Isaiah
Isaiah served as a prophet during the reigns of these kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah from about 740 to 681 BC.
During these years Israel was falling apart spiritually and politically. The northern kingdom fell to Assyria in 722 BC. The southern kingdom almost fell also. Idolatry and wickedness continued in Judah, and Isaiah prophesied its eventual captivity by Babylon. However, God would keep His promises by restoring Judah under the Persian King Cyrus. But ultimately Judah and all nations would be saved by the coming Messiah.
Some critics of the Bible say that it was impossible for Isaiah to prophesy so accurately the destruction of Judah by Babylon and its restoration by Cyrus. But this comes from people who don’t believe that prophecy is even possible. Nevertheless they are overlooking something very important. Isaiah has been a revered book for centuries. There is an unbroken tradition that Isaiah wrote all of it. My question to the critics is this: How would a book have been revered by the people of Israel if it prophesied about Cyrus after the fact. To say that the prophecies about Cyrus would have been challenging for the people in Isaiah’s day to believe is true. But to say that prophecies about Cyrus published after the fact would be respected by their descendants is ludicrous.
Isaiah speaks so clearly about the Messiah he is sometimes called the Fifth Evangelist. Isaiah has many memorable passages such as: Isa 1:18; Isa 7.14; Isa 9.6-7; Isa 25.6-8; Isa 40.3; Isa 40.31; Isa 53.
Brief Outline
Chapters 1-39 cover Isaiah’s time.
Chapters 40-55 cover the time of the Jewish exiles in Babylon.
Chapters 56-66 cover the returned exiles and subsequent generations.
Isaiah’s message is a vision of hope for sinners (of Israel and of the nations) through the coming Messiah.
Chapter Notes
01) Isaiah points out that God’s people have forsaken Him. There is only a small remnant of true believers left. God does not accept their worship because of their wickedness. Yet He wants to forgive them. Though Zion is unjust, God will purge it.
02) Judah and Jerusalem will one day be restored. Out of Zion the law will come forth. Nations shall beat their swords to plowshares, etc. But now the land is full of idols, and this will bring on the terror of the LORD.
03) Though Judah and Jerusalem are rich, they crush the poor and live extravagantly. The Lord will take it away and replace it with stench, sackcloth and mourning.
04) Nevertheless the “Branch of the LORD will be beautiful.” Jeremiah and Zechariah use the word “branch” for the Messiah. The remnant will be washed and purged and made holy. The pillar of cloud and fire (as in the Exodus) will be above them.
05) He compared Israel to a vineyard that the Lord planted and cared for. But it produced wild grapes, and the Lord destroyed it. They became rich and partied and forgot the work of the Lord. Therefore they went into captivity. He pronounced woes to those who call evil good and good evil, etc. The Lord will call nations to destroy Israel.
06) Isaiah describes how the Lord called him to be a prophet. He was reluctant because of His sinful nature, but the Lord used a burning coal to bring him forgiveness. The Lord then tells him that most people won’t listen to him, but he should keep preaching until the land is desolate. Yet a holy seed shall remain in the stump.
07) During the reign of Ahaz, Syria and Israel tried to destroy Jerusalem. Isaiah told Ahaz not to fear these enemies. God promised Ahaz and all the house of David a sign: A virgin will conceive and bear a Son. He will be “Immanuel,” “God-with-us.” The sign is represented as happening now even though it would happen down the line of the household of David with the conception and birth of Jesus. This is God’s eternal present. What God does in the past affects the future, and what God does in the future affects the past. The two kings Isaiah feared would be destroyed in the same length of time it would take this child to grow up to understand the difference between good and evil even though the child would be born in the future.
08) Isaiah continues to assure that the alliance between Israel and Aram (Syria) will not overtake Judah. Isaiah had a son whose name meant “speed the spoil, hasten the booty” (probably a familiar saying of soldiers). Before this child reached the age of one, Israel and Aram would be plundered by Assyria. Rezin was king of Syria. The son of Remaliah was Pekah, king of Israel (7.1). Assyria’s invasion would destroy Israel and come to the neck of Judah. But God would be with Judah. Isaiah warns the people not to seek mediums but to look to the word of God.
09) Despite the coming destruction of the northern tribes by Assyria, Isaiah said that a son of David will arise to establish His kingdom. But for now the downward spiral of Israel will continue as God punishes them for their wickedness.
10) The Lord condemned Israel’s mistreatment of the poor. He also promised to destroy Assyria even though He will use it to punish Israel. Despite Israel’s punishment, a remnant of true believers will return.
