Isaiah 6:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 6:7
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 6 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, redemption, faith. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 6:7
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
Analysis
The pronouncement 'thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged' declares forensic cleansing. The Hebrew 'sur' (taken away) and 'kaphar' (purged/atoned) indicate both removal of guilt and covering through sacrifice. This justification enables sanctification—Isaiah can now serve. The pattern of conviction (v. 5), cleansing (v. 6-7), and commissioning (v. 8) models the ordo salutis in Reformed theology: regeneration, justification, sanctification, glorification.
Historical Context
Temple sacrificial system provided typological framework for understanding spiritual cleansing. Isaiah's vision experienced what sacrifices symbolized—true removal of sin.
Reflection
- How does the sequence of conviction, cleansing, and calling inform our understanding of conversion?
- What does immediate purging of confessed sin teach about God's readiness to forgive?
Word Studies
- Sin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah) H2403 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Sin: Isaiah 43:25, 53:5, 53:10, Matthew 9:2, 1 John 1:7
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 1:9, Daniel 10:16