God’s Story
Isaiah
Now we come to the prophets. Isaiah heads the list of the four “major” prophets, which includes Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel. The twelve “minor” prophets are Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. The following general outline will help you to catch the vision of Isaiah’s prophecies. Isaiah began his ministry in 740 B.C., the year of King Uzziah’s death (also known as Azariah). This was a tumultuous time in the history of Israel and Judah. The southern kingdom was still enjoying the leadership of godly kings, but the people as a whole were drifting away from their covenant God. The northern kingdom, which was referred to as Israel, Samaria or Ephraim, was being ruled by the prosperous yet wicked King Jeroboam II. Stubborn and stiff-necked, neither Jeroboam nor his subjects would give heed to the warnings of either Amos or Hosea, prophets whom the loving God had sent to His rebellious people. In less than two decades, they would fall to Assyria. The prophet Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, was also denouncing Samaria and Jerusalem, calling them to repentance and trust in God. For the historical background of this period, see II Kings 15-20 and II Chronicles 26:3-32. In the Davidic covenant (I Chronicles 17; II Samuel 7) we learned that the One who is coming would:
- Be of the family of David;
- Have an established kingdom;
- Be known as the Son of Yahweh;
- Build a house for Yahweh;
- Have an eternal throne and kingdom.
As you read through Isaiah, note where he picks up on the Messianic theme and gives us more detail concerning the nature and work of the Messiah.
OUTLINE OF ISAIAH
1:1-5:30 JUDGMENT AND SALVATION
Jerusalem is rapidly sliding toward judgment, and these chapters are God’s warning in the days of Jotham.
2:1-4 HERE WE FIND ISAIAH’S FIRST GREAT MESSIANIC PROPHESY.
Remember, the New Testament is the best commentary on the Old Testament prophecies. The prophets spoke of Jesus. See Luke 24:25-27. The vision is set for “the last days,” indicating the last days of the Old Covenant–the coming of Jesus in His Finished Work and the setting up of His reign in the Church. We are still living in the last days. See Hebrews 1:2. The worship of the one true God took place on Mount Moriah, where the temple was situated. Baal was worshipped on the hills throughout the land. But one day the Church, the New Covenant temple of the Lord which exists in the dimension of the Holy Spirit, would be preeminent. Ephesians 2:20-22; I Peter 2:5; compare John 4:20-24. This new way of worship would include the Gentiles. People who have hearts like swords and spears shall lay them aside and be taught by God to bear fruit. Romans 14:17.
4:2-6 THE MESSIAH WOULD BE KNOWN AS THE “BRANCH OF THE LORD.”
This possibly goes back to Genesis 49:22, when Jacob prophesied that Joseph would be a fruitful bough whose branches would run over the wall, another reference to the inclusion of the Gentiles in the age of Messiah. See Ephesians 2:11-22. But only a remnant will remain faithful. Verse 4 is an Old Testament way of looking at the new birth. The filth of our sin was washed away at the Cross, where Jesus experienced the judgment and burning wrath of God.
5:1-7 ISAIAH LIKENS JUDAH TO A VINEYARD.
Although God has looked after his vines in every detail, they yielded only bad fruit. Therefore, the protective hedge around the vineyard will be removed–there is no sense in protecting bad grapes. In John 15, Jesus states, “I am the true vine…” Carnal Israel was the false vine. In union with Jesus we will bear much fruit, but apart from Him we can do nothing.
6:1-13 THE VISION OF THE HOLY ONE
In the year of King Uzziah’s death, about the time of the founding of Rome, Isaiah received his commission. It was a time of transition. The people of both Israel and Judah were losing their identity as God’s covenant people; but, like the stump of an oak tree which will give forth new shoots, a remnant would survive. In the vision, Isaiah is confronted with the awesome holiness of God, which becomes the fabric on which he creates his prophetic tapestry. Thirty times in his book he uses the expression, the Holy One, to describe God. Isaiah becomes acutely aware of his own personal sinfulness, but God assures him that his sins have been atoned for. This is demonstrated by having a seraph touch his lips with a red-hot stone from the altar. For the believer, “there is now no condemnation.” Romans 8:1.
7:1-25 IMMANUEL
Ahaz refuses to put his trust in the Lord; instead, he calls upon Assyria to defend him against the alliance of Syria and conquer Israel. Although Tiglath-Pileser III, king of Assyria, would conquer Ahaz’ enemies, Isaiah maintains that it is all according to the purpose of God. Proverbs 20:24. In unbelief, expressed in a most pious way, Ahaz refuses to ask for a sign that these things shall be so. When God tells you to put Him to the test, it is safe to do so. And even though we try the patience of God, He will bring His purposes to pass. Psalm 33:10,11. Isaiah addresses all the people, telling them more about the coming One who will be a descendant of David. He shall be born of a virgin–no human father will be involved. Humanity and divinity meet in Jesus.
