Isaiah 6:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 6:4 vividly describes a profound, physical manifestation of God's overwhelming power and holiness within the Temple during the prophet Isaiah's commissioning vision. As the seraphim declare the Lord's absolute sanctity, the very foundations of the Temple entrance tremble, and the sacred space is enveloped in a thick cloud of smoke, signifying the tangible, awe-inspiring presence of the Almighty God. This dramatic display serves to underscore the unapproachable majesty of Yahweh, preparing Isaiah for his divine encounter and prophetic call.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 6:4 is an integral part of Isaiah's foundational commissioning vision, immediately following the seraphim's thrice-repeated declaration of God's holiness in [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - Seraphim's Declaration of Holiness"). The preceding verses set the scene in the Temple, describing God enthroned, attended by seraphim. This verse marks a climactic moment in the vision, where the auditory impact of the seraphim's voice translates into a physical, awe-inspiring phenomenon. It directly precedes Isaiah's profound confession of unworthiness in [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Confession of Unworthiness"), demonstrating the immediate and powerful effect of God's manifest presence on the prophet. The entire chapter functions as the divine mandate for Isaiah's prophetic ministry, grounding his future messages in a direct encounter with the transcendent God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision unfolds "in the year that King Uzziah died" ([Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1 - The Vision in the Year King Uzziah Died")), a specific historical marker indicating a period of potential instability and transition for Judah. Uzziah had reigned for 52 years, bringing a period of prosperity and military strength, but his reign ended with him afflicted by leprosy due to his unlawful attempt to burn incense in the Temple ([2_chronicles/26-16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16-21 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Transgression and Leprosy")). This context suggests a nation that had perhaps grown complacent or spiritually adrift, making the vision of God's unblemished holiness all the more potent. The Temple, as the center of Israelite worship and the perceived dwelling place of God, was the natural setting for such a divine revelation, emphasizing God's sovereignty over the very institutions of Judah. The imagery of smoke and shaking foundations would have resonated deeply with Israelite understanding of divine manifestations, echoing events like God's descent on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - God's Descent on Sinai")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **transcendent holiness and majesty of God**, a central tenet of Isaiah's theology, demonstrating that God's presence is not merely spiritual but can have tangible, overwhelming effects on the physical world. Secondly, it highlights **divine authority and power**, as the very structure of the Temple responds to the "voice of him that cried," emphasizing that God's word carries ultimate weight and consequence. Thirdly, the imagery of smoke serves as a powerful symbol of **divine presence and glory**, often associated with both revelation and judgment, reminding the prophet and the audience of God's unapproachable purity and consuming nature ([Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God is a Consuming Fire")). Finally, the awe-inspiring nature of this event is crucial for **Isaiah's prophetic commissioning**, as it serves to humble him and prepare him for the difficult task of speaking God's word to a rebellious nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **posts (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** This word (H520) refers to the door-base or threshold, specifically the lower part of the door frame. Its movement signifies that the very foundations or entry points of the sacred structure were physically affected by the divine presence and voice. This term can also mean "cubit," suggesting a foundational unit of measure, reinforcing the idea of a fundamental, structural disturbance.
* **moved (Hebrew, _nûwaʻ'_):** The verb (H5128) implies a wavering, shaking, or staggering motion. It denotes instability and a violent disturbance, not a gentle sway. This emphasizes the immense power emanating from the seraphim's cry, so potent that it causes the fixed elements of the Temple to tremble and shift, conveying an overwhelming and unsettling display of divine might.
* **smoke (Hebrew, _ʻâshân'_):** This term (H6227) denotes literal smoke or vapor. In biblical contexts, smoke frequently accompanies divine manifestations, symbolizing God's glory, presence, and sometimes His judgment or purifying fire. It evokes a sense of mystery, awe, and the unapproachable nature of God, often associated with the Shekinah glory that filled the Tabernacle and Temple ([Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Cloud and Glory Filling the Tabernacle")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried":** This clause describes a physical, seismic reaction within the Temple. The "posts of the door" (referring to the thresholds or foundations of the entrance) are depicted as physically shaking or wavering. This movement is directly attributed to the "voice of him that cried," which refers to the thunderous, resounding declaration of the seraphim from the preceding verse ("Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory"). The effect is immediate and powerful, demonstrating that the divine utterance carries immense, tangible force capable of disturbing even solid architectural elements.
* **"and the house was filled with smoke":** Following the physical tremor, the Temple ("the house") is enveloped in a dense cloud of smoke. This imagery is a recurring motif in biblical accounts of divine appearances, signifying the presence of God's glory (the Shekinah). The smoke creates an atmosphere of awe, mystery, and reverence, often associated with the unapproachable holiness of God and His consuming nature. It obscures the full view, protecting the observer while simultaneously confirming the overwhelming reality of the divine presence.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 6:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the overwhelming nature of God's presence. **Imagery** is central, with vivid descriptions of the "posts of the door moved" and the "house was filled with smoke," allowing the reader to visualize the dramatic scene. The **symbolism** of the shaking foundations represents the profound impact of God's holiness and power, suggesting that even the most stable structures are subject to His might. The "smoke" is a classic biblical **symbol** for the *kabod* (glory) of God, often associated with a cloud that both reveals and conceals, signifying His unapproachable majesty and purity. Furthermore, the **cause and effect** relationship is clear: the seraphim's voice directly causes the physical shaking, emphasizing the potency of divine utterance. The scene evokes a sense of **theophany**, a visible manifestation of God, designed to instill profound awe and reverence in both the prophet and the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 6:4 profoundly illustrates the ineffable majesty and transcendent holiness of God, a theme central to biblical theology. The physical shaking of the Temple and the pervasive smoke are not merely special effects, but tangible signs of a God whose presence is so utterly pure and powerful that it cannot be contained or approached casually. This encounter underscores the vast chasm between humanity's sinfulness and God's absolute perfection, prompting a necessary response of awe and humility. It teaches that true worship begins with a profound recognition of who God is – not just an abstract concept, but a living, active, and overwhelming reality. This divine encounter prepares Isaiah for his prophetic ministry, demonstrating that the source of his message is not human wisdom but the very voice and presence of the sovereign Lord.

