Isaiah Introduction

Isaiah, one of the major prophets of the Old Testament, prophesied during the reigns of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, around 740-700 BC. The book addresses Judah’s rebellion, God’s coming judgment, and future restoration. Isaiah delivers a message of repentance, warning of God’s discipline through Assyria and Babylon. He also presents prophecies of hope, including the coming of the Messiah, salvation for all nations, and the ultimate establishment of God’s kingdom.

Chapter 1:
Isaiah begins by addressing Judah’s sinfulness, calling the people to repentance. Despite God’s care, Judah has turned away, resembling Sodom and Gomorrah in wickedness. The Lord calls for genuine repentance, warning of judgment but offering hope if the people return to Him. This chapter sets the tone for Isaiah’s call to righteousness and his message of salvation through judgment.

Chapter 2:
Isaiah speaks of the future exaltation of the Lord’s house, where all nations will seek God’s wisdom. He envisions a time of peace when swords will be turned into plowshares. However, Isaiah also warns of a day of judgment when human pride and idols will be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted. The chapter contrasts the glorious future with the present sinful condition of Judah.

Chapter 3:
Isaiah warns Judah of the removal of their leadership as punishment for their rebellion. God will take away their food, water, and competent leaders. He condemns the oppression of the poor and the vanity of the wealthy women of Jerusalem, foretelling their disgrace. The chapter emphasizes that those in positions of power who abuse their authority will face God’s judgment.

Chapter 4:
Isaiah offers a vision of hope after judgment. He foretells a time when the branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and a remnant will be purified. God will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem and protect His people, as He did in the wilderness, symbolized by a cloud by day and a flame by night. This chapter highlights God's restoration after the purification of His people.

Chapter 5:
Isaiah compares Judah to a vineyard that God lovingly tended, but which only produced bad fruit. Despite God’s care, the people have become corrupt. Isaiah pronounces six woes on those who exploit others, live in luxury, and mock God’s ways. He warns of coming judgment, where foreign nations will be used to punish the people for their rebellion.

Chapter 6:
Isaiah recounts his vision of the Lord in the temple, where he sees God’s holiness and becomes acutely aware of his own sinfulness. After being purified by a burning coal, Isaiah responds to God’s call with, “Here am I, send me.” God commissions him to preach a message of judgment to a people who will not listen, but also promises a remnant that will survive.

Chapter 7:
Isaiah tells of the confrontation between Ahaz, king of Judah, and the kings of Israel and Syria. God, through Isaiah, tells Ahaz not to fear these kings, as they will not succeed. Isaiah offers Ahaz a sign from God—the virgin will conceive and bear a son, called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” This prophecy hints at a future Messiah, while also assuring Judah of deliverance.

Chapter 8:
Isaiah warns that Assyria will invade Judah as God’s judgment for their rejection of His message. He uses the birth of his son, Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, as a sign of the coming destruction. Despite the impending invasion, Isaiah reminds the people to trust in God, not fear the nations. Those who turn to God will find sanctuary, but those who reject Him will stumble.

Chapter 9:
Isaiah prophesies the coming of a great light in the darkness, fulfilled in the coming Messiah, who will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah contrasts this hope with the judgment on Israel for their pride and wickedness. Despite the promise of restoration, judgment is inevitable because of their stubbornness and sin.

Chapter 10:
Isaiah speaks against Assyria, warning that though God is using them to punish Israel, they will be judged for their arrogance. Assyria is merely a tool in God's hands. The chapter also foretells a remnant of Israel returning to God after the destruction. The Lord will deliver His people from oppression, and the pride of their enemies will be brought low.

Chapter 11:
Isaiah describes the coming Messiah, the “Branch” from the root of Jesse. The Messiah will rule in wisdom and righteousness, bringing peace and justice. The chapter paints a picture of the peaceful reign of the Messiah, where even nature is transformed—wolves and lambs will live together peacefully. The Messiah will gather the exiled remnant of Israel from all nations.

Chapter 12:
This chapter is a song of thanksgiving, celebrating God’s salvation. Isaiah envisions a time when the people of Israel will praise the Lord for His deliverance and proclaim His greatness to all nations. The chapter emphasizes joy, trust, and the proclamation of God’s mighty works. It’s a brief but powerful message of hope and restoration.

Chapter 13:
Isaiah begins a series of prophecies against the nations, starting with Babylon. He foretells the destruction of Babylon by the Medes as God’s judgment for their arrogance and wickedness. The day of the Lord is described as a day of fierce anger, where the proud will be humbled, and the land will be devastated. God’s judgment is inescapable for the wicked.

