More footnotes in Isaiah than any other book of scripture.
This chapter is Isaiah’s call to the
ministry. It reminds us of other calls to the ministry including: Moses in
Moses 1; Amos in Amos 7:1-9; Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1; John in Revelation 1:10-19,
Lehi in 1 Nephi 1:6-11, and Joseph Smith
in JSH, D&C 76,110. It is interesting that both Isaiah and Joseph Smith did
not begin their histories with the beginning of their calls by the Lord.
Vs. 1 - King
Uzziah died in 740 BC after a 52 yr. reign which began when he was 16. He was
fairly righteous, but got leprosy when he burned incense in the temple w/out
the priesthood.
cross reference
with Revelation 4:2-11-John's vision of heaven
Train=Hems
or skirts
Vs. 2 - Seraphim
is the plural of seraph which comes from the Hebrew “sarap” which means to
burn. They are attendants in Jehovah’s court, the ministers of the heavenly
sanctuary, joining in adoration before the throne. They appear similar to those
seen by John in Rev. 4:8 and Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1:9-11. D&C 77:4 seems to
indicate that the wings are not literal but are a representation of their ability to move, to act, etc.
The seraphim
may have covered their faces to protect themselves from the glory of God.
Vs. 3 - Holy,
holy, holy are only used in reference to God. He is the holiest of holies.
Vs. 4 - That there is a door into the presence of God
is often mentioned in scripture. (John 10; 2 Nephi 9:41; Isaiah 22:22.
The presence
of smoke was symbolic of the presence and glory of God (See Ex. 19:18; Rev.
15:8.) Prayer also represents prayer ascending into heaven, especially when it
comes from the altar of incense. See also TPJS p. 367 where the Prophet talks
about God living in everlasting burnings.
Vs. 5 - Prophets
never seem to feel prepared or worthy of their callings. (See Moses 6:31;
Spencer W. Kimball). The KJV word translated "undone" is better
translated from Hebrew as "cut off" or "destroyed"
Isaiah was
not only aware of his own imperfections, but also of his environment being a
bad influence upon him. (He may have been watching some PG-13 movies and heard
language he didn't want to hear.)
Vs. 6 - The
burning coal from the altar of sacrifice outside the temple or the altar of
incense inside the temple represents the Holy Ghost who is able to purify us
because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Vs. 7 - Isaiah is
now able to use his cleaned mouth and lips to share his testimony of the
Savior. All of us need that cleansing power so we can serve the Lord.
Vs. 8 - As Isaiah
accepts the call to serve, he becomes a type of the Savior and a fellow citizen
with other prophets. (See Abraham 3:27; Gen. 22:1; Exodus 3:4; I Samuel 3:4-8). Who will go for US?
Vs. 9 - The Lord
made reference to this passage when he was asked why he taught in Parables in
Matt. 13:10-17. See also JST Matt. 13:12. Also Luke 8:10.
"Ye
certainly hear, but do not understand, ye certainly see, but do not
acknowledge. Seeing this is the case, make the heart of this people fat-declare
it to be stupid and senseless, and remove from them the means of salvation,
which they have so long abused." (Adam Clarke, The Holy Bible with a
Commentary and Critical Notes 4:50)
Vs. 10 - Heart of
the people fat. Matt: 13:15 calls their hearts gross. It refers to hard hearted
or insensitive. (This verse is a chiasm-Ogden)
Heavy ears
are those that will not hear and therefore will not understand. See Acts 28:27
Vs. 11- How long
will it be until people will all repent and the Lord answers that the problem
will continue as long as the earth is in its current status. This same period
of time represents how long Isaiah's words will have relevance.
Vs. 12 - refers to
deporting people to other lands as was the custom of the Assyrians and the
Babylonians.
Vs. 13 - 1/10
refers to the Lord’s portion or to a small portion who will return.
This verse
records the prophecy that the house of Israel would survive the coming
devastation as does a tree that is stripped of its leaves in winter but still
remains alive. (OTSM p. 144). Once again the word of the Lord ends with a
promise of the ultimate triumph of God and His people!
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WHO?
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WHERE?
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HOW?
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ISAIAH
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Isaiah
6:1-2
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Sitting
upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
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AMOS
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Amos 9:1
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Standing
upon the altar.
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JOSEPH
& OLIVER
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D&C
110:2
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He stood
upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us, and under his feed was a paved
work of pure gold, in color like amber.
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MOSES,
AARON & 70 ELDERS
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Exodus 24:9-11
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There was
under his feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone and as it were the
body of heaven in His cleanness.
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JOSEPH
SMITH
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JSH 1:17
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I saw 2
personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above
me in the air.
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STEPHEN
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Acts
7:55-6
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...and
saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said,
Behold, I see the heavens opened...
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JOSEPH &
SIDNEY
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D&C
76:20-23
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We beheld
the glory of the Son, on the right hand of the Father...
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MOSES
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Moses
1:31
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The glory
of the Lord was upon Moses, so that Moses stood in the presence of God and
talked with him face to face.
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JARED'S
BRO.
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Ether
3:13 & 16
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The Lord
showed himself unto him...This body which ye now behold, is the body of my
spirit.
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ABRAHAM
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GEN. 12:7,12
ABR. 2:6
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The Lord
appeared unto me...now after the Lord had withdrawn from speaking to me, and
withdrawn His face from me,
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ENOCH
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D&C
107:49
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He saw
the Lord, and he walked with Him and was before His face continually.
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JACOB
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GEN.
32:30
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Called
the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face...
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EZEKIEL
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EZEK.
1:26
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As the
appearance of a man above upon it.
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MORMON
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Mormon 1:15
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Visited of the Lord
and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus.
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