ISAIAH

The book of Isaiah may be compared to the whole Bible because it has two parts, like the two testaments. In the Old Testament section (chaps. 1–39), the prophet condemns the sins of Judah and warns of coming judgment. In the New Testament section (chaps. 40–66), he prophesies Judah’s deliverance from Babylonian captivity. Throughout both sections, he announces the establishment of God’s glorious kingdom.

The first section primarily highlights law and condemnation, while the second emphasizes grace and glorious redemption. “The Holy One of Israel ” is one of Isaiah’s favorite names for the Lord. The name Isaiah means “the salvation of Jehovah, ” and the prophet deals with four different kinds of salvation:

(1) Judah’s national salvation from the attacks of other nations;

(2) Judah’s salvation from the Babylonian captivity;

(3) the future salvation of the Jews when their kingdom is established; and

(4) the personal salvation of the sinner who puts his faith in the Redeemer.

Isaiah prophesied seven hundred years before Christ, in a period of international tension. Egypt, Syria, Israel (the northern kingdom), Babylon, and Assyria had their eyes on Judah, and the leaders of Judah tried to play one nation against another in their attempt to avoid war.

Isaiah warned them not to trust in politics but to trust the Lord and obey His Word. The leaders did not listen, and Judah was eventually taken captive by Babylon.

Isaiah’s book guided and comforted the exiles both during and after their captivity. As you read this book, you will see how believers should respond to international conflicts, political decay in the nation, and religious decay among the people, including the religious leaders.

Isaiah ministered at a time when “religion ” was popular but not spiritual, and the ministry at the temple was only a formality. The nation as a whole was corrupt, but God had His faithful remnant just as He does today.

Tradition says that the prophet Isaiah was sawed in half by King Manasseh. Hebrews 11:37 is said to refer to his death.

ISAIAH 6

Sight: he saw the Lord (1–4). Isaiah had a life-changing vision of Jesus Christ (John 12:38–41). The throne of Judah had changed occupants, but God was still on His throne and in perfect control of everything. When you worship, focus on God’s holiness, sovereignty, and glory. When things on earth are discouraging, start looking at things from heaven’s point of view.

Insight: he saw himself (5–7). Isaiah had pronounced woes on other people, but now he cried, “Woe is me! ” He admitted that he was a sinner, he confessed his sin, and the Lord cleansed him. Were it not for the sacrifice on the altar, we could never approach the throne.

Vision: he saw the need (8–13). True worship leads to service. You hear God’s call, and you respond with obedience. God did not send Isaiah to a receptive people or give him an easy message to preach. But when you have seen the Lord and felt His touch, you can obey His will without fear.

His Majesty “Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God, ” wrote John Calvin. This was true not only of Isaiah but also of Job (Job 42:5–6), Daniel (Da 10:16-17), Peter (Lk 5:8), and John (Rev. 1:17).

He Shall Be Immanuel Isaiah 7–12 is sometimes called the “Book of Immanuel ” (Is 7:14; Is 8:8, Is 8:10). Immanuel means “God with us. ” God gave this prophecy to the whole “house of David ” (Is 7:13) and not just to King Ahaz; it refers ultimately to the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:18–25). He is God, and He is “God with us. ”

Categories: Studiu biblic