About This Book
Isaiah, the greatest prophetic book, spans several decades of Judah's history, calling the nation to repentance while revealing God's sovereign plan for judgment and ultimate restoration through a coming Servant and King. Isaiah prophesies during reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, witnessing Assyria's rise and Israel's fall. The book opens with God's lawsuit against rebellious Judah—despite His faithful care, the people have forsaken Him for empty religion and injustice. Isaiah's commission comes through a transforming vision of God's holiness in the temple, where seraphim cry 'Holy, holy, holy.' Recognizing his sinfulness, Isaiah is cleansed and sent to prophesy to a people who will hear but not understand, whose hardness will persist until judgment comes.
Isaiah confronts King Ahaz, offering the famous Immanuel sign—a virgin will conceive and bear a son—but Ahaz refuses to trust God, seeking Assyrian alliance instead. Isaiah prophesies a righteous king from David's line who will establish justice forever. He pronounces judgment on surrounding nations and on Judah itself for pride, idolatry, and oppression of the poor. Yet interspersed with judgment are promises of future hope—the Messiah will come from Jesse's root, bringing peace so profound that predator and prey will coexist harmoniously.
The suffering servant passages reveal one who bears humanity's sins, is pierced for transgressions, yet through his suffering brings healing and justification. God promises to create new heavens and a new earth where former troubles are forgotten. Isaiah emphasizes that God alone is sovereign—idols are nothing, foreign gods powerless. He controls history, raising up and deposing nations according to His purposes.
The book's latter section offers comfort, proclaiming that Jerusalem's exile will end, God will restore His people, and His glory will be revealed.