11) The Lord will raise up a son from the family of Jesse (David’s father) who will deliver justice for the oppressed, who will gather the scattered believers, and finally establish His kingdom in the world. This is a prophecy about Jesus, but it skips over His suffering, and looks beyond it to His second coming.
12) Israel’s response to this salvation is to praise God (worship) and to declare His works among the peoples (evangelism).
13) Chapters 13-23 is often called “The Judgment on the Nations.” Jeremiah and Ezekiel both have similar sections in their prophecies (Jer. 46-51; Ezek. 25-32). God promised judgment on Israel and Judah for their lack of faith. But He also promised judgment on their surrounding nations. These chapters can be a little hard to understand because we don’t have all the historical information we would like. All these judgments should be taken as precursors to God’s ultimate judgment of the world. The LORD begins to pronounce judgment on Babylon. But the judgment extends beyond ancient Babylon to the world itself, “I will punish the world for its evil…” This is similar to the Sermon on the Mount of Olives when Jesus spoke of the destruction of Jerusalem but also extend the judgment to the world.
14) Despite the judgment of the wicked, the LORD will save Israel. Strangers will be joined to them. The people who oppressed them will serve them. Again He promises the destruction of Babylon, especially King Sargon II. This is a scathing description of what happens to the wicked who exalt themselves and challenge God. Lucifer (Day Star) is a reference both to Sargon II and Satan (since he is thrown down “from heaven”). They both have the same goal or desire, to exalt themselves above God. Jesus referred to these verses when He said He saw Satan fall like lightning (Luke 10.18; Revelation 12.8-9). The chapter ends with a promise of destruction for Philistia.
15-16) These chapters promised the destruction of Moab because of its pride. Moab is west of the Dead Sea, and it had long been an enemy of Israel.
17) Isaiah promises the destruction of Israel and Syria who had joined forces. Only a few, like the olives in the top of the tree, will believe. Because most have forgotten God, the land will be destroyed. Isaiah extends this destruction to the whole world which makes a lot of noise but does not worship God.
18) Isaiah prophecies woe to Ethiopia, a powerful people. Their harvest will cut off before it ripens. But they will also bring a present to Mt. Zion.
19) The next proclamation goes against Egypt because of their idolatry. “In that day” is similar to the prophetic “day of the LORD.” Both refer to God’s intervention of some kind in this world. Often, but not always, they refer to the end of time. In the last part of this chapter Isaiah promises that true faith in God will spread to Egypt and Assyria. This must refer to the intervention of God through the sending of His Son and the spreading faith of Christ to all nations.
20) In 711 BC, Sargon II, King of Assyria, sent a Tartan (or commander) to defeat Ashdod of the Philistines, who were relying on help from Egypt and Ethiopia. The LORD told Isaiah to go around “naked” like a prisoner for three years as a sign to Egypt and Ethiopia that they would be defeated by Assyria.
21) Israel hoped the Babylonians could help them with the Assyrians. But Babylon’s battle with the Assyrians failed. Edom was the land south of the Dead Sea. They were also dominated by the Assyrians, and that wouldn’t change. The Assyrians would also control Arabia.
22) Isaiah referred to Jerusalem as the Valley of Vision. It was surrounded by the Assyrians (probably the same siege as 701 BC, which will come up again in chapters 36-37). While they should have repented, they gathered weapons and shored up their defenses. They also partied, assuming they would be defeated. Shebna was an official involved in negotiations with the Assyrians. He thought he would be famous and so prepared a notable tomb for himself. Isaiah said he would be replaced by Eliakim, a better official. As good as Eliakim was, like a secure peg, he and the security he brought to Jerusalem would be cut off. This signaled the ultimate defeat of Judah in the future.
23) This is the last chapter in “The Judgment of Nations” (chapters 13-23). Tyre and Sidon were known for their maritime commerce. This kind of prosperity is not wrong unless it becomes our idol/god and our security. Isaiah said it will be “laid waste.” Verse 18 is a little difficult to understand. Somehow these profits of sinful commerce will be transformed and used by those who believe in the LORD.
24) Chapters 13-23 focused on the judgment of individual nations. Chapters 24-27 focus on the final judgment of the whole world. In the final judgment, all people will be affected. Even the earth will be broken. Kings will be punished. The moon will be disgraced and the sun ashamed.
25) In the midst of the final judgments God promises blessings. These are the blessings that the Messiah will bring as the kingdom of Israel expands to the church and to all nations. Nevertheless, even the church will have bad people and hypocrites in its midst until judgment day.
