Isaiah 6:4

And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

And the posts {H520} of the door {H5592} moved {H5128} at the voice {H6963} of him that cried {H7121}, and the house {H1004} was filled {H4390} with smoke {H6227}.

The doorposts shook at the sound of their shouting, and the house was filled with smoke.

At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.

And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

Isaiah 6:4 KJV Commentary

Context

Isaiah 6:4 is a pivotal verse within the prophet Isaiah’s profound vision of God’s throne room, which serves as his commissioning narrative. This powerful encounter, detailed in Isaiah chapter 6, takes place "in the year that King Uzziah died." This historical marker suggests a time of national instability and spiritual need, setting the stage for Isaiah's call. Following the seraphim's declaration of God's absolute holiness in Isaiah 6:3 ("Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory"), verse 4 vividly describes the physical manifestation of this divine glory and power within the Temple.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Overwhelming Majesty of God: The movement of the "posts of the door" and the filling of the "house" with smoke are tangible signs of God's immense power and presence. This is not merely a spiritual sensation but a physical, awe-inspiring demonstration that underscores the Creator's sovereignty over all creation. It evokes a profound sense of the almighty nature of the Lord.
  • Divine Authority and Holiness: The shaking of the Temple's foundations at the sound of the seraphim's voice emphasizes that God's word and presence carry ultimate authority. The "smoke" is a classic biblical symbol of God’s glory, often accompanying divine appearances (as seen on Mount Sinai) and signifying His unapproachable holiness and purity.
  • Preparation for Prophetic Encounter: This dramatic display serves to humble and prepare Isaiah for his prophetic commission. The raw power and holiness he witnesses lead directly to his confession of unworthiness in Isaiah 6:5, a necessary step before he can accept God's call.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "posts of the door" refers to the thresholds or foundations of the Temple entrance. The Hebrew word for "posts" (סִפִּים - sippim) denotes the sills or bases, suggesting that even the very foundations of the sacred structure were moved by the divine proclamation. The "voice of him that cried" points to the seraphim's thunderous declaration. The "smoke" (עָשָׁן - ashan) is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, representing the cloud of God's glory and presence, often associated with a consuming fire and divine judgment or purification.

Practical Application

Isaiah 6:4 reminds us that God is infinitely greater and more powerful than we can comprehend. This vision encourages believers to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His supreme holiness. Just as Isaiah was confronted with God's majesty before receiving his call, we too are called to acknowledge God's overwhelming presence in our lives. This perspective helps us to understand the seriousness of His commands and the depth of His love, fostering a deeper sense of worship and obedience. It challenges us to reflect on how we respond to the holiness of God in our daily walk.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 15:8

    And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

  • Ezekiel 10:5

    And the sound of the cherubims' wings was heard [even] to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh.

  • Exodus 40:34

    ¶ Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

  • Revelation 11:19

    And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

  • 2 Chronicles 5:13

    It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers [were] as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: that [then] the house was filled with a cloud, [even] the house of the LORD;

  • 2 Chronicles 6:1

    ¶ Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

  • 1 Kings 8:10

    And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy [place], that the cloud filled the house of the LORD,

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