Isaiah 6:5 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

Then said I, Woe (is) me! for I am undone - (Exodus 33:20.) The same effect was produced on others by the presence of God (Judges 6:22; Judges 13:22; Job 42:5-6; Luke 5:8; Revelation 1:17).

Because I am a man of unclean lips. Appropriate to the context, which describes the antiphonal praises of the lips, sung in alternate responses (Exodus 15:20-21; Exodus 5:3) by the seraphim; also appropriate to the office to which Isaiah is now specially being called-that of speaking as the prophet of God (Isaiah 6:9).

For mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts - not strictly Yahweh Himself (John 1:18; 1 Timothy 6:16), but the symbol of His presence.

The LORD - Hebrew, Yahweh (H3068).

Isaiah 6:5

5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone;b because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.