Commentary for Isaiah 6:6

a glowing coal Heb. רִצְפָּה, a coal, and similarly, (I Kings 19:6) “a cake baked on hot coals (עֻגַּתרְצָפִים),” like עֻגַּתרְשָׁפִים. In regards to Isaiah and Elijah, however, it is written with a ‘zadi,’ רִצְפָּה, because they spoke ill of Israel. This one [Isaiah] called them a people of unclean lips, and this one [Elijah] said, (ibid. 10) “For...have forsaken Your covenant.” Said the Holy One, blessed be He, to the angel, “Break the mouth (רְצוֹץפֶּה) that spoke ill of My children.”

ויעׇף Then flew. As written here, with a short kamez under ע, it is derived from עוף to fly; but ויעַף (Jud. 4:21), where the ע has a pathah, is derived from עיף to be weary.

with tongs Heb. (בְּמֶלְקֳחַיִם) with tongs.

רצפה A live coal. Comp. רצפים coals (1 Kings 19:6).

he had taken it from upon the altar that was in the forecourt.

With tongs. As men use to do.

From off the altar. Where the fire is holy, where there is no strange fire.