What significance does the coal have when it touches Isaiah's lips?

The significance of the coal touching Isaiah's lips is that it symbolizes the cleansing of his iniquity and sin. This moment occurs in Isaiah 6, where Isaiah has a vision of the Lord and recognizes his own unworthiness, declaring, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips." The seraphim uses the coal to purify him, indicating that through this act, Isaiah is made clean and ready to fulfill his prophetic mission.

This act of purification is crucial because it represents God's ability to remove sin and inadequacy, preparing Isaiah to speak on God's behalf. By cleansing Isaiah, it shows that God not only acknowledges Isaiah's sinfulness but also provides the means for his redemption and readiness for service. The coal's purging effect demonstrates how God equips individuals for His purpose after cleansing them from sin, further emphasizing the transformational aspect of divine interaction.