February, 2, Isaiah. Chapter 6

Transcription

1 February, 2, 2019 Isaiah Chapter 6!1

2 Introduction Isaiah has been called the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, the king of all prophets. His name signifies Jehovah is salvation. Nothing is known of his father beyond the mere fact of his name, Amoz. Isaiah lived in Jerusalem, and it is concluded that he sprang from a family of some rank, as he seems to have had easy access to the king (Isaiah 7), and was on terms of intimacy with the priest (Isa.8:2). He had two sons. Isa. 7:3; 8:3. (M. L. Andreasen) Isaiah was of the royal line (PK 305.2) It was the perversity of his people that brought to the Lord s servant the greatest perplexity and the deepest depression. (PK 305.3) The reign of Uzziah was drawing to a close, and Jotham was already bearing many of the burdens of state, when Isaiah, of the royal line, was called, while yet a young man, to the prophetic mission. (PK 305.2)!2

3 Elijah, the greatest prophet since the days of Moses (PK 224.1) John was the greatest prophet born of women. (RH January 18, 1898, par. 3) Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28 John the Baptist Exodus 33:11 Moses Malachi 4:5 Elijah Isaiah 6:1 Isaiah!3

4 Various authorities state that Isaiah began to prophecy between the years BC. As his active labors continued more than sixty years, he must have died some time after 680 BC, during the reign of Manasseh. (See Prophets and Kings, pp. 310, 382.) Tradition records that he was sawn asunder, to which there may be a reference in Hebrews 11:36 38.!4

5 Isaiah 6:1 13!5

6 In the year. This was probably 740/739 BC. The date is obviously an item of importance. In the year that Uzziah concluded his long reign of 52 years the Lord accorded the young man Isaiah a vision confirming his call to the prophetic office and gave him a message of reproof for Israel (PK ; 5T 749, 750).!6

7 The Lord sitting upon a throne. This manifestation of the divine glory took place upon the occasion of one of Isaiah s visits to the sacred precincts of the Temple (PK 307).... God would have him know that in spite of all the might of Assyria, He was still supreme upon His throne and in control of the affairs of earth. Moses was accorded a similar vision of God (Ex. 24:10). More than a century before Isaiah s time the prophet Micaiah saw the Lord seated upon His throne, with the armies of heaven standing by Him (1 Kings 22:19). Earlier during the reign of Uzziah, Amos also saw the Lord standing by the altar in the Temple court (Amos 9:1). Later, during the Babylonian captivity, both Daniel (Dan. 7:9) and Ezekiel (Eze. 1:1; 10:1 5) saw visions of the Lord upon His throne, as did John on the Isle of Patmos (Rev. 4:1 6).!7

8 His train filled the temple. At the time he was accorded this vision Isaiah stood in the Temple court praying (PK 307). Before him the doors of the Temple appeared to open, and in the most holy place he saw God Himself seated upon His throne.... The train is the garment of God s infinite glory. John (ch. 12:41) applies this vision to Christ.!8

9 The seraphims. Heb. śeraphim, literally, burning [ones], or shining [ones].!9

10 The vision given to Isaiah represents the condition of God s people in the last days. (RH December 22, 1896, par. 12)!10

11 ISAIAH 5!11

12 The vineyard the house of Israel I will take away the hedge, break down the wall, lay the vineyard waste and not prune it and it shall have briars and thorns, no rain Three woes They have cast away the law of the Lord and despised the word of the Holy One!12

13 In the previous chapter Isaiah had pronounced a woe upon the people who had separated themselves from God: Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope. Men may seek to strengthen their forces by confederating together, making, as they suppose, strong societies to carry out the plans they have formed.... but the One mighty in counsel does not plan with them....they say: Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it! (RH, )!13

