The story of isaiah and the holiness of god – यशायाह और भगवान की पवित्रता की कहानी
The story of “Isaiah and the Holiness of God” is primarily derived from the sixth chapter of the Book of Isaiah in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. This chapter is a pivotal moment in the life of the prophet Isaiah and is renowned for its vivid depiction of God’s holiness and Isaiah’s commissioning as a prophet.
Isaiah was a prophet in ancient Judah, and his book is a collection of prophecies and messages to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, especially concerning their sins and the need for repentance. This vision occurred in the year King Uzziah died, a time of political and social upheaval.
Isaiah finds himself in a vision standing in the temple of God. Isaiah sees the Lord sitting on a throne, high and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Above Him were seraphim, each with six wings. The seraphim called to one another, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.” This triple declaration of holiness is significant, emphasizing God’s absolute holiness. The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of those who called, and the temple was filled with smoke, symbolizing the presence of God.
Isaiah’s immediate reaction is one of utter despair and awareness of his sinfulness. He says, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” One of the seraphim flew to him with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.
Touching Isaiah’s mouth with the coal, the seraphim said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” Following his cleansing, God asks, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah responds, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah is then given a message to deliver to the people of Judah, a message largely of judgment but also of hope.
This story is a powerful depiction of the absolute holiness of God, contrasting human sinfulness. It highlights the theme of being called and commissioned by God, particularly after a profound experience of God’s holiness and personal cleansing. Isaiah’s experience sets the stage for his prophetic ministry, which would involve delivering difficult messages to a largely unresponsive and disobedient people.
This vision is crucial in biblical theology, emphasizing God’s holiness, human sinfulness, and the transformative encounter that leads to mission and service. It has been a source of inspiration and reflection in Judeo-Christian traditions, underscoring the profound impact of encountering the divine.
The story of isaiah and the holiness of god – यशायाह और भगवान की पवित्रता की कहानी