8:1-10 THE FLOOD WATERS OF ASSYRIA
Syria and Israel were overcome by Assyrian kings climaxing with the deportation of Israel by Saragon II in 722 B.C. Sennacherib, the son of Sargon II, would have taken Judah also, if Yahweh hadn’t intervened. See chapters 36 and 37.
8:11-22 YAHWEH A SANCTUARY
We cannot avoid Jesus. Either we stumble over Him or He is our sanctuary.
9:1-7 THE PRINCE OF PEACE
Zebulun and Naphtali, two tribes located within the region known as Galilee, took the brunt of foreign invasions from the North. Because of this, Galilee was considered to be the most contemptible part of Israel. Jesus, though, began His ministry in that region. The day of Midian’s defeat refers to the battle that Gideon won, despite the seemingly hopeless situation. Babylon will one day conquer Assyria and then Judah, but they are to look beyond that to the One who would be the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant. He will have a human nature like us for He will be born, yet He is a Son given, for He is Divine. The burden of governing the kingdom will be upon Him. He will be wonderful beyond what they think He will be. In perfect wisdom, He will give counsel to His subjects. Immanuel will be a mighty God (compare 10:21) who, like a father, will eternally care for them. As the prince of “Shalom,” Jesus brings us to a place of living in prosperity of spirit, soul and body, where we are at peace with God, ourselves and each other.
9:8-10:4 ARROGANCE MET WITH DISCIPLINE
Although God has disciplined them to lead them to repentance, the people of Israel have become stubborn and refuse to change their arrogant ways. Therefore, judgment must follow.
10:5-19 THE PRIDE OF ASSYRIA
Even Assyria, the club of God’s wrath, is guilty of pride and haughtiness. The Lord, however, will show them who is sovereign. Things are not what they appear to be.
10:20-27 THE REMNANT
Most of Israel never returned from the Babylonian captivity–only a remnant did. Out of that group only a remnant believed on Jesus–those who were wise enough to flee the wrath of God to come against the ungodly. By being baptized, Jesus made clear His identification with “the survivors of the House of Jacob.”
11:1-5 SEVEN-FOLD PERFECTION
The emphasis of this chapter is on the Messiah’s kingdom. Jesus sprang from Jesse, yet He is before Jesse. He is the child born of Jesse, but the Son who is from eternity. The Golden Candle in the Tabernacle had seven branches and was symbolic of the Holy Spirit (See Revelation 1:4). There is only one Holy Spirit, but His activities are in seven-fold perfection. Wisdom is knowing what to do with what you know. Understanding is the ability to know what facts mean. Counsel is the ability to take your understanding and apply it wisely to another’s life. Strength is power and ability. Knowledge is knowing personally and intimately. The fear of the Lord is loving Him so much we are afraid to hurt Him. To delight in the fear of the Lord is a Hebrewism literally meaning “quick to smell” the fear of the Lord. Intuitively knowing His Father’s delight, He is not controlled by circumstances and people, but by His Father’s will. See John 7:8. Jesus had the Holy Spirit without measure. He was the first Spirit-filled man, but we can walk in the same pathway. People will know that Christ is in us because the Holy Spirit is upon us.
11:6-9 PEACE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
Remember, the prophet is trying to say the impossible. In a poetic way, these verses describe absolute peace in the Holy Spirit.
11:10-16 THE FUTURE OF THE REMNANT
12:1-6 THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE
The preceding chapters lead naturally into this song of praise. Compare Exodus 15. For Judah, judgment was sure; but looking beyond, Isaiah assures the people that God would keep His word and bring about His kingdom.
13-23 JUDGMENT UPON THE NATIONS
In these chapters, Isaiah sees in a vision God’s judgments coming upon various nations–a time when the Holy One will humble the pride of the haughty and ruthless. Note 19:23-25 The Inclusion of the Gentiles Egypt and Assyria both struck fear in the hearts of the descendants of Jacob. Egypt was a remembered terror. Assyria was an impending terror. These two nations became symbols of the Gentile world opposed to the people of God. But God will do a work even with the Gentiles and they, too, will become part of His covenant people.
24-27 JUDGMENT AND SALVATION
The specific judgments of the preceding chapters are tied together in chapter 24, as Isaiah speaks of a coming universal judgment on both “the powers in the heavens above and the kings on the earth below.” In John 12:31, Jesus states, “Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world shall be cast out.” The final judgment upon man and angels awaits the last day of life as we know it upon earth at the consummation of the kingdom. But over against the judgment of God, Isaiah assures us that there will be a company of people who trust in the Lord. They will celebrate the God of their salvation. In chapter 27, Isaiah again sees a vineyard, but this time it will be fruitful and God will again place His hedge around it. As heirs to the New Covenant, God has given us His Holy Spirit that we might bear fruit in every good work. Colossians 1:10.
