Question 1

What does Here am I, send me mean in this passage?

Accepted Answer

When Isaiah says, “Here am I, send me,” he is answering God’s question, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah has just been forgiven and cleansed, so instead of shrinking back in fear, he now offers himself freely. The phrase shows a willing heart that is ready to obey, even before knowing all the details of the mission. It is not a claim that he is strong or worthy, but a simple, trusting response to God’s call after receiving mercy.

Question 2

Why did God send Isaiah to people who would not listen?

Accepted Answer

God tells Isaiah to preach to a people who will hear but not understand and see but not truly perceive. This shows that the people have already hardened themselves against God over time. Isaiah’s preaching becomes part of God’s judgment on that hardness, exposing what is really in their hearts. The same word that softens some will harden others who keep resisting it. God still sends His word, but for many it will mark their refusal and lead toward the coming desolation of the land.

Question 3

What does it mean to make the heart of this people fat?

Accepted Answer

The phrase about making the people’s heart “fat,” their ears “heavy,” and their eyes “shut” describes a spiritual dullness. Their hearts become thick and insensitive, their ears slow, and their eyes closed to what God is saying and showing. They have turned away so often that God gives them over to this condition as a judgment. The result is that they do not truly see, hear, or understand, and so they do not turn back and find healing from God. It is a very serious warning about resisting God’s word.

Question 4

What was Isaiah asking when he said, Lord, how long?

Accepted Answer

When Isaiah cries, “Lord, how long?” he is asking how long this hard-hearted state and judgment will last. He has just heard that his preaching will mostly be rejected, and he feels the weight of that for his people. God answers that it will last until cities lie in ruins, houses are empty, and the land is very desolate. This points to a long season of judgment and scattering. Isaiah’s question shows both zeal for God’s honor and compassion for those who are about to suffer.

Question 5

What is the meaning of the tenth and the holy seed?

Accepted Answer

The passage says that even after great desolation, “a tenth” will remain, and compares it to a tree that looks cut down but still has life in its stump. This picture points to a small remnant God keeps for Himself. Though most of the people are judged and scattered, God preserves some as a “holy seed.” They are like the living core of the tree that will one day grow again. This shows that God’s purposes do not end with judgment; He keeps a people through whom His plan continues.

Question 6

What was happening with the land when God spoke these words?

Accepted Answer

The people of Israel had turned from God again and again, and their outward religion did not match true obedience. God shows Isaiah that this ongoing rebellion will lead to severe judgment. The land that was once full of people and worship will become empty, with cities wasted and houses without inhabitants. This looks ahead to invasion, exile, and long desolation. Yet even in that dark picture, God mentions a remnant like a stump with life still in it, so the story is not only about ruin.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s character?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows God as holy, patient, just, and faithful all at once. He is holy, so He cannot overlook hardened sin. He is patient, sending a prophet again to speak, even when many will refuse to listen. He is just, allowing hearts that persistently reject Him to grow hard and bringing real judgment on the land. Yet He is also faithful and gracious, preserving a “holy seed,” a remnant that remains His. Judgment is real, but so is His ongoing purpose to save and restore.

Question 8

Why is the holy seed compared to a tree stump?

Accepted Answer

The image of a teil tree or oak with its “substance” in it, even after losing its leaves or being cut down, is a picture of hope. In winter or after felling, the tree can look dead, but there is still life hidden inside, and new growth can spring up. In the same way, after judgment, Israel might look finished as a people. Yet God keeps a holy seed, a living core from which His people and His promises will grow again. The picture helps us see both the severity of judgment and the quiet hope that remains.

Question 9

How can this passage about hard hearts apply to people today?

Accepted Answer

This passage warns us not to treat God’s word lightly or keep pushing it away. The people in Isaiah’s day had heard many messages and seen God’s works, but they would not really listen. Over time, their hearts grew harder, and God confirmed them in that state. Today, when we hear God’s word, we should ask Him to soften our hearts, not close our ears. It also encourages those who share God’s truth to stay faithful, even when many do not respond, trusting that God still keeps a remnant.

Isaiah 6:8

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Isaiah’s Commission

Isaiah’s Commission

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Isaiah 6:8

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

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Isaiah’s Commission

Isaiah’s Commission

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