Chapter 14:
In Isaiah 14, the prophecy against Babylon continues, with a promise that Israel will be restored while Babylon faces complete overthrow. The chapter includes a taunt song against the king of Babylon, describing his fall from power and the end of his arrogance. In verses 12-15, the language shifts, symbolically referring to Satan as "Lucifer," depicting his prideful rebellion against God and ultimate casting down from heaven. The chapter then turns to prophesy against Assyria and Philistia, foretelling their destruction as well. Overall, Isaiah 14 emphasizes God’s sovereign control over all nations and their destinies, highlighting the inevitable downfall of those who oppose Him, both earthly rulers and spiritual forces alike.

Chapter 15:
Isaiah delivers a prophecy against Moab, predicting its destruction. The chapter describes the mourning and devastation that will come upon the Moabites as they flee their cities. The nation’s pride and reliance on their false gods will be in vain, as they will face God’s judgment. The prophecy emphasizes that even in their distress, their cries will not bring deliverance.

Chapter 16:
Isaiah continues the prophecy against Moab, urging them to seek refuge in Judah. However, their pride prevents them from doing so, and their land will be devastated. The chapter shifts to a future restoration of Moab after the judgment, but only after a period of suffering. Moab’s pride is their downfall, and Isaiah calls for humility and repentance.

Chapter 17:
Isaiah prophesies the fall of Damascus, the capital of Syria, and also the northern kingdom of Israel. Both nations will face destruction due to their rebellion against God. Isaiah emphasizes that the people have forgotten their Creator, leading to their downfall. However, a remnant will turn back to God in repentance. The chapter ends with a warning of coming judgment on nations that oppose God.

Chapter 18:
Isaiah addresses the land of Cush (Ethiopia), calling them to witness God’s judgment on the nations. He speaks of an unnamed nation (likely Assyria) that will face God’s wrath. After this judgment, Ethiopia will bring gifts to the Lord as an acknowledgment of His sovereignty. The chapter highlights that God’s purposes extend beyond Israel, affecting all nations.

Chapter 19:
Isaiah prophesies judgment on Egypt, predicting internal strife, famine, and the drying up of the Nile. Egypt’s idols and leaders will fail to save them. However, the chapter ends with a promise of future blessing when Egypt, Assyria, and Israel will all be united in worship of the Lord. This remarkable vision of unity points to God’s ultimate plan for all nations.

Chapter 20:
Isaiah is commanded to walk barefoot and naked for three years as a sign of the coming humiliation of Egypt and Cush by the Assyrians. The prophecy warns Judah not to rely on these nations for help but to trust in God alone. Isaiah’s actions symbolize the shame that Egypt and Cush will experience when they are defeated and carried into exile.

Chapter 21:
Isaiah prophesies the fall of Babylon, Edom, and Arabia. He describes the fall of Babylon as a night of feasting turning into terror. The watchman sees Babylon’s destruction, fulfilling the prophecy. Edom is warned of the coming judgment, and Arabia is told that its glory will fade. The chapter emphasizes the inevitability of God’s judgment on these nations.

Chapter 22:
Isaiah addresses the “Valley of Vision,” likely referring to Jerusalem, warning of the city’s destruction due to the people’s failure to repent. Despite impending disaster, the people celebrate instead of mourning. Isaiah condemns their lack of faith. The chapter also includes a prophecy against Shebna, a royal official, and the promise of his replacement by Eliakim, a faithful servant.

Chapter 23:
Isaiah prophesies against Tyre, the wealthy maritime city. Tyre’s commercial power will be brought down as the city faces God’s judgment. The chapter foretells the fall of Tyre’s trading empire, but after seventy years, the Lord will restore it. However, its wealth will be dedicated to the Lord. The prophecy illustrates that no nation is beyond God’s reach.

Chapter 24:
Isaiah speaks of worldwide judgment, describing the devastation that will affect the earth and all its inhabitants. The earth will be laid waste because of the sin of its people. The chapter emphasizes the cosmic scope of God’s judgment but also hints at the future reign of the Lord, who will rule gloriously on Mount Zion. This points to the ultimate restoration after judgment.

Chapter 25:
Isaiah praises God for His faithfulness in bringing about judgment on the nations and delivering His people. He describes a banquet that the Lord will prepare for all peoples, where death will be swallowed up forever. God’s victory over death and the final redemption of His people are celebrated. The chapter reflects on the joy of salvation and the defeat of sin and death.

