I have been struck a number of times throughout the series in Isaiah by the prophet’s allusions to the Psalms throughout his vision. He was clearly steeped in a knowledge of them.
This week again, his declaration of God’s kingship hearkened the reader back to the Psalms. In 33:14, Isaiah asks, “Who among us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings?”
If you are familiar with the Psalms, you will know that the Psalmist presents similar questions in a pair of bookended Psalms—15 & 24 (compare them for their similarity).
Like Isaiah, the Psalmist has God’s holiness in mind.
“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah”
Psalm 24:3-6
We have a Holy Judge who requires anyone who comes into HIs presence to do so with holiness. The good news is we have been made holy by the sacrifice of His Son on our behalf (See the book of Hebrews, esp. 4:14-5:10; 9:11-28).
Who can ascend to the hill of the Lord? I can because of Jesus!