Isaiah 6:6

Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, [which] he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:

Then flew {H5774} one {H259} of the seraphims {H8314} unto me, having a live coal {H7531} in his hand {H3027}, which he had taken {H3947} with the tongs {H4457} from off the altar {H4196}:

One of the s'rafim flew to me with a glowing coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar.

Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:

Commentary on Isaiah 6:6 (KJV)

Isaiah 6:6 (KJV): "Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, [which] he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:"

Context and Setting

This verse is part of a powerful vision experienced by the prophet Isaiah in the temple, specifically in the year that King Uzziah died (Isaiah 6:1). This vision is a pivotal moment where Isaiah receives his divine call to prophecy. The scene is set in the heavenly throne room, manifesting within the earthly temple, revealing God's glory, holiness, and the presence of angelic beings.

Key Themes and Meaning

  • Divine Cleansing: The central action here is the application of a live coal from the altar to Isaiah's lips. The altar, particularly the altar of burnt offering, was a place of sacrifice and atonement. A burning coal from this sacred place symbolizes purification and cleansing from sin.
  • Preparation for Service: This act of cleansing is directly linked to Isaiah's readiness to hear God's call and respond in the following verses. It shows that one must be purified and made holy before being able to stand in God's presence and speak on His behalf.
  • Holiness and Sin: The vision emphasizes the immense holiness of God, contrasted with the sinfulness of humanity ("woe is me! for I am undone... because I am a man of unclean lips," Isaiah 6:5). The coal addresses this specific issue of "unclean lips," preparing Isaiah's mouth to speak God's pure words.

Linguistic Insight

The term "seraphims" (Hebrew: שְׂרָפִים, seraphim) likely means "burning ones" or "fiery ones," perhaps indicating their radiant appearance or their role in attending to God's fiery holiness. The "live coal" (Hebrew: רִצְפָּה, ritzpah) is literally a burning stone or ember, emphasizing its purifying heat.

Practical Reflection

This verse reminds us that approaching a holy God and serving Him requires purification. While Isaiah's cleansing was a dramatic, direct act, the principle remains: God's service requires dealing with our sinfulness. In the New Testament, this purification comes through the atoning work of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22) and the refining work of the Holy Spirit. We need God's touch to cleanse us and enable us to speak and live for Him.

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 8:3

    And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

  • Revelation 8:5

    And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast [it] into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

  • Hebrews 9:22

    And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

  • Hebrews 9:26

    For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

  • Ezekiel 10:2

    And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, [even] under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter [them] over the city. And he went in in my sight.

  • Hebrews 13:10

    We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

  • Hebrews 1:7

    And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

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