Text of Isaiah 6:1-13
An Audio Reading of the NIV
Prophetic Call Narrative?
https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Isa.6
Short Answer: Yes
Literary Context
- While some scholars disagree, the majority believe this is a prophetic call narrative.
- 6 basic elements of a call narrative
- This modifies this basic structure slightly.
A Brief Overview
- Start of block of Scripture from chapters 6-8 or 6-9
- Remarkably similar to other prophetic call narratives/1 Kings 22
- Most likely the inaugural vision of Isaiah
Historical Context
Isaiah 6:1-13
A Brief Overview
- Vision received in the year of King Uzziah's death around 732 B.C.E.
- Northern Kingdom about to fall
- Time of societal strife and war
Looking at the Text
Verses 1-3
- Vision of God sitting on his throne in the Temple
Looking at the Text
Verses 4-7
Looking at the Text
Verses 11-13
- Cry of the Seraphim shakes the entire Temple
- Connection to Temple Liturgies
- Seraph flies and purifies his lips
- Destruction with a glimmer of hope
Looking at the Text
Verses 8-10
- God's request and Isaiah's acceptance
- Lord of the Rings analogy
- God's message to His people: You aren't going to get it