Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction: Isaiah, one of the major prophets in the Old Testament, is a central figure in biblical prophecy. His ministry spanned the reigns of four Judean kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, during the 8th century BC. The Book of Isaiah is a profound work that addresses themes of judgment, redemption, and the coming of the Messiah.
Historical Context: Isaiah's prophetic career occurred during a tumultuous period in Judah's history. The Assyrian Empire was expanding, posing a significant threat to the smaller kingdoms of the Near East. Isaiah's prophecies reflect the political and social upheavals of his time, as well as the spiritual decline of Judah.
Call and Commission: Isaiah's call to prophecy is vividly described in
Isaiah 6, where he receives a vision of the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne. In this vision, Isaiah is cleansed of his sin and commissioned to deliver God's message to a rebellious people.
Isaiah 6:8 states, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"
Major Themes:1.
Judgment and Hope: Isaiah's prophecies often begin with pronouncements of judgment against Judah and the surrounding nations due to their idolatry and injustice. However, these messages are frequently coupled with promises of hope and restoration.
Isaiah 1:18 offers a glimpse of this duality: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
2.
The Messiah: Isaiah is renowned for his messianic prophecies, which foretell the coming of a Savior.
Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." These prophecies are foundational to Christian beliefs about Jesus Christ.
3.
The Suffering Servant: Isaiah introduces the concept of the Suffering Servant, a figure who bears the sins of many and brings salvation through suffering.
Isaiah 53:5 describes this servant: "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."
4.
The Remnant: Isaiah speaks of a faithful remnant that will survive the coming judgment and serve as the foundation for a renewed people of God. This theme underscores God's faithfulness and the hope of restoration.
Structure of the Book: The Book of Isaiah is traditionally divided into two main sections. Chapters 1-39 focus on judgment and the immediate historical context, while chapters 40-66 shift towards themes of comfort and future hope. The latter section includes the famous "Servant Songs" and prophecies of a new creation.
Legacy and Influence: Isaiah's influence extends beyond the Old Testament. His prophecies are frequently cited in the New Testament, particularly in relation to the life and mission of Jesus Christ. The Book of Isaiah remains a cornerstone of biblical theology, offering profound insights into God's character and His redemptive plan for humanity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 19:2And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
Torrey's Topical Textbook2 Chronicles 26:22
Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 1:1
The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Of the Old Testament, Therefore, First of all There have Been ...
... the Book of Days (Chronicles), and two books of Ezra (Ezra and Nehemiah), which
the Hebrews reckon one, and Esther; of the Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel ...
/.../37 of the old testament.htm
Isaiah's Prophecies Considered the virginity of Christ's Mother a ...
... be the Son of God, Who created the world Chapter XIII."Isaiah's Prophecies Considered ...
Metaphorical Sense of Proper Names in Sundry Passages of the Prophets. ...
/.../chapter xiii isaiahs prophecies considered the.htm
Other Passages Out of the Prophets Applied to the Resurrection of ...
... This indeed is the aim of other prophets likewise. ... let loose from their bonds, and
ye shall tread down your enemies." [7490] And again, (Isaiah says): "Your ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xxxi other passages out of.htm
The Ascension of Isaiah.
... with the title: "The Prophecy, Revelation, and Martyrdom of the holy and glorious
and greatest of the prophets, Isaiah the Prophet," and it was concluded that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the ascension of isaiah.htm
If Then the Prophets Prophesied that the Son of God was to Appear ...
... by the prophets in the words: How beautiful are the feet of them that bring tidings
of peace, and of them that. bring tidings of good things. [268] (Isaiah 52:7 ...
/.../the demonstration of the apostolic preaching/chapter 86 if then the.htm
Exposition of the Prophecy of Isaiah Quoted by Jesus.
... to refute completely from the words of the prophets all these traditions of the
elders among the Jews, He brought before them a saying, from Isaiah, which in ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/11 exposition of the prophecy.htm
And Again Isaiah the Prophet Says:...
... to Isaiah, that he said thus: God saith to my Anointed the Lord, that the Gentiles
should hearken before him. For the promise is the same by the two prophets, ...
/.../the demonstration of the apostolic preaching/chapter 49 and again isaiah.htm
Prophets in their Country.
... believed Christ, who showed that when men believed Moses and the prophets, belief
in ... And Isaiah is reported to have been sawn asunder by the people; and if any ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/18 prophets in their country.htm
The Canonical Books.
... Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah,
Malachi; then there are the four greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 8 the canonical books.htm
The Promises Addressed to Jerusalem in the Prophets Refer to the ...
... If we are not to take the view proper to old wives or Jews, of the promises recorded
in the prophets, and especially in Isaiah, if, that is to say, we are to ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/26 the promises addressed to.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Saul is also among the prophets? | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgAre there prophets in the church today? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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