July 9: Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-8)

To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:

Have your group read Isaiah 6:1-8. Before moving to the discussion questions below, share the following background information from the Standard Lesson Commentary (SLC):

The “year that King Uzziah died” (verse 1) was 740 BC. Uzziah had been one of Judah’s more godly kings. But he did not finish well because at one point he defiantly entered the temple to offer incense, an act reserved only for the priests. When he reacted angrily to the priests who confronted him, he was immediately stricken with leprosy and had to be quarantined for the remainder of his life (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

Some individuals in the Old Testament are privileged to see the Lord or a limited revelation of his glory. The Lord himself determines to what extent and by what means he allows himself to be experienced by humans. Isaiah’s experience of the Lord is likely by means of a vision since the word saw is used.

The manner in which Isaiah sees the Lord is similar to John’s description of one who is “sitting on” a throne (Revelation 4:2). It is difficult to say whether the temple Isaiah sees is the earthly temple of Solomon in Jerusalem or the heavenly temple. Clearly John’s vision in Revelation is one of Heaven (Revelation 4:1, 2). In Isaiah’s case, one should keep in mind how King Uzziah had violated the sanctity of the Jerusalem temple by offering incense when he was unauthorized to do so. Perhaps Isaiah’s vision is of this earthly temple in order to show him (and in turn, the nation of Judah) that the Lord has not departed from the temple.

1. Deaths of national leaders are accompanied by varying degrees of uncertainty about the future. What effect would Isaiah’s vision have amid these circumstances?

As the SLC notes, such concerns are unnecessary regarding Judah’s future. Judah’s ultimate king is still in control, as Isaiah declares in verse 1.

2. Read the Scripture passage again aloud, one verse at a time, and discuss this question: Which of Isaiah’s five senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste) do you think were involved in each verse?

Regarding verse 7, the SLC observes that we do not know if Isaiah feels any sting or pain from the red-hot coal that is touched to his lips. If so, it must be temporary, as the words “your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for” speak not of judgment, but of forgiveness.

3. In a nutshell, how does Isaiah perceive the Lord in verses 1-4?
4. How does Isaiah perceive himself in verses 5-8?
5. How was Isaiah’s attitude and self-understanding able to transition like it did from verse 5 to verse 8?
6. Name a person you know who, like Isaiah, eagerly responded to God’s call.

To encourage personal application:

Consider dividing into groups of three or four persons for this time of sharing and prayer.

1. Share about a time when you especially sensed God’s presence. Did that include, as in Isaiah’s case, an awareness of your sinfulness?
2. Do you think believers today are as aware of their sinfulness as they should be? Explain.
3. What does God need to remove from your life or change in your life for you to more eagerly follow him and pursue his calling?
4. Pray for each other according to what was shared.