Meaning of Isaiah 6:2

This verse from Isaiah's vision in the temple of God describes the angelic beings known as seraphim, a term likely derived from the Hebrew word for "burning" or "fiery." Their six wings are not for mere physical locomotion but symbolize their role in worship and their awe in the presence of the divine. The covering of their faces with two wings signifies profound reverence and humility, acknowledging the ineffable holiness of God that they themselves, as celestial beings, cannot fully behold directly. The covering of their feet suggests modesty and a recognition of their subservient position before the Almighty, a stark contrast to the often casual or presumptuous demeanor of humanity. Finally, the remaining two wings are dedicated to movement and service, indicating their readiness to carry out God's will and to engage in worshipful praise.

Context and Background

Isaiah 6:1-13 recounts a pivotal moment in the prophet's ministry, occurring in the year King Uzziah died (circa 740 BCE). This vision serves as Isaiah's commissioning, a divine encounter that prepares him for his prophetic task. The setting is the "temple," but it is depicted as an elevated, heavenly sanctuary, emphasizing God's transcendent glory and sovereignty. The seraphim appear as attendants and heralds of God's presence, actively engaged in worship and purification.

Key Themes and Messages

• Holiness of God: The presence of the seraphim, with their posture of awe and reverence, underscores the absolute holiness and majesty of God, who is seated on a throne, high and lifted up.
• Worship and Reverence: The seraphim's actions—covering faces and feet—are acts of profound worship and deep respect, highlighting the appropriate response to encountering the divine.
• Service and Obedience: The use of the remaining wings for flight signifies their immediate readiness to serve and obey God's commands, illustrating the active nature of heavenly service.
• Purity: The subsequent action of a seraph touching Isaiah's lips with a burning coal (Isaiah 6:6-7) further connects these beings to the theme of purification, necessary for approaching a holy God and speaking His word.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, this vision offers a powerful glimpse into the celestial realm and the nature of true worship. It teaches the importance of approaching God with humility, awe, and a recognition of His supreme holiness. The seraphim's example encourages believers to cultivate a posture of reverence in prayer and to prioritize selfless service to God and others. It reminds us that worship is not merely an intellectual exercise but a profound, embodied response to the divine presence.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The seraphim's worship, particularly their cry of "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" (Isaiah 6:3), echoes throughout Scripture. This Trinitarian emphasis on God's holiness is a foundational concept in both the Old and New Testaments. In the New Testament, the book of Revelation repeatedly depicts heavenly worship scenes where similar angelic beings cry out praises to God and the Lamb (e.g., Revelation 4:8). This imagery connects Isaiah's vision to the ongoing worship of God in heaven and the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

Analogies

One analogy for the seraphim's posture is that of a subordinate in the presence of a sovereign king, who would avert their gaze and cover their feet as a sign of utmost respect and deference. Another is that of a scientist meticulously studying a phenomenon; while they understand much, they also recognize the vastness of what they don't know, leading to a sense of awe. The seraphim's actions convey a similar profound respect for the incomprehensible glory of God.

Relation to Other Verses

• Revelation 4:8: "And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!'" This verse directly mirrors the seraphim's worship and highlights the consistent heavenly adoration of God's holiness.
• Exodus 33:20: God tells Moses, "You cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live." This underscores the seraphim's act of covering their faces as a necessary response to the overwhelming holiness that mortal eyes cannot behold.
• Psalm 96:9: "Worship the LORD in holy attire; tremble before him, all the earth!" This psalm echoes the reverence and awe that the seraphim display.