Lesson ▪ 2000
Tags: Isaiah

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Background Information

The book as such

• One of the “major prophets”
• The longest of the prophetic books (at least in terms of number of chapters)
• Regarded as (one of) the most elegant and profound books in the Hebrew canon

Historical/geographical situation of the author

• Situated in Judah (primarily Jerusalem) during the latter eighth century BC
• Was familiar with political and religious leaders of his day
• Ministered over a period of 40+ years
• Witnessed firsthand great political and spiritual upheavals in Israel and Judah

Unity of the book

• The liberal view: at least two authors, perhaps three or as many as seven
• The conservative (and biblical) view: a single author, led by the Holy Spirit

Structure of the Book

Basic divisions of the book

• Chapters 1-39: Words of judgment
• Chapters 40-66: Words of comfort

Outline of the book

Sample Texts

1.1-6, 11-14, 18-20

• Illustrates the spiritual and moral decadence of Isaiah’s day
• Shows that God judges sin
• Applies quite well to modern situation

6.1-10

• Narrates Isaiah’s call, surrender, and commission to serve the Lord
• Reveals the holiness of God
• By extension, calls on today’s believers to offer themselves willingly in service to God

7.10-16 (cf. Mt. 1.20-23)

• Shows God’s sovereign power in the forecasting of future events
• Predicts the future birth of Jesus Christ by a virgin
• Reveals the faithlessness of King Ahaz

9.6-7

• Predicts the coming of the Messiah who would reign on David’s throne
• Speaks of the peace and righteousness that will prevail under his kingdom

11.1-10

• Describes the future kingdom of the Messiah
• Discusses the wisdom and righteousness with which he will reign
• Reveals God’s plan for restoration, including the physical creation

40.12-14, 18, 25-31

• Discusses God’s incomparability
• Encourages believers with the promise of strength in weakness

53.1-9, 11 (cf. Acts 8.32-35)

• Predicts the Messiah’s agonizing death
• Reveals that Jehovah’s Servant would bear the sins of all mankind

61.1-2 (cf. Lk 4.16-21)

• Foretells the coming of Messiah
• Balances the offer of liberation to those who believe with the reality of judgment for those who do not
• Fulfilled only partially in the first coming of Christ

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