Isaiah 6:8

Commentary on Isaiah 6:8 (NKJV) 

Isaiah 6:8 (NKJV): “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.'” 

Context and Background 

Isaiah 6 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Isaiah, detailing the prophet’s vision of God’s holiness and his subsequent commissioning. This chapter underscores the themes of God’s sovereignty, holiness, and the call to service. 

Theological Insights 

1. God’s Sovereignty and Holiness: 

• Isaiah’s vision begins with a majestic depiction of the Lord seated on a throne, high and lifted up, with the train of His robe filling the temple (Isaiah 6:1). This imagery highlights God’s supreme authority and holiness. 

• The seraphim’s proclamation, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:3), emphasises God’s absolute purity and separateness from sin. 

2. Human Sinfulness and Need for Cleansing: 

• Isaiah’s immediate reaction to the vision is one of profound awareness of his own sinfulness: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5). This reflects the doctrine of total depravity, recognising humanity’s inherent sinfulness and need for divine grace. 

• The act of the seraphim touching Isaiah’s lips with a live coal from the altar (Isaiah 6:6–7) symbolises purification and atonement, pointing to the necessity of cleansing from sin to stand in God’s presence. 

3. The Call to Service: 

• In Isaiah 6:8, God poses a question: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” This divine inquiry signifies God’s initiative in calling individuals to His service. 

• Isaiah’s response, “Here am I! Send me,” demonstrates a willing and obedient heart, ready to serve God’s purposes. This mirrors the emphasis on the believer’s response to God’s call, motivated by gratitude for God’s grace. 

Application to Modern Christian Living 

1. Recognising God’s Holiness: 

• Modern Christians are called to acknowledge and revere God’s holiness, understanding that He is wholly other and worthy of worship. This recognition should lead to a life of reverence and awe. 

2. Awareness of Sin and Need for Grace: 

• Believers must maintain an awareness of their own sinfulness and the continuous need for God’s cleansing grace. This humility fosters a dependence on God’s mercy and a commitment to personal holiness. 

3. Responding to God’s Call: 

• Isaiah’s willingness to be sent by God serves as a model for Christians today. Believers are encouraged to be attentive to God’s call in their lives and to respond with readiness and obedience, whether in ministry, mission, or daily acts of service. 

Bibliography 

1. The Holy Bible, New King James Version. 

2. Calvin, John. Commentary on Isaiah. 

3. Sproul, R.C. The Holiness of God. 

4. Piper, John. Desiring God. 

5. Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 

These sources provide a comprehensive understanding of the theological themes and practical applications of Isaiah 6:8.