* [Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai Shrouded in Smoke")
* [Revelation 15:8](/revelation/15-8 "Revelation 15:8 - The Temple Filled with Smoke from God's Glory")
* [Psalm 97:2](/psalm/97-2 "Psalm 97:2 - Clouds and Thick Darkness Surround Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 6:4 invites us to confront the reality of God's overwhelming presence and holiness, a truth that often feels distant in our everyday lives. The dramatic imagery of the shaking Temple and the filling smoke should challenge our casual approaches to faith and worship. It calls us to cultivate a profound sense of reverence and awe, recognizing that the God we serve is infinitely powerful and utterly pure. This passage reminds us that encountering God's holiness often precedes and prepares us for His call on our lives; just as Isaiah was humbled before he was commissioned, we too must acknowledge God's majesty before we can truly serve Him. Reflecting on this verse encourages us to examine our own lives: Do we approach God with the reverence His holiness demands? Are we sensitive to His presence, even when it manifests in ways that challenge our comfort or stability? This vision inspires a deeper, more authentic worship rooted in the awesome reality of God's being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the physical manifestation of God's presence in Isaiah 6:4 challenge or deepen your understanding of His holiness?**
* **In what ways might our modern worship or spiritual practices sometimes diminish the awe and reverence due to God's immense power?**
* **How does recognizing God's overwhelming majesty prepare or equip individuals for their unique callings or ministries?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "posts of the door" moving?**

Answer: The "posts of the door" (or thresholds) refer to the structural foundations of the Temple entrance. Their movement signifies a profound, physical disturbance, indicating that the very stability of the sacred space was affected by the overwhelming power and voice of the divine. It emphasizes that God's presence is not merely spiritual but has tangible, physical effects, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all creation, even the most solid structures. This imagery underscores the immense, uncontainable power of God.

**Why was the "house filled with smoke"?**

Answer: The filling of the "house" (Temple) with smoke is a recurring biblical motif signifying the tangible presence of God's glory, often referred to as the Shekinah. This smoke, often associated with a cloud or fire, serves multiple purposes: it indicates God's unapproachable holiness and purity, creates an atmosphere of awe and mystery, and sometimes acts as a protective veil, preventing mortals from being consumed by the intensity of God's glory ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Cloud and Glory Filling the Tabernacle")). It is a visual representation of the divine presence that is both majestic and terrifying.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 6:4, with its depiction of God's overwhelming holiness filling the Temple, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament Temple was a physical dwelling place for God's glory, a foreshadowing of His presence among His people, the New Testament reveals that Jesus is the true Temple, the very embodiment of God's presence on earth ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of the Temple of His Body")). The shaking of the Temple posts at the seraphim's voice anticipates the profound spiritual earthquake that occurred when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The smoke filling the house, symbolizing God's unapproachable glory, points forward to Christ, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). In Christ, the previously veiled glory of God is made manifest in a way that is both holy and accessible, for through Him, we have access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). The awe-inspiring power witnessed by Isaiah is ultimately demonstrated in Christ's victory over sin and death, making a way for humanity to stand in the presence of a holy God, not consumed by smoke, but purified by the blood of the Lamb ([Revelation 7:14-17](/revelation/7-14-17 "Revelation 7:14-17 - The Redeemed Before the Throne")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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,