Isaiah’s Vision

“In the year of King Uzziah’s death, I saw the L-rd sitting upon a high and lofty throne, and its legs filled the Temple. Seraphim were standing above, at His service. Each one had six wings: with two it would cover its face, with two it would cover its legs and with two it would fly. And one would call to another and say, “Holy holy, holy is HASHEM, Master of Legions; the whole world is filled with His glory.” (Isaiah 6:1-3)”

Isaiah’s uses figurative language to describe spiritual events. Words like sitting are used to describe G-d so that we can understand an experience that would otherwise be indescribable. A vision is detached from the physical world and messages are represented through symbolism and extraordinary sights.

In this vision, Isaiah sees HASHEM and there seems to be an inconsistency since the Torah states, “…no human can see My face and live. (Exodus 33:20)” There is a difference between seeing an aspect of G-d’s character or plans and perceiving all of G-d in the complete sense. No human is capable of seeing HASHEM in totality. Some may comprehend more than others would, but humanity is unable to comprehend all of G-d’s essence or know all of His ways.

For example, after being told that no human is capable of seeing HASHEM’s face, Moses is subsequently allowed to see the “back” of G-d, an insight into HASHEM that reveals some of HASHEM’s plans to Moses. It is taught in Jewish tradition that G-d’s back represents final happenings and thus Moses was allowed to see what is to come at the end of days. 

Isaiah’s vision seems to have a similar purpose. It appears that HASHEM’s plan is partially revealed to Isaiah in this vision. He is made aware of HASHEM’s presence on a high and exalted throne, which symbolizes judgment. Isaiah’s vision can be compared to seeing beautiful sights in creation, when some feel closer to G-d, and some even say they see G-d when they look at nature. What they generally mean is that HASHEM’s power and sovereignty are revealed to them.

Many Christians mistakenly believe that Isaiah is describing their deity with the use of the word “glory” and that it is their deity that fills the world, “the whole world is filled with His glory.” G-d is omnipresent. His glory isn’t a separate entity that becomes a physical object of worship. In fact we learn from Isaiah’s vision and the incident of the golden calf that creation isn't meant to be used as a conduit to worship G-d.

Isaiah notes that the seraphim cover their face and cover their feet. Jewish tradition explains that they cover their face so they did not look at the Shechinah. Their feet resemble the calf. They hide their feet with their wings so they don’t remind Israel of their sin in making the golden calf. It is clear by G-d’s repulsed reaction to the golden calf that heavenly imagery and things from the physical world shouldn’t be used to represent HASHEM as a medium to worship Him.