Chapter 26:
Isaiah records a song of praise for the future salvation of God’s people. The righteous are invited to enter the strong city of God, while the wicked are punished. The chapter emphasizes trust in the Lord, who brings peace to those who follow Him. It also reflects on the futility of relying on human strength, as only God can provide true security and deliverance.

Chapter 27:
Isaiah speaks of the final redemption of Israel, where God will defeat Leviathan, the symbolic serpent of chaos. The Lord will restore His vineyard, Israel, which He had previously judged. The chapter emphasizes that God’s discipline is meant to purify His people, and in the end, He will gather them from exile. Israel’s enemies will be destroyed, but a remnant will be saved.

Chapter 28:
Isaiah warns Ephraim (northern Israel) of impending judgment due to their pride and drunkenness. He contrasts their fate with the promise of a future cornerstone—a reference to the Messiah—on which God’s people will build their hope. Judah is also warned not to scoff at God’s words, for their covenant with death will not save them. The chapter urges repentance and faith in God’s provision.

Chapter 29:
Isaiah prophesies against Ariel (Jerusalem), foretelling its siege and suffering. Yet, despite the people’s blindness and rebellion, God promises to deliver them. The chapter also includes a powerful message about spiritual blindness, where people honor God with their lips but not their hearts. God’s judgment will humble the proud, but the meek and humble will rejoice in His salvation.

Chapter 30:
Isaiah condemns Judah for seeking help from Egypt instead of trusting in God. Their reliance on human power will lead to disaster, but God offers a call to repentance and rest in Him. He promises future blessings for those who trust in Him, including healing and restoration. The chapter ends with a vivid description of God’s judgment on the Assyrians, who will be defeated by His power.

Chapter 31:
Isaiah continues to warn Judah against relying on Egypt for protection. He reminds them that God is their true protector and that trusting in human alliances will lead to failure. The Lord will defend Jerusalem and defeat the Assyrians. This chapter emphasizes the futility of relying on earthly powers instead of God, who alone can save His people from their enemies.

Chapter 32:
Isaiah foretells the reign of a righteous king, likely a reference to the Messiah, under whom justice and peace will flourish. The chapter contrasts the current state of Judah with the future blessings of God’s kingdom. Women are warned to stop living in complacency, as judgment is coming. However, after the judgment, the Spirit will be poured out, and the land will flourish in righteousness.

Chapter 33:
Isaiah prays for God’s deliverance from the Assyrian threat. He describes the terror of the approaching enemy but expresses confidence in God’s protection. The righteous will see the downfall of their enemies and the splendor of the Lord’s reign in Zion. The chapter highlights the contrast between the fate of the wicked and the blessings of those who trust in God.

Chapter 34:
Isaiah prophesies judgment on all nations, with particular focus on Edom, symbolizing the enemies of God’s people. The day of the Lord’s vengeance will bring desolation to the land, and the wicked will face destruction. The chapter portrays a vivid picture of God’s wrath against sin but also serves as a warning to the nations that oppose His will and oppress His people.

Chapter 35:
In contrast to the judgment in the previous chapter, Isaiah now describes the future restoration of God’s people. The desert will bloom, the weak will be strengthened, and the blind will see. God’s people will return to Zion with joy and singing, and sorrow will flee away. This chapter presents a vision of the joy and peace that will come when God restores His people and the world.

Chapter 36:
This chapter begins a historical account of the Assyrian invasion of Judah during King Hezekiah’s reign. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, sends his commander, Rabshakeh, to intimidate Jerusalem. He mocks Judah’s trust in God, attempting to demoralize the people by claiming that no god can save them from Assyria. The people, however, remain silent, following Hezekiah’s orders.

Chapter 37:
Hezekiah responds to the Assyrian threat by seeking God’s help through the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah delivers a message from the Lord, assuring Hezekiah that Sennacherib will be defeated. In response to Hezekiah’s prayer, God promises to defend Jerusalem. The chapter ends with the miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army, as the angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 soldiers, and Sennacherib returns home in disgrace.

Chapter 38:
Isaiah recounts Hezekiah’s illness and miraculous recovery. The king is told by Isaiah to set his house in order, as he will die, but Hezekiah prays earnestly, and God grants him 15 more years of life. As a sign of this promise, the shadow on the sundial moves backward. Hezekiah praises God for his recovery and reflects on the importance of relying on the Lord.

Chapter 39:
This chapter recounts Hezekiah’s mistake of showing his treasures to the envoys from Babylon. Isaiah confronts the king, warning him that all these riches, along with his descendants, will one day be taken to Babylon. This prophecy foreshadows the Babylonian exile that will occur many years later. Hezekiah humbly accepts the message, though he is relieved that it will not happen in his lifetime.

