Isaiah
The book of Isaiah contains some of the most beautiful and well-known
passages of praise and promise in the Bible. Isaiah prophesied in Judah,
the southern kingdom of Israel, for about 40 years, beginning around the
time the northern kingdom was overthrown. The messages he received from
God warned Judah of the coming destruction, but they also looked ahead
to a time of hope and reconciliation between the Israelites and their
God. The book of Isaiah also makes it clear that God has authority over
not just Israel, but also all the nations of the world. Isaiah's messages
of judgment and restoration are often closely intermingled. God's purpose
in judgment is not only to punish, but also to turn people to himself.
The book of
Isaiah gives us little personal information about the prophet. But from
incidents related in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles and Isaiah, we know he was
not afraid to speak the truth to his listeners- however unpopular it might
be. For example, Isaiah advised the leaders of the country to trust in
God for safety rather than an alliance with foreign kings. In addition,
Isaiah's commissioning attests to his ability to discern God's voice and
his willingness to obey.
Isaiah
receives his commissioning from God, which sums up the message he will
take to the Israelites.
Isaiah 6:1-13
Isaiah advises King Hezekiah during the king's illness and during
a siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrians. Isaiah tells Hezekiah that Jerusalem
will be overthrown, but not in his lifetime.
2 Kings 18:13-20:19
2 Chronicles 32:1-23
Isaiah 36: 1-39:8
Isaiah warns the Israelites about the destruction coming upon
them because of their rebellion against God.
Isaiah 1:2-31; 5:1-30; 9:8-10:4; 22:1-19; 29:1-16; 301-17; 30:1-9
Isaiah's prophesies foresee a time when God will punish Israel's
enemies, restore Israel's fortunes and establish his rule over all nations.
Isaiah 27:1-13; 29:17-24; 35:1-10; 41:1-20; 43:1-45:25; 60:1-62:12; 65:17-25
Messianic prophecies point to the coming of a suffering Savior,
who will save the Israelites from their sins and rule the nations. These
passages have their ultimate fulfillment in the coming of Jesus Christ
and his return as the eternal King.
Isaiah 9:2-7; 11:1-9; 42:1-7; 49:1-7; 50:4-9;52:13- 53:12
God pronounces judgments on the ungodly nations. But he also declares
his acceptance of peoples from all nations who come to him.
Isaiah 13:1-14:23; 15:1-14; 18:1-19:25; 23:1- 24:23; 28;1-15; 34:1-17;
56:1-8; 60:1-9
New Testament preachers and writers quote frequently from the
book of Isaiah.
Matthew 4:12-16; 12:15-21; 13:10-15
Mark 7:5-7
Luke 4:14-21
John 12:37-41
Acts 8:26-39
Romans 10:16-21
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