26) As the LORD brings His judgment upon this world, the righteous will put their trust in Him and be saved.
27) God will destroy the evils of this world, and He will make His people fruitful and bring them to Jerusalem to worship Him.
28) In chapters 28-33 Isaiah responds with a series of “woes” against those who were opposing his words. Chapters 28-29 focus on Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) and Jerusalem. Ephraim was condemned for pride and drunkenness. They and Jerusalem ignored the careful teaching of the LORD (“precept upon precept, line upon line”). They made a covenant with death and took refuge in lies. But God will lay in Zion a Cornerstone who will set things right and will annul the covenant with death.
29) God will punish Ariel (a special name for Jerusalem that may mean “Lion of God.”) because their hearts were far from Him. Yet in the end Isaiah promises that Jacob will hallow God’s name and will learn doctrine.
30) Chapters 30-31 were a warning to Israel not to put their confidence in Egypt. Israel did not seek God’s counsel or advice. It was futile for them to take treasures to Rahab (another name for Egypt). They tried to get rid of the Holy One of Israel. The LORD offered a beautiful blessing: “In returning and rest you shall be saved…” But Israel rejected it. Yet God was patient and still intent on healing them. Assyria, whose Israel feared, would be beaten down.
31) God warned Israel not to seek help from Egypt. They would both perish together. The LORD will fight for Zion.
32) Isaiah foresees the reign of a righteous king. This can’t be heaven because there will still be foolish and complacent people. Nevertheless righteous rule will bear fruit and bring peace pointing to the kingdom of heaven. This chapter includes a beautiful stewardship message: “But a generous man devises generous things, and by generosity he shall stand” (32.8).
33) This is the last of the “woes” that began in chapter twenty eight. Here Isaiah pronounces God’s judgment on those who live unrighteously On the other hand, he who walks uprightly will see the King, the majestic LORD. He is Judge, Lawgiver, and King* who will save us.” (Note the similarity here between Isaiah's description of the LORD and the three branches of government.)
34) Chapter 34 describes God’s judgment upon the world. Chapter 35 describes God’s vindication of His people. God’s judgment will come upon the whole world. Its armies will be slaughtered. The heaven’s and earth will be desolated. Edom is mentioned as an example of all nations because it was the perpetual enemy of Israel. The Edomites were descended from Esau.
35) On the other hand, the land will be renewed. Holiness will be established. The order of life will be restored for the redeemed and ransomed of the LORD. They will come to Zion with singing and joy.
36) Chapters 36-39 provide an historical interlude. Chapters 36-37 look back on chapters 1-35 and fulfill the promises that God brought the Assyrians to Judah to punish them for their sins. But He also promised to deliver Jerusalem from them and destroy Assyria because of their pride. Chapters 38-39 look forward to the Babylonian Captivity of chapters 40-66 which was brought on by Hezekiah’s pride.
The king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeh to Hezekiah calling him to surrender. He warned them not to trust in Egypt for help. The leaders of Jerusalem asked him to speak in Aramaic rather than Hebrew so the people would hear. He continued to speak in Hebrew and warned that the LORD would not deliver them.
37) Hezekiah sent servants to Isaiah to pray for the remnant. Isaiah assured them that the king Assyria would die. The king of Assyria again sent messengers to threaten Hezekiah. He took the letter from them and prayed in the house of the LORD for deliverance. Isaiah again promised deliverance. The angel of the LORD killed 185,000 Assyrians, and Sennacherib returned to Nineveh. There he was killed by his sons. Esarhaddon, his son, reigned in his place.
38) Isaiah warned Hezekiah that he would die soon. Hezekiah prayed to the LORD, and the LORD promised to extend his life fifteen more years. The shadow of the sundial went back ten degrees as a sign. Hezekiah lamented having to die but also thanked God for extending his life.
39) After his recovery, Hezekiah received a gift from the king of Babylon. Hezekiah showed him all his treasures. Isaiah warned him that the days would come when Babylon would carry it all off along with his sons. Hezekiah strangely say this was good, because there would at least be peace in his days.
40) In chapters 40-55 Isaiah looks forward to the captivity of Israel in Babylon. Devastated by the judgment of God, Isaiah begins this chapter begins with a promise of comfort to Israel, and he ends with a promise of strength. God promises to come to rule and take care of His flock. Isaiah then contrasts the amazing knowledge and power of God against the foolish and useless idols of men.
