Isaiah: Here I Am

Isaiah’s wife Ariellah was still curled fast asleep beside him, but the elements of their sleeping chamber had inextricably shifted. A dim glow lit the room. He lifted his head to get a better look at where the light was coming from, but was unable to discern a source. He squeezed his eyes tight and then even tighter to try to make the scene clearer in his head. He felt suspended in time and space; uncertain whether he was awake or dreaming.

He squinted into the gleaming darkness, which remained the same whether his eyes were wide open or closed. He felt himself float into the receding distance. Then he sensed words. Not as though they were spoken, but instilled into his inner being. He knew absolutely and unequivocally the message was from Yahweh Almighty for Judah and Jerusalem.

A majestic presence flooded the chamber, causing Isaiah to shudder. Then slowly the incandescent light faded. He felt a visceral sense of loss, but barely noticed the stream of tears dampening his face, beard, and blanket pulled taunt against his chest.

He blinked twice. The room had returned to its former dimness. He gently patted his wife’s sleeping form to reassure himself she was still there. She flinched, but did not awaken. He wondered how she could have missed the glorious presence he knew he would never forget.

What was he to do with the words he envisioned so clearly? He leaned on one elbow as he considered waking Ariellah the prophetess to seek her council. Instead he held onto the fading vision as long as he could, before settling his head back against the pillow. Relishing the ecstasy of the divine revelation and warmth of his bed in the predawn coolness before falling back asleep.

Isaiah awoke to the sound of birds chirping in the palm trees outside the window. He could hear the clopping of donkey hooves on stone pavement. Traders seemed to favor the narrow lane as a shortcut to get their wares to market. He loved the sound of the city of God coming to life outside the family home he had inherited after his sorely missed father died. He rolled over and saw that his wife was already up. He knew she liked to reach the women’s courtyard of the temple before the morning sacrifice. Just in case anyone should need her healing skills for a hurt child, difficult birth, or other family emergency.

He stared at the plastered ceiling. He was twenty-three years old and wished he had her staunch faith even though she was five years younger. Not only was she confident Yahweh heard her prayers, but that he would act upon them. Isaiah suddenly realized he was hungry and should record Yahweh’s words before they slipped away like water off a smooth stone.

He laughed to himself and said, I had better eat first or I might not have the strength to write all the words in my head. His gold-flecked, brown eyes gleamed at his plan. He knew Ariellah would approve, since the lioness of God always made sure the household was well fed before any endeavor. She was the epitome of a Jewish wife and mother. Although they did not have any children yet, she would be ready when they came.

He raised his thin arms. O Lord, I must be about your business. Forgive me for dawdling. It is just that the prophetess can distract me, even when she is not here.

He heard sounds coming up the stairwell. He jumped out of bed, put on a clean robe, and rushed downstairs to the kitchen.

Ariellah turned around. My lord, you startled me. I thought you would be long gone to the palace.

He gave the raven-haired woman he felt fortunate to call his wife a hug. I had the most unusual thing happen to me last night. I was just getting out of bed when I thought that I might have heard you downstairs.

I found it strange that you were still sleeping when I left, but needed to be on my way. The twin sons of the baker have been sick, and I wanted to say a special prayer for them before the morning sacrifice. She held up a stack of flat bread. It is still warm. I stopped by his stall on the way home, and the twins are doing much better.

You’re a good woman, always thinking of others.

She placed the bread, cut up melon, water jug, and two cups on the table. Right now I am only thinking of myself. I am starving, as I imagine you are.

He pulled out a chair and sat down. Her welcoming smile made him grin in return.

My lord husband, you must tell me what happened last night.

Isaiah nodded, and they ate in companionable silence until both were finished.

Ariellah wiped her mouth with the corner of the cloth tied around her waist. She folded her hands. Now my lord husband, I can wait no longer. Tell me what you beheld during the night that was so draining you slept like a babe afterwards.