28, 29 WOE TO SAMARIA AND JUDAH
In 28:16, we are given further details concerning the Messiah. He will be “a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation.” Romans 9:33, I Peter 2:6. As a structure was being built, its walls would be plumbed and measured in relation to the cornerstone. The Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus being the chief cornerstone. Psalm 118:22, Acts 4:11, Ephesians 2:19-22.
30, 31 WARNING AGAINST RELYING ON EGYPT
Judah foolishly turns to Egypt, her former oppressor, for help. Whenever we, the inheritors of a better covenant, attempt to handle problems like we used to before coming to know Christ, we will always be bitterly betrayed. Resting quietly in the sure promises of God is our salvation and strength.
32 A RIGHTEOUS KING AND JUST PRINCES
Jesus is the King and we are the princes who rule with Christ. Each believer in Christ is like a shelter from the storm of life.
33 TRUE SECURITY IS IN THE LORD
Note verse 24, which is a thrilling and accurate description of the ministry of Jesus!
34 JUDGMENT UPON THE NATIONS
35 THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD
Isaiah sees a glorious new day when a company of people will have their lifeless, desert-like spirits blossom and bloom with life. Compare with Isaiah 32:15. Jesus quotes verses 5 and 6 to the disciples of John as proof that the long-awaited Messiah had come. Matthew 11:5.
36:1-39:8 KING HEZEKIAH
36 SENNACHERIB INSULTS THE LIVING GOD
37 HEZEKIAH’S PRAYER
Unlike the previous encounter that Ahaz had with the prophet Isaiah in chapter 7, Hezekiah, as leader of the covenant people, puts his wholehearted trust in the Living God for deliverance. Consequently, the defeat of Sennacherib is certain. See I Peter 5:6,7.
38 HEZEKIAH’S ILLNESS AND HEALING
39 HEZEKIAH DISPLAYS HIS TREASURES
Upon his recovery, messengers came from Merodach-Baladan, the king of Babylon. They came to congratulate him on his recovery, but the overthrow of Assyria was probably their true reason. Babylon had been in a power struggle with Assyria for over twenty years. Honored by their presence, Hezekiah showed them his treasures. Isaiah severely rebuked him for this, prophesying of the days when Babylon would come and plunder all of that treasure.
Chapters 40-66
It was during the days of Hezekiah and possibly on into the reign of Manasseh that Isaiah wrote chapters 40-66 of his prophecy. The northern kingdom of Israel fell to Samaria in 722 B.C., during the early days of Judah’s King Hezekiah. Read this section through in more than one translation. In our study, we will be zeroing in on what are known as the Songs of the Servant. In reading, understand:
- The chapters are remarkable in the field of prophecy. They
- Reference is made to an unwilling servant of Yahweh. Cyrus (Isaiah
- But another Servant of Yahweh is constantly referred to. He is seen
I – ISAIAH
40:1-48:22 SALVATION BY GRACE
40:1-11 SALVATION WILL FOLLOW JUDGMENT
The message given, to be proclaimed to the people of God, was concerned with the plan God would bring to pass in spite of their failure. Israel and Judah, fleshly bearers of the covenant promises, are seen in this passage as grass. The time of harvest has come; they are drying up and the hot breath of Yahweh ends them. But what of God’s declared purposes to be accomplished through this people? His will shall certainly be done, for it was declared before Israel came to be. They owed their national existence to the work of God’s promise, and it would continue even though they had failed. Jesus, born into Israel, was that Word (John 1:1-14) and, having accomplished all its terms, brings it to man by the Spirit, rebirthing them into an Israel, not of flesh but of Living Word. See I Peter 1:22-25.
40:12-49 OUR INCOMPARABLE GOD
This is the first of a series of songs commonly called, the Songs of the Servant. Jesus is that Servant, the One who put on our humanity to do the will of the Father. See Philippians 2:1-9. He is also referred to as Israel, for He is the very essence of Israel. Jesus is all that Israel was meant to be. Sometimes it is difficult to determine if Isaiah is speaking about the Servant or the Israelites. This is not surprising since where the head is, there is the body, also. Look for both Jesus and His Church in these songs. See Matthew 12:15-21. vs. 3 Reeds grow plentifully by the river bank and were fashioned into pipes by the children. They were easily broken and discarded. Unlike conquerors who would dispense with the helpless, the Servant would not discard the broken. Those who have been bruised by life, Jesus makes into the best instruments. “A smoking flax” (KJV) – Flax placed in a saucer-like container of oil was lit to give light. When the oil was spent, the smell of smoldering flax was obnoxious. The Servant will not discard the smoldering and obnoxious, but instead, turn them into shining lights. vs. 6 Jesus is the covenant. Being joined to God is achieved in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. To receive Him is to receive the covenant: and apart from Him, no one has claim to the covenant.
