Isaiah Overview
As we go into the book of Isaiah, please keep the following things in mind about this prophet.
Prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament
Isaiah, whose name means "The Lord is salvation," was one of the major prophets in the Old Testament. He is best known as the author of the Book of Isaiah, which contains 66 chapters and is considered one of the most profound books of prophecy. His ministry took place during a turbulent time in Israel's history, spanning the reigns of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Isaiah 1:1). Isaiah was active from approximately 740 to 681 BC.
Kings That Isaiah Served
Uzziah: A prosperous and powerful king of Judah, Uzziah (also called Azariah) reigned for 52 years, achieving military success and building projects, but his pride led to his downfall when he unlawfully burned incense in the temple, resulting in leprosy (2 Chronicles 26).
Jotham: Uzziah's son, Jotham ruled Judah for 16 years and was known for doing what was right in God’s eyes, continuing temple work and fortifications, but he did not remove the high places where people offered sacrifices improperly (2 Kings 15:32-38).
Ahaz: A wicked king of Judah, Ahaz abandoned God, practiced idolatry, sacrificed his son, and sought help from Assyria rather than relying on God, which led to great spiritual and political decline (2 Kings 16).
Hezekiah: A righteous king and reformer, Hezekiah restored proper worship, removed idolatry, and trusted God during the Assyrian invasion, witnessing miraculous deliverance from Sennacherib’s army (2 Kings 18–19).
Isaiah’s Interactions with Kings:
Ahaz: Isaiah had significant interactions with Ahaz, warning him not to rely on political alliances, such as with Assyria, but to trust in God during the Syro-Ephraimite crisis. Isaiah gave Ahaz the famous prophecy of Immanuel (Isaiah 7:1–16) as a sign of God’s presence and promise of deliverance, though Ahaz rejected Isaiah’s counsel.
Hezekiah: Isaiah had a close relationship with Hezekiah, acting as his spiritual advisor. He encouraged Hezekiah to trust in God rather than in alliances with Egypt during the Assyrian threat. Isaiah assured him of God’s deliverance when King Sennacherib of Assyria besieged Jerusalem, and God miraculously defeated the Assyrians (Isaiah 36–37). Isaiah also conveyed God’s message of extending Hezekiah’s life after his illness (Isaiah 38) and rebuked him for showing Babylonian envoys Judah’s treasures, foretelling Babylon’s eventual conquest (Isaiah 39).
Outside of Judah, Isaiah delivered prophecies concerning foreign kings and nations (e.g., Babylon, Assyria, Moab, and Egypt), but these are proclamations rather than recorded interactions. For instance:
Isaiah prophesied about the downfall of the Assyrian king Sennacherib (Isaiah 37:21-38) but didn’t meet him directly.
He also foretold the rise of Cyrus, the Persian king who would eventually liberate Israel from exile (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1), though this occurred long after Isaiah's lifetime.
Key Aspects of Isaiah's Life and Ministry
Role and Calling
Isaiah received his prophetic commission in a powerful vision of God in His heavenly throne room (Isaiah 6). This vision revealed God's holiness and glory, and Isaiah's response—“Here am I, send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)—set the tone for his obedient ministry. He was called to speak to a rebellious nation, warning them of judgment while offering hope for redemption.Message
Isaiah’s messages can be categorized into two primary themes:Judgment: Isaiah warned of God’s impending judgment on Israel, Judah, and the surrounding nations due to their sin, idolatry, and lack of justice.
Salvation: He also offered profound messages of hope, pointing to the coming of the Messiah, who would bring peace and restoration.
Key Prophecies About the Messiah
Isaiah is often referred to as the "Messianic Prophet" because of his vivid prophecies about Jesus Christ. Notable passages include:The virgin birth: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14, NIV).
The suffering servant: Isaiah 53 portrays the Messiah as a suffering servant who bears the sins of the people.
The Prince of Peace: Isaiah 9:6-7 speaks of the coming of a ruler who will reign with justice and righteousness.
Interaction with Kings
Isaiah confronted King Ahaz and urged him to trust God rather than political alliances (Isaiah 7).
He also played a key role in encouraging King Hezekiah during the Assyrian invasion, assuring him that God would deliver Jerusalem (Isaiah 36–37).
Historical Context
Isaiah lived during a time of political upheaval, as the Assyrian Empire was expanding and threatening Israel and Judah. His prophecies often addressed the spiritual and political dynamics of the time, calling the people back to covenant faithfulness.
Notable Themes in Isaiah’s Book
God’s Holiness
Isaiah emphasizes the holiness of God, often referring to Him as “the Holy One of Israel.”Justice and Righteousness
Isaiah condemns social injustice, hypocrisy, and oppression, calling the people to seek righteousness and care for the poor.Hope and Restoration
Amid judgment, Isaiah paints a vision of a restored kingdom where peace and justice will reign, often symbolized by the coming of the Messiah.The Remnant
Isaiah speaks of a faithful remnant that will survive judgment and be the foundation for future restoration (Isaiah 10:20-22).