Isaiah looked about the cozy kitchen area with its carved wooden table, chairs, and tall cabinet in the corner. You will think I dreamt the whole thing, but I was not truly asleep. I was in that place between sleep and wakefulness when I saw what I believe to be a vision sent by the God of our people. There was a glow in the room, and then I sensed Yahweh speaking to me.

Do you remember what the Lord said?

I do. I was just going to get up and record the vision after I had something to eat when you arrived.

Do you want to do that now? I will understand.

No. I want to tell you. At first I was afraid I would not remember everything I saw and heard, but now I know I will not forget the words that the Lord showed me. I am certain the vision will stay etched into my being until I do whatever it is I need to do with this message from God. That’s what I would like you to help me figure out.

Ariellah bowed her head. I am ready, my lord husband.

Isaiah rolled his narrow shoulders back and sat up taller. I felt Yahweh saying, ‘Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! I have raised and brought up children, but they, even they have rebelled against me. The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s manger. But Israel does not know; my people have no understanding.’

Ariellah wet her lips. This is serious. God is summoning the heavens and the earth as witnesses to what he is about to tell you.

Isaiah sighed. "Yes, and these are the words of woe revealed to me, ‘Oy, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children given to corruption. They have forsaken Yahweh; they have spurned the holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. Why should you be beaten again? Will you continue to revolt? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart afflicted. From the sole of the foot to the top of the head, there is no soundness. Wounds and raised welts and open sores, not cleansed or bound or softened with oil.

Your land is desolate. Your cities burned with fire. Your ground before you is devoured by foreigners in front of you; laid waste as though overthrown by strangers. The daughter of Zion is left like a booth in a vineyard, like a hut in a melon patch, like a city besieged. If Yahweh Almighty had not left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.

Isaiah gazed at the plastered ceiling. Hear the word of Yahweh, you leaders of Sodom. Listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah. ‘The multitude of your sacrifices, what are they to me?’ says Yahweh. ‘I have more than enough burnt offerings of rams and fattened animals; in the blood of young bulls, lambs, and goats I take no pleasure. When you appear before me, who has required this of you, this trampling of my courts? Bring no more worthless sacrifices. Your incense is an abomination to me. New moons, Sabbaths, and calling of assemblies, I cannot bear your iniquity and festive assemblies.’

Ariellah sobbed, Forgive me, my lord husband, but is God saying that we are so wicked he will not even accept our sacrifices?

"Yes, I think so, and there is even more that he does not find acceptable. Yahweh Almighty went on to say, ‘Your new moons and cultic festivals I hate with all my being. They are a weight upon me. I am tired of bearing the load. When you spread out your hands in prayer I will hide my eyes from you, even if you multiply your prayers I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood. Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds from before my eyes. Stop doing wrong. Learn to do right. Seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the fatherless, and plead the case of the widow.

‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says Yahweh. ‘Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; although they are red as crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land. But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword,’ for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken.

Isaiah laid his head down on the table with a great sob.

The prophetess stood behind him and began to massage his back. She bent down and kissed his ear. My husband, you must share the words of Yahweh with your cousin Uzziah while there is time for our people to change their ways.

I hate to be the bearer of even more bad news.

The king brought his affliction upon himself with his pride, but he can help others do the right thing to save Judah and Jerusalem from utter destruction.

Isaiah raised his head. I know he was presumptuous toward the glory of God when he entered the temple of Yahweh to burn incense on the altar of incense, which only priests are allowed to do. The high priest confronted Uzziah while he stood holding a censer in his hand intent on burning incense in the holy place. As everyone is well aware, my cousin was furious at the high priest for trying to tell him, the king, what to do. God cursed him right then and there with the plague of leprosy, which had broken out on his forehead.

Ariellah sat down. The king could not leave the temple fast enough when he realized the Lord had smote him.