Chapter 40:
Isaiah shifts to a message of comfort for God’s people, proclaiming that their sins are forgiven, and God will restore them. The chapter presents a powerful vision of God’s greatness, emphasizing His sovereignty over creation. Isaiah speaks of God’s care for His people, describing Him as a shepherd. The chapter also introduces the theme of preparing the way for the Lord, which is later applied to John the Baptist.

Chapter 41:
God calls the nations to witness His power and sovereignty. He reassures Israel of His protection, telling them not to fear because He will uphold them. The chapter highlights God’s control over history and His ability to raise up leaders, such as Cyrus, to fulfill His purposes. God contrasts Himself with idols, declaring that He alone can save and deliver His people.

Chapter 42:
Isaiah introduces the “Servant of the Lord,” a figure who will bring justice to the nations. This Servant, later understood to be the Messiah, will be gentle yet powerful in establishing righteousness. The chapter also speaks of the blindness of Israel and their need for deliverance. God promises to lead His people out of darkness and into a new covenant of peace and restoration.

Chapter 43:
God reassures Israel of His love and protection, declaring that He has redeemed them. He promises to be with them through trials and to bring them back from exile. The chapter emphasizes God’s faithfulness and His power to save. He reminds Israel that He is the only God and that their past deliverances are a sign of the new things He will do in the future.

Chapter 44:
Isaiah continues to comfort Israel, reminding them that they are God’s chosen people and that He will pour out His Spirit on them. The chapter contrasts the futility of idols with the power of the living God. God reaffirms His role as the Creator and Redeemer of Israel. He also foretells the rise of Cyrus, who will fulfill God’s purpose in restoring Israel after the exile.

Chapter 45:
Isaiah prophesies about Cyrus, the Persian king, whom God will use to free Israel from exile and rebuild Jerusalem. God declares that He has anointed Cyrus, though Cyrus does not know Him, to fulfill His plan. The chapter emphasizes God’s absolute control over history and His ability to use even pagan rulers for His purposes. God calls all nations to recognize that He alone is God and Savior.

Chapter 46:
Isaiah contrasts the helplessness of Babylon’s idols with the power of the living God. While the idols must be carried by their worshipers, God carries His people. He reassures Israel that He has been with them from the beginning and will continue to sustain them. The chapter emphasizes God’s uniqueness and the folly of trusting in anything or anyone other than Him.

Chapter 47:
Isaiah pronounces judgment on Babylon, personified as a proud woman who will be brought low. Babylon’s arrogance and reliance on sorcery and astrology will lead to their downfall. The chapter predicts Babylon’s humiliation and destruction, emphasizing that no amount of power or wealth can protect a nation from God’s judgment. Babylon’s fall is a key theme in Isaiah’s prophecies.

Chapter 48:
God rebukes Israel for their stubbornness and idolatry but reassures them that He will not abandon them. He reminds them of His past acts of deliverance and declares that He is doing a new thing. God calls Israel to listen to His voice and return to Him. The chapter ends with a promise of peace for those who follow God and a warning of no peace for the wicked.

Chapter 49:
Isaiah introduces the “Servant of the Lord” again, who is called to bring Israel back to God and be a light to the nations. The Servant will be despised, but ultimately, he will restore Israel and bring salvation to the ends of the earth. The chapter emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His people, promising that He will never forget them and that their restoration is certain.

Chapter 50:
The chapter continues the theme of the Servant, who obediently follows God’s will despite suffering and rejection. The Servant’s trust in God is unwavering, and he knows that the Lord will vindicate him. The chapter contrasts the faithfulness of the Servant with the rebellion of Israel. It calls for trust in God even in the face of adversity, promising that those who fear the Lord will be delivered.

Chapter 51:
Isaiah encourages Israel to look to their past, to Abraham and Sarah, as examples of God’s faithfulness. God promises to comfort and restore His people, transforming their mourning into joy. The chapter calls for trust in God’s salvation, reminding Israel that His righteousness will endure forever, while the earth will pass away. The people are urged to awake and prepare for the Lord’s deliverance.

Chapter 52:
Isaiah announces the coming deliverance of Jerusalem, calling the city to awake and shake off its bondage. God’s people will be freed from exile, and the nations will witness His salvation. The chapter ends with a powerful introduction to the Suffering Servant, who will be exalted despite being marred beyond recognition. This Servant will play a key role in God’s plan for redemption.

