In Isaiah there is an interesting expression that occurs only three times throughout the book: “high and lifted up” (6:1; 52:13; 57:15). Though in a few of our English Bible translations these expressions do not always appear to be identical, in the Hebrew they are exactly the same wording. It is an encouraging and instructive meditation to consider the use of this expression, which is found nowhere else in the whole Old Testament.

The first occurrence of this expression is found in today’s text. King Uzziah had just died and the nation was troubled. In ancient times, monarchies were the main type of government; and when a king died it was a time of uncertainty, for there was not always a smooth transition of power, as in modern democracies. Indeed, sometimes revolution was in the air when various factions of the royal family would vie for power.

Isaiah had a vision, or his eyes were opened so he could look into heaven. If the king on the earth had died, the King of heaven had not. He saw the King “high and lifted up,” and heard the seraphim declare, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (6:3). It was Jehovah that Isaiah saw, the divine Ruler of the universe: “My eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (v. 5). The King of glory was seated upon a throne. Nations may tremble, kingdoms may come and go, but this King is not alarmed—His throne endures. The apostle John informs us that, when Isaiah saw this, he was really seeing the Lord Jesus (Jn. 12:41)! Let us remember this: when the outlook is bleak, try the uplook. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8).