41) Isaiah records God’s assurance that He, not the idols of men, are in control of history. “The one from the east” is referring to Cyrus, the king of Persia, who God will raise to bring the people of Israel back to their land (chapters 44-45).
Note: There are four Servant Songs in Isaiah ( Isa 42:1-9; Isa 49:1–13; Isa 50:4–9; Isa 52:13–53:12). The word “servant” is used as a title for the people of Israel eight times (Isa 41:8–9; Isa 42:19; Isa 43:10; Isa 44:1–2, 21, 26; Isa 45:4; Isa 48:20). It is used as a title for an individual servant who serves both Israel and the nations five times (Isa 42:1-9; Isa 49:5–6; Isa 50:10; Isa 52:13; Isa 53:11).
Jewish rabbis (after the fall of Jerusalem and the writing of the Talmud) claimed that the Servant is the people of Israel. This has two problems. First, it ignores the verses that point to an individual servant for Israel and the nations. Second, the servant is a savior. How are the people of Israel a “savior” especially for the people of Israel? What is it that they are saving?
42) Isaiah promised an individual Servant who would bring forth “justice for truth” for Israel and the Gentiles. The response to this will be “praise from the ends of the earth.” Isaiah then shifts to the servant as the people of Israel. This “servant” was blind and deaf. They were supposed to draw the nations to the LORD, but because of their disobedience, they were plundered by the nations.
43) Isaiah reminded Israel that God created them and has always saved them. He is the only God and the only true Savior. God saved His people that they would praise Him. Yet Israel ignored God and continued in their sins. Even though God forgave their sins for His own sake, they continued to transgress against Him.
44) The LORD assures Israel that in the future their descendants will be faithful. He reminds them that He alone is the one true God. It is foolish to make idols. The craftsman make an idol out of part of the wood, and rest he uses to make a fire. The LORD formed Israel and blotted out their transgressions. He promised to restore Judah through Cyrus, king of the Persians.
45) In 539 B.C., Cyrus, King of Persia, surrounded and overtook the city of Babylon. Isaiah tells us that Cyrus was "anointed" by God to do this and to free the people of Israel from their captivity in Babylon. Isaiah goes on to explain that The LORD is the only true God. There are none besides Him. He chose Cyrus and prepared him for his victories even though Cyrus did not know Him. Isaiah said in this way the He showed Israel and all the world that He alone is LORD. He makes the light and the darkness. He makes peace and calamity. He hides Himself from the idolators, but He is a Savior to those who believe in Him.
46) Isaiah mocked the idol gods of Babylon, Bel & Nebo. He stressed that the God of Israel is the only God who brings righteousness and salvation.
47) While Zion will be saved, Babylon will be punished. They will be disgraced because of their self-confidence and cruelty to Israel. God used them to punish Israel, but they won’t escape God’s punishment for their sins.
48) God will use Cyrus, the Persian, to release Israel from Babylon. But verse 16 points to the Messiah who will ultimately lead them.
49) Isa 49.1-13 is the second of the four Servant Songs (see note at chapter 41). This servant will save Israel and the nations through His suffering.
50) The LORD affirms His power to save. Isa 50.4-9 is the third Servant Song. The Servant listens and learns. Though persecuted, He will not be ashamed. The LORD will help Him while His persecutors wear out. Isaiah ends with a rebuke to those who walk in the light of their own fire (make up their own religion) and do not listen to the Servant.
51) Isaiah encourages his readers to listen to the Servant (previous chapter) because God created Israel and He can reestablish her again. He will judge and save. He will vindicate those who believe in Him. The ransomed will return to Zion like those He led out of Egypt (Rahab=Egypt). He reaffirmed the covenant to their God. Though they would continue to be afflicted, God will judge those who afflict Israel.
52) Israel should rejoice because they will be redeemed. “How beautiful are the feet of him who brings good news…” The LORD will go before and after Israel. Verses 13-15 are the beginning of the fourth and last Servant Songs. He shall be exalted and abased.
53) The fourth Servant Song continues. The Servant will be despised and rejected. He will be smitten by God for our transgressions. He will be like a lamb led to slaughter. He will justify many. Yet He shall see His seed and prolong His days. God will divide the spoil with Him.
54) When Israel would suffer their Babylonian captivity, they would be like a barren woman. But that will change in the future. Israel will grow again and need to enlarge its tents. God is like a husband to Israel. God’s wrath for Israel’s disobedience was a moment compared to His everlasting kindness. The return from the Babylonian captivity under Ezra/Nehemiah was only the first installment on these promises. The fullness came when Israel and the church was established in righteousness through the Messiah.
