Isaiah is one of the most influential prophetic books in Scripture, revealing God’s holiness, judgment, and plan of salvation. Written during a time of political turmoil and spiritual decline, Isaiah announces coming judgment on Judah and the nations while offering profound hope through the promise of the Messiah. The book spans from warnings of exile to visions of restoration, a new covenant, and the reign of God’s servant-king.
Background
Author: Isaiah
Audience: Judah, surrounding nations, and future generations
Date: Around 740–700 BC
Location Written: Jerusalem
Context: Isaiah ministered during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Judah faced corruption, idolatry, and threats from Assyria. Isaiah confronted sin, called the people to repentance, and revealed God’s future plans, including the virgin-born Immanuel, the suffering servant, and the coming glorious kingdom. The book alternates between judgment and hope, emphasizing God’s sovereignty over history.
Characters
- Isaiah — prophet delivering messages of judgment, hope, and Messianic prophecy
- God — holy and sovereign, judge of nations and redeemer of His people
- Ahaz — king who rejected God’s sign and trusted foreign alliances
- Hezekiah — king who sought God but later faltered in pride
- The Servant (Messianic Figure) — foretold redeemer who suffers and saves
- Israel and Judah — covenant people called to repentance
- Assyria and Babylon — nations used as instruments of judgment
Major Events
- Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness and his prophetic calling (Chapter 6)
- Prophecies about the coming Immanuel born of a virgin (Chapters 7–9)
- Warnings of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations (Chapters 1–39)
- Encounters with King Ahaz and King Hezekiah (Chapters 7–8, 36–39)
- Promise of a righteous king from David’s line (Chapter 11)
- Comfort and restoration promised after exile (Chapters 40–48)
- The Servant Songs describing the suffering servant (Chapters 42, 49, 50, 52–53)
- Calling to return to God and embrace His salvation (Chapters 55–59)
- Prophecies of a new heavens and new earth (Chapters 60–66)
Application & Life Lessons
- God is holy and worthy of awe and reverence
- Trusting human power instead of God leads to ruin
- Judgment reveals God’s justice, while mercy reveals His heart
- God keeps His promises even when His people fail
- The Messiah is God’s answer to sin, suffering, and brokenness
- Hope is rooted in God’s future restoration, not present circumstances
- God can redeem, restore, and renew what seems lost
- True worship involves justice, humility, and righteousness
Bible Study Videos
Video by the Bible Project providing an overview of Isaiah
Sermons & Teachings
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of Isaiah 1-27
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of Isaiah 28-66
Podcasts
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Articles
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Books
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Disclosures & Notices
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