14 But God says: Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him. (RH December 22, 1896, par. 5)!14

15 The class here represented, in order to exalt their own opinions, employ a reasoning which is not authorized by the word of God. They walk in the sparks of their own kindling. By their specious reasoning, they confuse the distinction that God desires to have drawn between good and evil. The sacred is brought down on a level with common things.... Their rising up in independence and rebellion, their revenge and stubbornness, in their eyes are proofs of dignity, evidences of a noble mind. (Ibid.)!15

16 They act as though ignorance of divine things were not dangerous and even fatal to the soul; and they prefer their own reasoning to divine revelation, their own plans and human wisdom to the admonitions and commands of God. The piety and conscientiousness of others are called, fanaticism, and those who practice truth and holiness are watched and criticized. They deride those who teach and believe the mystery of godliness, Christ in you the hope of glory. The principles underlying these things are not discerned by them; and they go on in wrongdoing, leaving the bars open for Satan to find ready access to the soul. (RH December 22, 1896, par. 6)!16

17 Harsh and unkind words, words of censure and criticism of God s work and his messengers, are indulged in by those who profess to be his children. When these careless souls discern the greatness of God s character, they will not mingle their spirit and attributes with his service. When our eyes look by faith into the sanctuary, and take in the reality, the importance and holiness, of the work there being done, everything of a selfish nature will be abhorred by us. Sin will appear as it is, the transgression of God s holy law. (RH December 22, 1896, par. 10)!17

18 The vision given to Isaiah represents the condition of God s people in the last days. They are privileged to see by faith the work that is going forward in the heavenly sanctuary. And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament. As they look by faith into the holy of holies, and see the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, they perceive that they are a people of unclean lips, a people whose lips have often spoken vanity, and whose talents have not been sanctified and employed to the glory of God. (Ibid.)!18

19 Well may they despair as they contrast their own weakness and unworthiness with the purity and loveliness of the glorious character of Christ. But if they, like Isaiah, will receive the impression the Lord designs shall be made upon the heart, if they will humble their souls before God, there is hope for them. The bow of promise is above the throne, and the work done for Isaiah will be performed in them. God will respond to the petitions coming from the contrite heart. (RH December 22, 1896, par. 12)!19

20 The object of this great and solemn work of God is to gather together the sheaves for the heavenly garner; for the earth is to be filled with the glory of the Lord. Then let none be dismayed as they see the prevailing wickedness and hear the language coming from unclean lips. When the powers of darkness set themselves in array against the people of God; when Satan shall muster his forces for the last great conflict, and his power seems to be great and almost overwhelming, the clear view of the divine glory, the throne high and lifted up, arched with the bow of promise, will give comfort, assurance, and peace. (RH December 22, 1896, par. 13)!20

21 1. During the reign of what four kings did Isaiah prophecy? With whom do the visions especially deal? Isa. 1: 1. NOTE. The chronology of the time of Isaiah is indicated by them reign of these kings. Uzziah, also called Azariah (2 Kings 14:21), who reigned fifty-two years (2 Chron. 26: 3), died about the year 740 B. C. His son, Jotham, was associated with him on the throne after Uzziah was stricken with leprosy (2 Chron. 26:21), and reigned sixteen years. Jotham was followed by Aliaz, who is also said to have reigned sixteen years. 2 Chron. 28: 1. He again was followed by Hezekiah, who reigned twenty-nine years. 2 Chron. 29: 1. Manasseh, who followed Hezekiah, began to reign early in the seventh century, about 699 B. C., and reigned fifty-five years. 2 Chron. 33: 1.!21

22 2. What is said of Uzziah s relation to God in the beginning of his reign? How long was he prospered? 2 Chron. 26:3 5, 15. NOTE. The long reign of Uzziah in the land of Judah and Benjamin was characterized by a prosperity greater than that of any other ruler since the death of Solomon, nearly two centuries before. For many years the king ruled with discretion. Under the blessing of Heaven, his armies regained some of the territory that had been lost in former years. Cities were rebuilt and fortified, and the position of the nation among the surrounding peoples was greatly strengthened.... This outward prosperity, however, was not accompanied by a corresponding revival of spiritual power. The temple services were continued as in former years, and multitudes assembled to worship the living God; but pride and formality gradually took the place of humility and sincerity. Prophets and Kings, pp. 303, 304.!22

