Isaiah

Isaiah
Abbreviation	Isa
Class.	Old Testament
Category	Major Prophets
Chapters	66 Chapters
Record Related
Writer	Isaiah
Date (Approx.)	BC 730–BC 680
Location	Presumed to be Jerusalem

The book of Isaiah is the twenty-third book of the Old Testament and shares its name with the prophet who wrote it. It is classified as one of the Major Prophets, alongside the books of Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Daniel. Isaiah is divided into two distinct sections: the first half (chapters 1–39) warns of the impending judgment that will befall Judah and the surrounding nations, while the second half (chapters 40–66) shifts focus to the future salvation of Judah, the coming of the Messiah (Savior), and the glorious future that awaits the redeemed.

Isaiah the Writer

This book was written by the prophet Isaiah. Jewish tradition and early Church writings affirm that Isaiah is the writer of this book, and whenever any part of this book is quoted in the New Testament, it is attributed to Isaiah.

The name Isaiah means “Jehovah is salvation,” which corresponds to the main theme of the book. Isaiah lived during a time of prosperity in Judah but warned of its impending destruction. He was called to be a prophet in the year of King Uzziah’s death, and his ministry spanned approximately 50 years, during the reigns of four Judean kings: Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Manasseh. Throughout this period, he delivered prophecies primarily to the kings and nobles of Judah. Amid increasing threats from neighboring nations, he urged them to trust in and rely solely on God.

According to tradition, Isaiah was martyred during the reign of King Manasseh (680 B.C.). The book was likely written over the course of his ministry.

Record Background

The kingdom of Judah had fallen into moral and political decay, having abandoned God’s laws. Neighboring countries vied for power and invaded Judah. The northern kingdom of Israel, which had turned away from God earlier, allied with the Aramean army to attack Judah. Isaiah advised King Ahaz to rely solely on God, assuring him that the allied forces would not defeat Judah. However, the king sought assistance from Assyria, a powerful nation. As a result, Judah submitted to Assyria, paying tribute and continuing to commit sins such as idolatry in the temple of God, following their customs. Amid this turmoil, Isaiah proclaimed God’s will, urging the people to trust and rely on God alone.

Characteristics of the Book of Isaiah

• The book of Isaiah consists of a total of 66 chapters, divided into two sections: the first half (chapters 1–39) and the second half (chapters 40–66). This structure mirrors the 66 books of the Bible: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. Aptly referred to as a “miniature Bible,” the content and length of this book align with both testaments.
• The prophecies in the book of Isaiah are categorized into three groups: ① prophecies about the Messiah who will appear in the future, ② prophecies that were fulfilled during Isaiah’s ministry, and ③ prophecies that were fulfilled after the time of Isaiah.

Prophecy About the Messiah
These were fulfilled by Jesus approximately 700 years after the book of Isaiah was written.

Prophecy		Fulfillment
Content	Verses	Content	Verses
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son (Immanuel).	7:14	Jesus the Savior was born through the Virgin Mary.	Mt 1:18–23
A great light will shine in Galilee.	9:1–2	Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom in Galilee.	Mt 4:12–17
God will establish the law in Zion, where God’s feasts are celebrated.	2:2–3; 33:20	Jesus established the new covenant (law) while keeping the Passover in Mark’s upper room.	Lk 22:19–20
God will be born as a child and sit on David’s throne.	9:6–7	Jesus was given the throne of David.	Lk 1:31–33
Christ will be flogged, afflicted, and pierced for the sins of mankind.	53:1–6	Jesus was flogged, pierced, afflicted, and stood trial.	Mt 27:26–31; Jn 19:33–34
Christ will be assigned a grave with the wicked.	53:9	Jesus being hung on the cross with two robbers on both of His sides.	Mt 27:38
Christ will be with the rich in his death.	53:9	Jesus was buried in the tomb of a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph.	Mt 27:57–59

