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Isaiah 6:1-13
(Isaiah 6:1-8)
With thanks to page sponsor:
Richard Burgess,
in memory of his brother, Robert.

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Hebrew Interlinear Bible, WLCv, WLC5, CHES, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Hebrew text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary, exposition and sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • Chapter XXXIV of The First Epistle to the Corinthians, Clement of Rome (ca. 96).
  • Chapter LXXV, Dialogue With Trypho, Justin Martyr. (c 160)
  • IV.XX.8, IV.XXIX.1, IV.XXXIII.11, V.XXXIV.2, V.XXXV.1, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter III, On Prayer,  Tertullian (c. 199)
  • III.VI, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 209)
  • IV.19, IV.31, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 210)
  • Chapter XXXII, On the Resurrection of the Flesh,  Tertullian (c. 211)
  • V.11, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 212)
  • Chapter VI, On Fasting, Tertullian (c. 217)
  • I.III.4, First Principles (De Principiis), Origen. (c.225)
  • II.23, Commentary on the Gospel of John, Origen. (c.228)
  • IV.26, First Principles (De Principiis), Origen / Rufinus (c.230)
  • II.VIII, VI.XVIII, Against Celsus, Origen (c. 246)
  • Rashi's Commentary, c. 1075. chabad.org.
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "God does not show himself to man in his majesty but according as man's capacity to comprehend him, that is, by visible signs as John the Baptist saw the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "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."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "Holy - This is repeated thrice, to intimate the Trinity of persons united in the Divine essence."
  • "The Leafless Tree; Isaiah 6:13," Charles H. Spurgeon, 1857.
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "Isaiah is outside, near the altar in front of the temple. The doors are supposed to open, and the veil hiding the Holy of Holies to be withdrawn, unfolding to his view a vision of God represented as an Eastern monarch, attended by seraphim as His ministers of state (1Ki 22:19), and with a robe and flowing train (a badge of dignity in the East), which filled the temple. This assertion that he had seen God was, according to tradition (not sanctioned by Isa 1:1), the pretext for sawing him asunder in Manasseh's reign (Heb 11:37). Visions often occur in the other prophets: in Isaiah there is only this one, and it is marked by characteristic clearness and simplicity."     
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, Isaiah 6:1-8, Patricia Tull, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2018.
    • "Is faith in God an escape from reality?"
  • Commentary, Isaiah 6:1-8, Patricia Tull, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2015.
    • "Such spilling of divine secrets amounts to a paradoxical intervention, when straightforward communication has failed, an intervention designed to goad listeners into hearing."
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, Scott Hoezee, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, illustration ideas, 2015.
    • "It was the year when things fell apart, when foundations were shaken, when the markets crumbled, when all that had once been familiar now seemed long ago and far away."
  • "Choose Somebody Else!" John C. Holbert, Opening the Old Testament, 2015.
  • "Worship that Sends," Patrick Johnson, Missional Preaching: Equipping for Witness, 2015.
    • "We are sent to join God in mission because we have encountered God, because we have been brought face to face with God's holiness and our brokenness, and because we have been made whole by God's grace."
  • "Jean Vanier,: A Prophet for the 21st Century," Lisa Davison, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2015. Discussion questions included. Video: Jean Vanier Awarded 2015 Templeton Prize.
  • "We Know Who You Are," Story Divine, podcast and video story telling, 2015.
  • "A Copernican Revolution," Commented Bible Passages from Taize, 2009.
  • Disclosing New Worlds, commentary and reflections, Lawrence Moore, 2015.
  • "Majestic and Merciful," Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer.
    • "When we encounter the God who is majestic and merciful, what matters is humility and honesty. When we can have the courage to respond in this way, we find ourselves connected to the source of all life, all love, and all joy. And we find ourselves somehow more connected to ourselves, and to everything and everyone around us."
  • A Vision of a Different God, 5 Minute Bible Podcast, Tim Bulkeley, 2015.
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2015.
  • Commentary, Isaiah 6:1-8, Melinda Quivik, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2012.
    • "The Isaiah reading anchors our vision of the Trinity with Isaiah's, set on the Lord of hosts and the throne of vast and awesome might."
  • "The Year King Uzziah Died!" Peter Lockhart, A Different Heresy, 2012.
    • "As one Biblical commentator put it we might begin to get a sense of the event if we compare it to the assassination of JFK in the USA or maybe the more recent events of 9/11, that terrible day in 2002 when the planes flew into the World Trade Centre."
  • "God's Bathrobe," Michael Coffey, 2012.
  • "The Price of Being Prophetic," Sze-kar Wan, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2012.
    • "The mere presence of God establishes the universality of rights and justice. There is no independent warrant for rights and justice. There can be none."
  • "Like Parent, Like Child," John van de Laar, Sacredise, 2012.
    • "The result of this encounter is dramatic. Isaiah becomes a prophet, sent out to be God's communication in the same mould as the Divine Parent who has sent him."
