries to cause me to live the way (my husband) wants me to live, if it is not according to the way GOD wants us to live. But, thanks for the advice, I do appreciate it, and I will consider what you said.

 

[Coconut]

Jonah I neglected to touch on that point, sorry about that. Certainly, God speaks to us thru scripture, that is very true. I meant that scripture passage does not apply to you in a literal sense. (as SLE explained)
The Bible tells us that the OT was a school master to bring us to Christ (into His NT)
God bless you

 

[Chad]

The Word of GOD has spoken directly to me numerous times. That is one of the things that makes the Word of GOD LIVING. Jesus Christ = Word of GOD. That is one example (of infinite others) that shows you the awesome power of GOD. He spoke through Scripture to me ample times, its mind blowing.

Scripture if our Holy "Book of Life", therefore like a guideline for our lives. Its all about Jesus Christ = Word of GOD (Living).

GOD has placed verses here in there on my heart, went to them and they spoke directly to me. Mind blowing, but GOD is Almighty powerful

 

[Jonah2005bt]

I thank you Coconut & Chad, for the help you both have shown me through your postings. And as far as GOD speaking to us through the scriptures -or- through others, is an 'Mind Blowing' an awesome feeling indeed! And like you said, it's what shows us, that GOD'S Word is alive = meaning, Jesus Christ. In other words, is it Jesus Christ who is speaking to us? Since He is The Word of The Living GOD {The Almighty}?
Thank you for sharing this with me - you have brought happiness to my heart. For I will be thinking about that to night, adding it to my prayers with joy. It's so wonderful knowing that The Almighty GOD is there & Jesus Christ, too.