He never should have been so pompous as to think he could make such an offering in the first place. The penalty has been hard to bear for such a mighty man. Isaiah stood up and stretched his neck before heading toward the window. His wife joined him as he looked out over the courtyard.

She said, Now his son Jotham is co-regent. It is he who has charge over the palace, and governs the people of the land.

And Uzziah continues to live in a house set apart. He patted Ariellah’s arm. I must get the words of the vision God gave me recorded.

That sounds like a wise plan, my lord husband.

And then I must deliver a copy to the king before the day slips away.

Again a wise decision. Jotham should be informed about Yahweh’s words without delay.

No, not Jotham, King Uzziah. Everyone knows he still holds the reigns of power in Judah. He is the one I must seek out. For Yahweh would have his message delivered to Uzziah first.

But you have not been in his presence since he was banished from the palace.

That is so, but it is what I must do.

Ariellah clenched her hands to her chest. But he is leprous and unclean, my lord husband.

Indeed, he most surely is.

Chapter 2 — House of Jacob

Isaiah grimaced while walking up the narrow stairs to the second story. He was just as fearful as his wife about going to see his leprous cousin, but knew it was what God would have him to do.

He was glad King Uzziah’s son Jotham allowed him to do most of his scribal work from home rather than at the royal chancellory. He surveyed his office, which was small but much quieter and less distracting than the palace. His primary job was to seek out anyone with knowledge of his people’s oral traditions or written history, and to record their words of wisdom for generations to come.

He laid out a new stylus, ink, and parchment before he began to prayerfully record the first vision he had ever received from the God of Israel. He hoped it would not be his one and only, but felt honored that Yahweh had gifted him with such a revelation. He dipped the stylus into the inkpot. While he concentrated on recalling Yahweh’s words he felt the presence of God fall upon him again. He closed his eyes, cradled his head in his arms, and once more saw the word of Yahweh concerning Judah and Jerusalem. His spirit soared.

Isaiah woke with a start. He did not know how long he had been in communion with the Lord, but the vision still resounded in his head. He retrieved the stylus from the inkpot and hurriedly finished recording the first vision. He then set to work on the second one. Just as he finished, he heard a tentative knock on the door.

My son, I do not mean to interrupt, but it is time for the midday meal. The short, neatly dressed woman peered in at Isaiah. You look different. Your face is glowing and even your hair appears radiant. You look…more alive. What has happened to you, my son?

Something astonishing, Mother. I will explain over our repast, and then I must be off to deliver my news to the king.

Isaiah watched his mother Tirzah, the two housemaids, and Ariellah finish their lentil stew. He knew they would tell the menservants his story when they arrived home. The news will soon be out, so I thought I had better tell you first. Yahweh has spoken to me a second time.

My son, what do you mean Yahweh spoke to you? We all feel his presence upon occasion. Tirzah looked around at her companions, who nodded.

I mean, Mother, that Yahweh has given me two visions, he bowed his head toward Ariellah, one last night and one earlier today.

The women’s eyes grew large. Ariellah reached over and squeezed his hand in understanding.

He rose and bowed formally. I cannot tell you more now for I feel compelled to deliver Yahweh’s words to the king this very day.

He attached his scribal kit to his girdle, and sauntered with a brave stance out the front door, across the courtyard and through the gate without anyone trying to stop him. He made his way up slowly through the city of David. He stopped once in front of the temple, offered a prayer of thanksgiving, and continued on through the Sheep Gate to arrive at Uzziah’s house. Isaiah decided to stop and rest for a few moments. He wasn’t tired in body, but needed time to quiet his anxious spirit before announcing himself to the king’s gatekeeper.

He took two shallow breaths and whispered a prayer of protection before knocking on the courtyard gate.

The black door opened a crack. A surly voice cried out, Who seeks to enter the house of King Uzziah the leper?

He swallowed hard. Isaiah son of Amoz, cousin to King Uzziah.

