Who Was Isaiah — In Biblical Context
Isaiah was one of the greatest Old Testament prophets, known for his majestic visions of God and remarkably detailed prophecies about the coming Messiah.
Isaiah was one of the greatest Old Testament prophets, known for his majestic visions of God and remarkably detailed prophecies about the coming Messiah.
"And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." — Isaiah 6:3 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Isaiah ministered in Judah during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah — roughly 740-680 BC. His call came through a dramatic vision of God's glory in the Temple (Isaiah 6), where seraphim cried 'Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts' and Isaiah was cleansed and commissioned. His prophecies span the full range of biblical themes: judgment on Israel and the nations, comfort and restoration, the coming Servant of the Lord, and the ultimate renewal of creation. Isaiah is sometimes called the 'Fifth Gospel' because of his extensive Messianic prophecies — the virgin birth (7:14), the child called 'Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God' (9:6), the Suffering Servant who bears our sins (53), and the ministry of the Spirit-anointed one (61:1-2, which Jesus quoted in Nazareth). Isaiah's writing is among the most beautiful in all Scripture, combining poetic grandeur with theological depth. Jewish tradition holds that he was martyred by being sawn in two during Manasseh's reign.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Isaiah 6:3, sits inside Isaiah 6. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."
Supporting Passages
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
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