55) The Servant urges everyone to listen to the word of the LORD. That word calls all to repentance and forgiveness which is better than any food or drink. This is a great mystery, like the mystery of life itself, but God’s word does not fail. Those who hear and believe will find joy and peace and life forever.
56) Forgiven and restored, Israel is to “keep justice and do righteousness” as it waits for the final salvation. Not only Israel, but foreigners and others excluded from the congregation of Israel will now be included. They had been excluded only because God was maintaining Israel’s identity which would lead to the identity of the Messiah. With the Messiah coming, God’s original promise of saving all nations would be fulfilled. Even while all this will be happening the leaders of Israel will still be unfaithful.
57) Isaiah warns Israel about its idolatry. The righteous are perishing, the idolaters are increasing. Yet they will be taken away by a breath. Nevertheless those who trust in the LORD, who have a contrite heart, even though they have backslidden, these will be saved.
58) Chapters 49-57 explained how the Servant, God’s Son, suffered to redeem us from our sins. In the remaining chapters Isaiah shows us the new life of redemption leading to eternal life. He still admonishes sin and promises salvation since we all struggle with sin to the end of our lives. Yet these chapters take us to the final goal of the new heavens and new earth. In this chapter Isaiah admonishes those who worship but do not care for others. But he promises light, healing, and strength to those who worship and care for others.
59) Isaiah continues to explain the theme begun in 57.21 “There is no peace for the wicked.” Sin separates us from God and stops us from seeking truth or justice. Our thoughts are thoughts of iniquity leading to destruction. Yet the LORD’s arm is not shortened for salvation. His covenant is that His Spirit is upon us, and His words are in our mouths. Justice and peace will only come from the LORD.
60) Now Isaiah begins to tell the final stages of salvation. He begins by showing that darkness will cover the earth. But the LORD will show His glory to His people. The nations shall see this and be drawn to Zion. Is He referring to the Jews returning from Babylon? Is He referring to the glory of Jesus in His incarnation, life, death and resurrection? Is He referring to the return of Jesus? We can see all these things in this chapter. However the finality of LORD being the light instead of the sun ultimately points us to the return of Jesus.
61) The “Me” here must be the Servant (ch. 42, 49, 50,52-53). He will bring salvation to Zion, the people of God who have been oppressed by unbelieving Gentiles. In His kingdom the oppressors will serve God’s people. He will accomplish all of this by preaching according to the Spirit of God. He will give His righteousness to them, and in righteousness, they will flourish. Isaiah is not referring to a revival limited only to Jews vs. Gentiles. There’s more here: The Day of Vengeance, Trees of Righteousness, All Are Priests, An Everlasting Covenant, Righteousness Springing Forth. This must refer to Judgment Day and the New Heavens and Earth which will include both believing Jews and Gentiles.
62) Isaiah portrays the salvation of God’s people as a burning lamp of righteousness, a new name, a crown, a marriage, and a secure city protected from raiders. These people will be called holy, redeemed, sought out, not forsaken.
63) Isaiah teaches us that when God saves He also judges. Edom was the persistent enemy of Israel and represents all who fight against God. The emphasis on “red” is a play on words since “Edom” is spelled like “red” in Hebrew. Isaiah remembers how God saved His people in the Exodus. Though they had rebelled and though God had given them over to their sins (hardened their hearts), nevertheless He saved them. So Isaiah still appeals to God’s mercy for salvation.
64) At the end of the last chapter, Isaiah and the remnant of Israel pray to God for salvation. There is no God like the true God who intervenes for His people. Even better, He does so despite their sins. Only God can save them, like a potter forming the clay. In the last part of the chapter Isaiah foretells the destruction of the temple.
65) Going all the way back to Abraham, the people of Israel were chosen by God not because of their merit, but because of His love. Yet the majority of them turned away from the true God to idols. The idol “Meni” means “Destiny,” and was probably a Babylonian god. God will bring His judgment on this idolatry and His salvation to those who believe in Him. Finally, He will create a new heaven and earth where sin and its effects are forgotten.
66) True worship begins with a contrite spirit and sincere attention to God’s word. Any other worship (sacrifice) is an abomination to the LORD. While Isaiah foresaw the destruction of Jerusalem, he also foresaw the return of Israel. This return would be miraculous, like the birth of a child. Even though there would be further judgments, such as the destruction of the Temple in A.D. 70, “those who escape” will go to different nations to declare the LORD’s glory among the Gentiles. All of this will climax to the final judgment when God separates good from evil forever with the new heavens and earth.