Prophecies Fulfilled During Isaiah’s Ministry

Prophecy		Fulfillment
Content	Verses	Content	Verses
Saving Judah from the invasion of the allied forces of Israel and the Arameans	7:4–7; 16	In the time of Ahaz, king of Judah	2 Ki 16:7–9
Aram and Israel will be destroyed by Assyria.	8:4; 17:1–14	The northern kingdom of Israel fell in the seventh year of King Hosea, and Damascus (the capital of Aram) also fell.	2 Ki 18:9–10; 16:9
Assyria will invade Judah.	8:7–8	Assyria invaded Judah in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah.	2 Ki 18:13
Jerusalem will be protected from the Assyrian invasion.	37:31–35; 38:6	God protected Judah.	2 Ki 19:35–37
In the 14th year of Hezekiah, his life was extended by 15 years.	38:5	Hezekiah reigned 29 years.	2 Ch 29:1

Prophecies Fulfilled After Isaiah’s Time

Prophecy		Fulfillment
Content	Verse	Content	Verse
Judah will be taken captive to Babylon.	39:5–7	In the 11th year of King Zedekiah, Jerusalem fell through the third Babylonian invasion.	2 Ch 36:11; 17–21
Fall of Babylon and victory of Cyrus	45:1–4; 13:19–22	Babylon was destroyed by Cyrus, king of Persia, in the days of King Belshazzar.	Da 5:30
Liberation of Israel from captivity	45:13	Cyrus liberated Israel.	Ezr 1:1–2
Reconstruction of Jerusalem by Cyrus	44:28	Cyrus made a proclamation of rebuilding Jerusalem	Ezr 1:3–4

Composition of the Book of Isaiah

Chapter	Content	Class.
Chs. 1–12	Judgment of Judah	Judgment on Israel and the Nations
Chs. 13–23	Judgment of the Gentiles
Chs. 24–27	The Day of the LORD
Chs. 28–35	Judgment and Salvation
Chs. 36–39	Hezekiah’s Reign
Chs. 40–48	Salvation of Israel and Cyrus	Salvation and Restoration of Israel
Chs. 49–59	Restoration of Zion and the Savior
Chs. 60–66	Glory of Jerusalem

Judgment on Israel and the Nations (Chs.1–39)

The Isaiah Scroll, One of the Dead Sea Scrolls

Judgment of Judah (Chs.1–12, 22)

Isaiah began his ministry as a prophet in the year of King Uzziah’s death. He foretold judgment for Israel and Judah, urging them to obey God’s word rather than offering insincere sacrifices. Despite His loving care for them, God proclaimed judgment even upon those who had succumbed to greed and unrighteousness.

The prophet Isaiah witnessed the Valley of Vision. He prophesied that Jerusalem would be besieged and destroyed by the horsemen and weapons that came against them, because the people did not rely on God, even though they had made preparations for the siege. At the same time, he preached God’s will, declaring that those who would be saved would emerge from Jerusalem at the appointed time.

Isaiah also prophesied about the Messiah, who would be conceived by a virgin, descend from the line of Jesse, and sit on David’s throne.

Judgment of the Gentiles (Chs.13–23)

• Babylon, Assyria, Philistines, Moab, Ephraim, Damascus (Chs.13–17, 21)

Isaiah prophesied that Babylon would be destroyed, signifying the liberation of the captives of Judah. This prophecy was fulfilled over a hundred years later. He also declared judgment upon Assyria and the Philistines for their oppression of Israel.

Additionally, Isaiah proclaimed the destruction of Moab, a descendant of Lot and a relative of Judah. Damascus and Ephraim, centers of rampant idolatry, were also warned of impending judgment.

• Cush, Egypt, and Tire (Chs.18–20, 23)

Isaiah foretold that Cush and Egypt would be defeated by Assyria and taken captive to deter Judah from seeking assistance from these nations during Assyria’s invasion. This prophecy was eventually fulfilled. He also prophesied about Tyre, a major center of maritime trade due to its strategic location, predicting that it would fall into decline for seventy years before being restored. This prophecy is also found in Ezekiel 26–28.