A liveried guard poked his head out. What is the nature of your business, cousin to King Uzziah?

I have received a word from Yahweh, which I think he will want to hear if he is feeling able enough.

The head bobbed. I will inquire of the king, my lord scribe. The latch on the gate door thumped shut.

Isaiah had just about decided that Uzziah was indisposed and turned to leave, when the gate opened. The gatekeeper waved an arm. Come. Follow me. Two soldiers trailed after them.

The scribe’s first few steps revealed the shadowed coolness of royal date palms guarding a riot of spring flowers in the dappled afternoon light. Next to a gurgling, water fountain he saw a single chair and diminutive table placed squarely before a six-paneled gold-and-ivory inlaid folding screen.

Sit cousin, said a gravelly voice from behind the screen that Isaiah had not heard for nearly seven years. What has caused you to brave the house of quarantine to visit this outcast soul?

Isaiah instinctively bowed from the waist. My lord king, I have sorely missed our philosophical debates, which you so kindly favored me with when I was not much more than a boy.

You must be nearly thirty years old now, and I am a very weary man who has also missed our lively debates. Most people are afraid to speak the truth to a king. However, you never feared to do so, which is why I am anxious to hear what you have to share today in spite of your rightful trepidation to come into this cursed place.

I will be twenty-four this summer, my lord king. I confess I did offer a prayer of protection before I got here. However, as Yahweh Almighty has twice revealed himself to me in less than a day, I knew I must convey to you what I have heard with regard to our people. I have taken the liberty of bringing you a copy of the visions I just finished recording. They are signed and dated in the order I received them. He handed the two scrolls to the guard closest to him.

A short while later the king said, These are hard words in your first vision, with God calling the heavens and earth to be his witnesses. The charge that Israel has forsaken the Lord is distressing enough, but God’s grief-stricken sense of loss at his people forsaking him is heart wrenching. Yet he promises if we repent and stop doing evil, he will forgive and care for us like the strangers, outcasts, and helpless people we are. I need time to consider the ramifications of this new revelation from Yahweh.

Yes, my lord king, just as the prophet Samuel challenged Saul’s disobedience by asking if Yahweh delights as much in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying Yahweh. Surely the first king of Israel should have known that obedience is better than sacrifice, and to pay attention to what God requires is better than the fat of rams.

It is as you say, my lord cousin. I fear my eyes are no longer as strong as they once were. Would you recite to me the second vision, so I can concentrate on the words?

Of course, my lord king. The younger man cleared his throat. This is the word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In the end of days the mountain of the temple of Yahweh will be established as the highest of the mountains, and will be exalted above the hills; all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will go and say, ‘Come. Let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem. He will judge among the nations and arbitrate for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation will not lift up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of Yahweh.

The king interjected. There is much to ponder in just these words. I am encouraged that there will be a time when all nations come to acknowledge Yahweh and seek out his wisdom on how best to live. I wish I had listened to his instruction about willful pride before being forcefully removed from the society of people in order for him to get my attention.

Isaiah rubbed his hands and pressed his nose against them. He wondered if Uzziah still had his nose, which made him feel guilty but also glad for the screen that hid his cousin’s face. My lord king, I wish it could have been otherwise as well.

The king snorted. Ignore the ranting of an old man, continue.

Isaiah looked out over the courtyard. "Surely you have forsaken your people, the house of Jacob, because they are full of divining from the east and of soothsayers like the Philistines. With the children of foreigners they clasp hands. Their land is full of silver and gold; there is no end to their treasures. Their land is filled with horses; there is no end to their chariots. Their land is full of idols. They worship the work of their hands, that which their own fingers have made. So man has been humbled, and mankind brought low. Do not forgive them.

