Come Bible Study with Me (Isaiah 6)

Welcome back to the Bible study blog! We made it through the first 5 chapters of Isaiah. We are now in chapter 6, one of my favorites. Although chapters 1-5 came before this one, chapter 6 is actually noted as the beginning of Isaiah's journey, his call by the LORD. 

We will summarize this chapter using a new strategy, asking questions. As in any other text we might read, some of our answers to our questions can be directly answered from the text. Others, we would need to make some inferences based on the clues provided, our background knowledge, and the background knowledge of the chapter/verse we are reading. 

This literacy strategy is the most common one used while reading. You would just ask questions (or write them down) as you are reading, anything that would help you better grasp the understanding of the scripture. 

Let's begin! Here are my list of questions and answers as I read through the chapter:

Why is Isaiah 6 not chapter 1?
The commentary that I checked shares that it's probably because Isaiah wanted to show the depravity of Israel before explaining his calling to prophecy to them. It also states that Isaiah 6 is not the beginning of his ministry, but a new assignment. This may have been near the beginning of his ministry. 

What's happening in verses 1-5?
Isaiah is answering God's call. He sees a vision of the LORD sitting high on a great throne with seraphim flying in His presence and cry, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of hosts. This takes place while he is in the temple. Isaiah responds with humility and honor, "Woe is me." He recognizes himself as a sinner before the Holy God. 

What is the meaning of the seraphim touching his mouth with the burning coal? 
The meaning of this was stated in the text. It represented the LORD's atonement for Isaiah. His guilt was taken away and God had equipped him to speak his holy messages to the people of Israel and their leaders.

How does Isaiah respond to God's commission? 
Isaiah tells God, "Here I am. Send me." This represented complete surrender without hesitation. He never shrank back, even when the LORD shared that the majority wouldn't change. He was going to pronounce God's righteous judgment. Isaiah only asked God clarifying questions about His instructions, "How long should I prophesy to them?"

What stood out the most?
The thing that stood out to me the most was Isaiah's heart for the LORD. He recognized the greatness of our LORD. He didn't have a prideful heart about being given such an honor to see HIM on HIS throne. NO, his heart was a heart of humility, and God knew He could trust him. 

What's the theme of this chapter?
The theme is "No matter how difficult the call, obedience to God is the best choice."

How does this apply to my own life? 
I should respond to God with a heart of surrender, knowing that (like Isaiah) everything that I am is because of Him. 

So, what did you think about the "Questioning Strategy?" I enjoy asking questions while I read. It's simple and impacts my Bible study each time. What were your questions from chapter 6? 


Thank you for stopping by the blog! 

Be Blessed & Keep Studying with "HOPE in CHRIST"
Denise M. Walker
Founder of Hope-in-Christ Ministries