  • "Experience the Mystery," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2012.
    • "Our spiritual natures demand experiences that are relevant and real. They don’t even have to be rational or traditional."
  • "Healed and Sent," John C. Holbert, Patheos, 2012.
    • "I imagine that if Isaiah had been more keenly aware of what YHWH wanted from him, he might have skipped worship that day..."
  • "Here I Am," Katie Munnik, Presbyterian Record, 2012.
    • "...I can’t help but thinking about this vision in terms of the complexity of God – Father, Son, Spirit. God – Creator, Incarnate, Inspiring."
  • "A Preacher with Unclean Lips," Mike Stavlund, The Hardest Question, 2012.
    • "What solution can we find for our predicament– called to proclaim, but constitutionally unequal to the task?"
  • Commentary, Isaiah 6:1-8, John C. Holbert, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2009.
    • "This text is among the more famous in the Hebrew Bible, serving as a source for the centuries' old shape of worship (Praise, Confession, Forgiveness/Pardon, and Response)."
  • "Under the Folds of the Hem," Rick Morley, 2012.
    • "In this reading, the vision of Isaiah isn't just regal; it's inspiring. Isaiah isn't dumbstruck. He's compelled. He's inwardly moved to do something for God."
  • Radical Gratitude, lectionary-based stewardship, Northwest United Methodist Foundation. (.pdf)
  • Isaiah 6:1-8, Trinity B, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Isaiah 6:1-8, (Trinity, 2009), The Old Testament Readings: Weekly Comments on the Revised Common Lectionary, Howard Wallace Audrey Schindler, Morag Logan, Paul Tonson, Lorraine Parkinson, Theological Hall of the Uniting Church, Melbourne, Australia.
    • "Between the prophet?s vision and sense of unworthiness, and his final gesture of readiness to go forth for God, stands a wondrous act of forgiveness."
  • Isaiah 6:1-8, Studies on Old Testament texts from Series B, Ralph W. Klein, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
  • Lectionary Commentary, Cheryl Kirk-Duggan, The African American Lectionary, 2009.
    • "Volunteerism, an expression of stewardship, is a major theological theme in this text. The majestic nature of the liturgical drama that unfolds invokes a sense of praise and makes clear the sacredness of God, the moment, and the call to serve."
  • "The Vision of the Holy One," Ron Starenko, Holy Trinity, Crossings, 2009.
  • Commentary, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Beth Tanner, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2010.
    • "The call was, as we see from Jeremiah, decided in our very creation. We can resist but will not be whole until we answer God and become what we are created to be and do."
  • "The Call of Isaiah," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Lectionary Resource for Catholics.
    • "We are called to be God's witnesses, by what we see in our world and by what we do in our world. Seeing God's power requires prayer; doing God's will requires honesty and purpose."
  • "Isaiah's Commission," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources.
    • "When the majesty of the living God is 'set forth', there will always be the person who cries, 'Woe to me! I am ruined!' There is no need to tell them they are sinners, for their meeting with 'the Lord Almighty' in the gospel of Christ does all the exposing necessary."
  • Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13), Proper 5C, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13), Commentary, Background, Insights from Literary Structure, Theological Message, Ways to Present the Text. Anna Grant-Henderson, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "A call upon a person's life is often unexpected and can come in many different ways and situations. Sometimes we try to ignore it especially when we see the action required as too difficult, but the spirit of God will keep on reminding and prodding us."
  • Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13), (Epiphany 5C) The Old Testament Readings: Weekly Comments on the Revised Common Lectionary, Theological Hall of the Uniting Church, Melbourne, Australia.
    • "...the prophet?s response to God?s call draws him into a complex web of words of judgment (critique of individuals and society) and words of hope, of standing firm in faith. And the latter will only finally be realised among the valleys of the shadow of death."
  • Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Studies on Old Testament texts from Series C, Ralph W. Klein, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
  • 5 Epiphany, Year C: Isaiah 6:1-13, Biblische Ausbildung, Dr. Stephen L. Cook, Virginia Theological Seminary.
    • "We must learn to understand this judgment as an opportunity to truly know ourselves as sinners. We must accept this judgment, ultimately, as an expression of God's grace."
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion, Isaiah 6:1-8, Wesley White. "A place of conversation regarding Progressive Christianity."
    • "Remember a time your guilt was removed. Apply that to a current guilt. Go ahead."