Enter into the rocks, and hide yourselves in the dust from before the terrible presence of Yahweh; from the glory of his majesty. The lofty looks of man will be humbled; the pride of men brought low. Yahweh alone will be exalted in that day

What sounded like stomping could be heard from behind the screen. The king’s voice sounded muffled. This is a hard saying. I know as the king of God’s people, I should have had the wherewithal to destroy the high places. Instead I let the people continue to offer their sacrifices and burn incense to those gods that are not God.

Isaiah heard the sound of weeping. Are you all right, my king?

I have sinned against the holy One of Israel. Yahweh will not share his worship with another. I knew he was a jealous God, and yet did nothing to stop their apostasy. My penalty is too little for what I have done. Continue, my lord cousin.

Yahweh Almighty has a day in store for all that is proud and haughty, against all that is exalted; against all the cedars of Lebanon, tall and lofty; and against all the oaks of Bashan; against all the high mountains, and against all the high hills; against every high tower, and against every fortified wall; against all the ships of Tarshish, and against every stately vessel. The loftiness of man will be humbled, and the haughtiness of men will be brought low. Yahweh alone will be exalted on that day.

The scribe waited for the king to say something, but only heard the sound of a chair scraping on the stone pavement. My lord king, it seems that there will be a day of the Lord when God will gloriously and terribly manifest his presence. He will do for himself, what we created beings were too fearful to do. But the idols will utterly pass away.

Uzziah cleared his throat. This is the due reward for an ungrateful people who abandoned the God who called them forth out of Egypt into a land of milk and honey. They sealed their fate when they chose to put their trust in gold and silver, chariots and horses, and worthless idols.

It is as you say, my king. We must all guard against trusting in our own devices.

Is there more to this vision?

A little more. The vision concludes with these words, They will go into caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, from before the terrible presence of Yahweh, and from his glorious majesty, when he arises to smite the earth. In that day men will cast away their idols of silver and gold, which they made in order to worship rodents and bats. They will flee into caverns in the rocks, and the clefts of cliffs from before the terror of Yahweh, from the splendor of his majesty, when he arises to strike terror upon the earth."

My lord cousin, I salute you for being brave enough to come here to deliver God’s fearsome words to such a man as me. It is a wonder that Yahweh has not utterly abandoned us to our folly. Yet, he still cares enough about the house of Jacob to warn us once more to change our ways. Why should he continue to place such confidence in man, who depends on him for the breath in his nostrils? Of what account is he? That is the mystery.

Isaiah heard the sound of a door closing. The gateman stood at attention beside him. My lord scribe, the king is gone. However, he has a request of you.

Of me?

Of you, my lord.

Of course. If it is within my power, I will surely do whatever he asks.

The gatekeeper bowed. Your cousin the king would be greatly honored if you would compile a written record of all the acts of his reign. All the pertinent records from the palace treasury are assembled and will be waiting in your new office in the palace chancellery. Or he says if you prefer, he will assign servants to carry the records back and forth to the office you prefer at your residence. The choice is yours, my lord scribe.

I am honored that he would entrust me with such a monumental undertaking, but I don’t know how long it will take to complete such a task with my palace duties.

The swarthy man’s face broke into a grin. Oh! He also said to tell you that you are relieved of all other royal duties from this day forward.

Isaiah laughed along with the gatekeeper. Then tell the king I will begin at once.

Yes, my lord, I will tell him. He waved an arm toward the gate. Let me show you out, my lord.

Isaiah’s thoughts swirled in his head, as his feet followed their own way home. He looked up to find himself entering the temple complex. He beheld the glory of the edifice that Solomon, the third king of Israel, had overseen the construction of. The golden Jerusalem stone glowed in the afternoon sunlight. He was reminded of King David’s Song of Ascent as he joined the other worshippers going up the ramp to the outer courtyard. He mouthed, "I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of Yahweh.’ Our feet shall stand within your gates, O Jerusalem.

"Jerusalem is built like a city joined together. Where the tribes go up, the tribes of Yahweh, to the testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. There the thrones of judgment were established, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, may they prosper who love you. May peace be within your walls,