The Day of the LORD (Chs 24–27)

On Judgment Day, only a few survivors will remain around the world, but their praises to God will be heard in song.

On Mount Zion, when God prepares a banquet that destroys death with aged wine, the people of Zion will rejoice and confess that He is their God and Savior.

On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. . . . In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

Isaiah 25:6–9

Judgment and Grace (Chs 28–35)

Before the northern kingdom of Israel was destroyed by Assyria, Isaiah warned both Israel and Judah of the impending disaster, urging them to rely solely on God, the cornerstone of Zion. However, Israel ignored his message, placing their trust in their own strength and the military might of Egypt. The prophet Isaiah cautioned that God would withhold wisdom and understanding from those who honored Him only with their lips.

Nevertheless, he also delivered God’s promise to protect Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat. The people who dwell in Zion, where the feasts are celebrated, and in Jerusalem, a peaceful abode, will receive the forgiveness of their sins and the grace of salvation.

Hezekiah’s Reign (Chs 36–39)

In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invaded Jerusalem but failed to capture the city. This was because an angel of God struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers overnight. Sennacherib was defeated and returned to Nineveh, where he was killed by his own sons.

During this time, King Hezekiah, who was gravely ill, miraculously recovered through God’s grace. In response, the king of Babylon sent letters and a gift. Hezekiah, in turn, showed the Babylonian envoys not only the treasures of his palace but also the armory. Isaiah then prophesied that Judah would eventually be invaded by Babylon.

Salvation and Restoration of Israel (Chs 40–66)

Salvation of Israel and Cyrus (Chs 40–48)

Before the kingdom of Judah was destroyed by Babylon, the prophet Isaiah foretold that Israel would be restored after being taken captive by Babylon.

He prophesied that God would raise up Cyrus, who would overthrow Babylon and free the people of Judah, allowing them to return and rebuild the temple of God. This prophecy was declared about 170 years before Judah’s eventual liberation from Babylonian captivity. Isaiah proclaimed that Babylon’s spoils, idols, and wealth would fall into the hands of Cyrus, and that the numerous idols and idolaters of Babylon would be powerless to stop him. The prophecy that Cyrus would free the Israelites from Babylonian oppression was repeated multiple times. Among these, the prophecy of a man from the east who would set God’s people free is seen as a prophecy to be fulfilled at Christ’s second coming.

God also repeatedly emphasized that idols are nothing, and those who rely on them would face judgment.

Restoration of Zion and the Redeemer (Chs 49–59)

Isaiah foretold that Zion would be restored and the Israelites would return by the power of God the Redeemer. Notably, Isaiah 53 provides a vivid and detailed description of the appearance and work of the Redeemer who would come to this earth. He accurately described the Redeemer’s appearance without admiration, His being whipped and pierced, His silence while being afflicted and questioned, His death alongside the wicked, and His burial in the tomb of a rich man. This prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus Christ 700 years later.

The Glory of Jerusalem (Chs 60–66)

• The Glory of Jerusalem (Chs 60–62)

It was proclaimed that the glory of Jerusalem would be declared to the entire world. When God exalts Jerusalem, her salvation will shine like a blazing torch; the whole world will witness her glory, nations will bow before her, and the watchmen on the walls will proclaim her glory without ceasing. On that day, God’s priests will rejoice through the everlasting covenant, and Jerusalem will be called by the new name that God will give.

• The New Heavens and the New Earth (Chs 63–66)

The rebellious people who do not seek God will face punishment, but the distress of God’s people will come to an end. Those who dwell in the new heavens and the new earth that God will create will experience eternal joy and be comforted in the arms of Jerusalem.

When God comes with fire, all people will face judgment, but those who have witnessed God’s glory will proclaim it to the nations and lead them to Jerusalem, God’s holy mountain. This prophecy points to its fulfillment in the heavenly Jerusalem in the last days. Those who dwell in the heavenly Jerusalem will enjoy eternal blessings in the new heaven and new earth.

See also

• Bible
• The Old Testament