  • Haftarat Parshat Yitro - Yeshayahu 6:1-13, Menachem Leibtag, Tanach Study Center.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Beale, G.K., "Isaiah 6:9-13: A Retributive Taunt against Idolatry," Vetus Testamentum, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Beuken, Willem A.M., "The Manifestation of Yahweh and the Commission of Isaiah: Isaiah 6 Read against the Background of Isaiah 1," Calvin Theological Journal, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Brownlee, William H., "The Text of Isaiah 6:13 in the Light of DS1a," Vetus Testamentum, 1951.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Burnett, Joel S., "Where Is God? Divine Absence in Israelite Religion," Perspectives in Religious Studies, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Cate, Robert L., "We Need to Be Saved (Isaiah 1:1-2; 5:1-2; 6:1-13)," Review & Expositor, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Day, John, "Echoes of Baal's Seven Thunders and Lightnings in Psalm XXIX and Habakkuk III 9 and the Identity of the Seraphim in Isaiah 6," Vetus Testamentum, 1979.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Ellenwood, Lee K., "Face to Face with the Living God: Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for February," The Living Pulpit, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Eslinger, Lyle, "The Infinite in a Finite Organical Perception," Vetus Testamentum, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Evans, Craig A., "The Function of Isaiah 6:9-10 in Mark and John," Novum Testamentum, 1982.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Evans, Craig A., "Isaiah 6:9-13 in the Context of Isaiah's Theology," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 1986.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Gowan, Donald E., "Expository Article: Isaiah 6:1-8," Interpretation, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Gregory, Bradley, "The postexilic exile in third Isaiah," Journal of Biblical Literature, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Harvey, Barry, "On Seeing: Isaiah 6:1-12," Review & Expositor, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hawkins, Peter S., "Living by the Word: Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29," The Christian Century, 2009.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hill, Robert C., "St John Chrysostom as Biblical Commentator: Six Homilies on Isaiah 6," St. Vladimir's Theological Theological Quarterly, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • "Homiletical Helps," Concordia Journal, 2009. (Section on this text begins on page 423)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • "Homiletical Helps on LW Series C - Old Testament," Concordia Journal, 2004. (Section on this text begins on page 55.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Jodock, Darrell, "Called to Change," The Christian Century, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Joines, Karen Randolph, "Winged Serpents in Isaiah's Inaugural Vision," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1967.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kee, Min Suc, "The Heavenly Council and its Type-scene," Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Key, Andrew F., "The Magical Background of Isaiah 6:9-13," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1967.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Knierim, Rolf, "The Vocation of Isaiah," Vetus Testamentum, 1968.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Landy, Francis, "Vision and Voice in Isaiah," Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Liebreich, Leon J., "The Position of Chapter Six in the Book of Isaiah," Hebrew Union College Annual, 1954.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Love, Julian Price, "The Call of Isaiah: An Exposition of Isaiah 6," Interpretation, 1957.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Manteufel, Thomas, "Homiletical Helps on LW Series C.," Concordia Journal, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Milgrom, Jacob, "Did Isaiah Prophesy during the Reign of Uzziah?" Vetus Testamentum, 1964.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Provençal, Philippe, "Regarding SRP in the Hebrew Bible," Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Seitz, Christopher R., "A Mid-Inauguration? A Meditation on Isaiah 6," Calvin Theological Journal, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Steinmetz, David C., "John Calvin on Isaiah 6: A Problem in the History of Exegesis," Interpretation, 1982.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Yaqob, Olga, MVM, "The Face of God in Suffering: Iraq," Theology Today, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Sermons:
  • "An Awesome Holiness," Pastor Edward F. Marquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
• With Children:
  • Worshiping with Children, Trinity Sunday, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2015. 2012.
  • "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," May 31 2015, Union Presbyterian Seminary. 2012.
  • "Flaming Creatures with Six Wings Each Flew Over Him," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "Sanctified Lips," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
• Drama:
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, Isaiah 6:1, Isaiah 6:1, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • Isaiah 6:1-3, Heartlight - Free Christian PowerPoint Backgrounds.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Isaiah 6:3, 4, 5, 6, 8, . The Cyber Hymnal.
  • Hymn Selections, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
  • At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):
    • Day Is Dying in the West
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • Isaiah
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Isaiah

• INDEX BY SCRIPTURE
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• NARRATIVE LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• DAILY LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS (includes Creation)
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF VIOLENCE
• PEACE RESOURCES
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER

• Year C
• Maundy Thurs Apr 14
• Good Friday Apr 15
• Easter Day Apr 17
• Easter 2 Apr 24
• Easter 3 May 1
• Easter 4 May 8
• Easter 5 May 15
• Easter 6 May 22
• Ascension May 26
• Easter 7 May 29
• Pentecost June 5
  

• Calendars
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• YEAR B
• YEAR C

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