23 3. What caused Uzziah s downfall? Relate the story of his transgression, and the result. Verses NOTE. His heart was lifted up. (Compare Eze. 28:17.) The sin that resulted so disastrously to Uzziah was one of presumption. Neither his exalted position nor his long life of service could be pleaded as an excuse for the presumptuous sin by which he marred the closing years of his reign, and brought upon himself the judgment of Heaven.!23

24 4. What is said of the son of Uzziah? What did he fail to remove? What did the people continue to do? 2 Kings 15: NOTE. The judgment that befell Uzziah seemed to have a restraining influence on his son. Jotham bore heavy responsibilities during the later years of his father's reign, and succeeded to the throne after Uzziah s death The high places here mentioned in which the people continued to worship were altars for idolatrous worship. (See 2 Kings 17 32, 33.) In trying to serve Jehovah and other gods at the same time, the Israelites were not unlike many professed Christians to-day. But God calls this doing corruptly. 2 Chron. 27:2.!24

25 5. When God called to repentance and weeping, how did the people respond? Isa. 22: In the year that King Uzziah died, what vision came to Isaiah? Where was the Lord? Isa. 6:1.!25

26 7. What description is given of the seraphim? Where did they stand? Verse 2. NOTE. The seraphim are an exalted order of angels that stand above or around the throne. The cherubim are another order, mentioned in Ezekiel, chapters 1 and 10. Suddenly the gate and the inner veil of the temple seemed to be uplifted or withdrawn, and he [Isaiah] was permitted to gaze within, upon the holy of holies, where even the prophet's feet might not enter. There rose up before him a vision of Jehovah sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, while the train of His glory filled the temple. On each side of the throne hovered the seraphim, their faces veiled in adoration, as they ministered before their Maker, and united in the solemn invocation, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory, until post and pillar and cedar gate seemed shaken with the sound, and the house was filled with their tribute of praise. Prophets and Kings, p. 307.!26

27 8. What was their constant refrain? Verse 3. (Compare with Rev. 4:8.) 9. How did the tribute of praise affect the very building? With what was the house filled? Isa. 6: 4. Compare with the experience on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2: How did this view of God s holiness and glory affect the prophet? Isa. 6: When the prophet realized and cried out that he was undone, how was help provided? Verse 6.!27

28 12. Where was the coal applied? What was said? Verse 7. NOTE. What was the significance of having a live coal touch the lips? James 3:2. It is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaketh. Matt. 12:34. It might be well to ask the Lord each day, Lord, consecrate these, my lips, this day to Thee.!28

29 13. To what call was Isaiah now ready to respond? Verse To whom was Isaiah sent? Would the people understand his message? Why not? Verses 9, 10. NOTE. It is not God that blinds the eyes of men or hardens their hearts. He sends them light to correct their errors, and to lead them in safe paths; it is by the rejection of this light that the eyes are blinded and the heart hardened. The Desire of Ages, p. 322.!29

30 15. As the prophet asks, How long? what answer is given? Verses 11, 12. NOTE. The evils that had been multiplying for many generations could not be removed in his day. Throughout his lifetime he must be a patient, courageous teacher, a prophet of hope as well as of doom. The divine purpose finally accomplished, the full fruitage of his efforts, and of the labors of all God s faithful messengers, would appear. A remnant should be saved. Prophets and Kings, p. 309.!30

31 16. What hope is given the prophet? Verse 13. NOTE. The Promised Land was not to remain wholly forsaken forever.... This assurance [verse 13] of the final fulfillment of God s purpose brought courage to the heart of Isaiah. Id., pp. 309, 310. The last of the ten tribes were taken captive in 721 B. C., not many years after this vision. Jerusalem was taken more than a hundred years later.!31