God referring to Himself as plural (Isaiah 6:8)
Explore why God refers to Himself as “Us” in Isaiah 6:8 and how it reveals the Trinity. Learn the deeper meaning behind Isaiah’s calling, God’s holiness, and key moral lessons on obedience, faith, and serving God.
God Referring to Himself as Plural (Isaiah 6:8) – Full Explanation & Moral Lessons
Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)
Isaiah 6:8 is a powerful moment in the Bible where the prophet Isaiah receives his calling from God. One of the most intriguing aspects of this verse is how God refers to Himself in both singular (“I”) and plural (“us”). This has led to deep theological discussions, particularly regarding the Trinity—God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Understanding Isaiah 6:8: Why Does God Speak in Plural?
1. The Context of Isaiah 6
- Isaiah 6 describes a vision of God’s throne where Isaiah sees the Lord seated in glory, surrounded by seraphim (angels) worshiping Him.
- The angels cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty” (Isaiah 6:3), emphasizing God’s supreme holiness.
- Isaiah, overwhelmed by his sinfulness, feels unworthy to be in God’s presence, but an angel purifies him with a burning coal, symbolizing forgiveness and cleansing (Isaiah 6:6-7).
- Then, God speaks the famous words:
- “Whom shall I send?” (Singular)
- “Who will go for us?” (Plural)
This shifting between singular and plural is significant and points to deeper truths about God’s nature.
2. Why Does God Say “Us”? Theories & Explanations
A. The Trinity – God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- Many Christians interpret the plural “us” as a reference to the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit.
- This aligns with other passages where God speaks in the plural, such as:
- Genesis 1:26 – “Let Us make man in Our image.”
- Genesis 3:22 – “The man has now become like one of Us.”
- Genesis 11:7 – “Come, let Us go down and confuse their language.”
- New Testament Connection:
- John 12:41 states that Isaiah’s vision was of Jesus’ glory, linking the passage to Christ’s divinity.
- Acts 28:25-27 attributes Isaiah’s prophecy to the Holy Spirit, showing that the Spirit was also present.
Thus, Isaiah 6:8 provides strong evidence of the Trinity in the Old Testament.
B. The Divine Council – God and His Heavenly Hosts
- Some scholars suggest that the plural form refers to God and His heavenly court (angels and spiritual beings).
- In 1 Kings 22:19-22, the prophet Micaiah describes God surrounded by a divine council, discussing how to influence earthly events.
- While angels serve God, they do not share His divine authority, making the Trinity explanation stronger.
C. The Royal “We” – A Majestic Way of Speaking
- Some believe the plural pronoun is a royal or majestic way of speaking (like how kings say, “We decree…”).
- However, this does not fully explain the other plural references in Genesis and other scriptures, making the Trinity interpretation more compelling.
Key Themes in Isaiah 6:8
1. The Majesty and Holiness of God
- Isaiah saw God in His full glory, emphasizing His sovereignty and holiness.
- Lesson: We must approach God with reverence and humility, just as Isaiah did.
2. The Calling of Isaiah
- After his sins were cleansed, Isaiah eagerly accepted God’s mission.
- Lesson: When God calls us, we should respond with faith and obedience.
3. The Plural Nature of God
- The phrase “Who will go for us?” hints at the mystery of the Trinity.
- Lesson: We must recognize God’s complexity and unity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Moral Lessons from Isaiah 6:8
1. Be Willing to Serve God
- Isaiah did not hesitate to say, “Here am I. Send me!”
- Lesson: We should be willing and available for God’s work.
2. God Cleanses and Equips Those He Calls
- Isaiah felt unworthy, but God forgave him and made him fit for His mission.
- Lesson: Don’t let past mistakes stop you—God’s grace transforms and prepares us.
3. Recognize the Work of the Trinity in Your Life
- The Trinity was present in Isaiah’s vision, just as Father, Son, and Spirit work in us today.
- Lesson: Trust in Jesus for salvation, the Holy Spirit for guidance, and God the Father for direction.
4. Understand That God's Plans Involve Sending People
- Isaiah was sent on a mission to preach God’s word, even though not everyone would listen.
- Lesson: We are all called to share God’s truth, even in difficult situations.
5. Obedience is Key to Fulfilling God’s Purpose
- Isaiah didn’t question or delay—he simply said, “Send me.”
- Lesson: When we trust and obey, God works through us in amazing ways.
Conclusion
Isaiah 6:8 is a powerful passage that reveals God’s holiness, the calling of Isaiah, and the mystery of the Trinity. When God refers to Himself in both singular and plural, it points to His complex yet unified nature—a key biblical truth about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
This verse also teaches moral lessons on willingness, obedience, and trusting God’s cleansing power. Just as Isaiah responded to God’s call, we too should say, “Here am I, send me!”, ready to serve and share His message with the world.