Chapter 53:
This chapter is one of the most famous chapters in Isaiah, definitively portraying Jesus Christ as the Suffering Servant who bears the sins of humanity. Rejected, afflicted, and led like a lamb to the slaughter, Christ endures suffering to bring healing and forgiveness to the world. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He takes on the sins of humanity, fulfilling this messianic prophecy and revealing God’s profound love and redemptive plan for all.

Chapter 54:
Isaiah speaks of the future restoration of Israel, comparing the nation to a barren woman who will have more children than she can imagine. God promises to rebuild Jerusalem and protect His people. He assures them that His covenant of peace will never be removed. The chapter emphasizes the security and blessings that come from God’s everlasting love and mercy.

Chapter 55:
Isaiah calls everyone to seek the Lord while He may be found and offers an invitation to come and receive God’s free gift of salvation. The chapter emphasizes the power and reliability of God’s word, which will accomplish His purposes. God’s ways are higher than human ways, and His plans will bring about joy and peace for those who trust in Him.

Chapter 56:
Isaiah calls for justice and righteousness, reminding God’s people to keep the Sabbath and follow His covenant. The chapter emphasizes that God’s salvation is for all people, including foreigners and eunuchs who choose to follow Him. It ends with a warning to the leaders of Israel, described as blind watchmen, for their failure to guide the people in righteousness.

Chapter 57:
Isaiah contrasts the fate of the righteous, who are taken away from evil to peace, with the wicked, who continue in idolatry and rebellion. God condemns Israel’s unfaithfulness and their pursuit of false gods. However, the chapter also includes a message of hope for the contrite, as God promises to dwell with those who are humble and to heal and restore them.

Chapter 58:
Isaiah rebukes Israel for their hypocritical fasting and religious rituals, which lack genuine repentance and righteousness. God calls for a fast that is focused on justice, freeing the oppressed, and caring for the needy. True worship involves action and compassion. The chapter ends with a promise of blessings for those who keep the Sabbath and delight in the Lord.

Chapter 59:
Isaiah describes the separation between Israel and God caused by their sins. Their iniquities have hidden God’s face from them, and their hands are full of violence and deceit. However, God promises to intervene with righteousness and justice, bringing salvation to those who repent. The chapter concludes with a promise of a Redeemer who will come to Zion and a covenant of God’s Spirit that will not depart from His people.

Chapter 60:
Isaiah paints a picture of the future glory of Zion, where the light of God’s presence will shine, and nations will come to worship the Lord. The chapter describes a time of restoration when the wealth of the nations will be brought to Jerusalem, and God’s people will be exalted. The Lord will be their everlasting light, and there will be no more sorrow or mourning.

Chapter 61:
The Servant of the Lord speaks, declaring that He has been anointed to preach good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim freedom to the captives. This passage is fulfilled in Jesus, who reads it in the synagogue (Luke 4:18-19). The chapter goes on to describe the restoration of Israel, a people who will rebuild ancient ruins and be known as priests of the Lord.

Chapter 62:
Isaiah speaks of Zion’s future vindication and restoration. The chapter describes how Jerusalem will no longer be forsaken but will be called “Hephzibah” (My delight is in her) and “Beulah” (Married). God’s people will experience great joy and salvation, and the Lord will rejoice over them as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. The chapter emphasizes God’s unwavering commitment to His people.

Chapter 63:
Isaiah begins by describing the Lord as a warrior returning from battle, having defeated His enemies. This imagery symbolizes God’s judgment on the nations. The chapter then shifts to a prayer of repentance, where Isaiah recalls God’s past mercy and asks for His compassion once again. Israel acknowledges their sin and pleads with God to intervene and save them from their current distress.

Chapter 64:
Isaiah continues his prayer, asking God to come down and display His power as He did in the past. He acknowledges the nation’s sinfulness, describing their righteous acts as “filthy rags,” and pleads for God’s mercy. Despite Israel’s rebellion, Isaiah calls on God as their Father and asks Him not to remember their sins but to restore them once again.

Chapter 65:
God responds to Isaiah’s prayer by affirming that He has always been willing to be found by those who seek Him, but Israel has rejected Him. The chapter contrasts the fate of the rebellious, who will face judgment, with the blessings of the faithful remnant. God promises to create new heavens and a new earth, where His people will live in joy and peace, free from sorrow and death.

Chapter 66:
The final chapter of Isaiah emphasizes God’s sovereignty and the need for true worship. God promises to bring judgment on those who reject Him and bless those who humble themselves before Him. The chapter concludes with a vision of the future, where all nations will come to worship the Lord in Jerusalem, and the faithful will rejoice in God’s eternal kingdom. The wicked, however, will face eternal punishment.