42:10-25 THE BATTLE CRY OF GOD
43:1-44:5 YAHWEH ALONE SAVES
44:6-46:13 IDOLS CANNOT SAVE
Man is so deceived that, not only can he not save himself but also, he doesn’t realize he needs saving. Deluded in his heart, he has put his trust in a hand-carved, lifeless block of wood.
47:1-15 DISASTER AHEAD FOR BABYLON
48:1-22 OBSTINATE ISRAEL
II – ISAIAH
49:1-57:21 SALVATION FOR THE GENTILES
49:1-13 THE HUMAN SERVANT
vs.1 Jesus cam not only for the Jews, but also for the distant nations. See Ephesians 2:19. The ideal Servant of Yahweh must be true Man. See Galatians 4:4. vs. 2 Jesus is the final prophet. He doesn’t just bring us the Word of God, He is it. See John 1:1; John 5:39. When God’s arrow pierces us, we then see that what we thought was darkness is light. vs. 3 The Servant is called Israel. The name means “one whom God has conquered.” The nation had steadfastly refused to be conquered by God. Now in this Servant is the perfect Israelite who lives to do His Father’s will. vs. 4 This prophecy gives an amazing insight into the true humanity of Jesus the Servant. He is seen as knowing the feelings of discouragement. He does not go into despair, but rests in Yahweh. Compare Mark 8:17-21; 9-19. vs. 7 The Servant is despised, yet at the same time honored by kings. A Old Testament picture of the cross and resurrection. vs. 8-10 A picture of the results of the Gospel. Compare Revelation 7:9-17.
50:4-9 THE OBEDIENT SERVANT
vs. 4 Because Jesus listened to His Father, His words were as soothing ointment to the spirit of weary man. Compare Mark 1:35; John 8:28,28,38; 12:50. vs. 5 The open ear of the Servant is probably a reference to Exodus 21:6. The Servant is the willing slave who freely chooses to do Yahweh’s will. Compare Psalm 40:6. vs. 6 His obedience went as far as being shamed by those who hated Him. Note that he gave His back to those who struck Him. See John 10:17,18. The beard was a sign of manhood, dignity and covenant. To pluck it was an act of utmost contempt. See Matthew 26:67; 27:30, 31. vs. 8,9 Those looking at Jesus on the Cross would say, “This man must be a great sinner,” for “cursed is anyone who hangs on a tree.” But Jesus knew that He would be vindicated and that all their arguments would fall apart like a moth-eaten garment (as they did at the Resurrection).
51:1-23 EVERLASTING JOY
52:13-53:6 THE CRUSHED SERVANT
52:13 To “be raised and lifted up and highly exalted” corresponds with the resurrection, ascension and the seating of Jesus at the right hand of His Father. vs. 14 The Hebrew word for “astonishment” means a paralyzed astonishment – horrified awe. That is the effect of looking at the One in whom the wrath of God against sin resides. vs. 15 In sprinkling many nations, He is bringing life to others. See Leviticus 14:7. 53:1 The arm of the Lord represents His strength. In the preaching of the Gospel there is the power of God to save. See John 12:37; Romans 1:16. Salvation is primarily a matter of the heart, the result of an inward revelation. vs. 2 Jesus is the root, Israel is the parched ground. The manifestation of the Servant will be as life springing forth in a desert. His simple and humble background will not betray His divine origin and mission. vs. 3 “Sorrows” is better rendered as “pains,” “grief” as “sickness.” This One is to bear all the results of sin as well as sin itself. The awful picture is of men hiding their faces from one stricken with a loathsome disease. vs. 4 “Bore” means to lift up and carry away. He has no sins to carry away, but He does take away the sins of others. See Numbers 14:34; I Peter 2:24. vs. 5 The word “crushed” in Hebrew indicates the complete destruction of the person. The nature of sin demands such a penalty. vs. 6 “Fall on Him” is better rendered to encounter, confront, hit or strike at violently. Jesus violently suffered the consequences of our sin. The great problem of Christians today is guilt; the result of not believing that Christ’s work is sufficient.
53:7-12 THE EXALTED SERVANT
vs.7 The lamb is probably the most helpless and meek of all sacrificial animals mentioned in the Bible. It seems to offer itself at the slaughterhouse to be used for food and clothing. Jesus is the willing Servant of God. The reference to the lamb immediately connects this One to the whole idea behind the Passover. See Exodus 12. vs. 8 “Oppression” can also be translated as “arrest.” Jewish courts were to save lives if at all possible. In Jesus’ case, the usual court procedures were abandoned in order to insure a guilty verdict. vs. 9 Humiliation began for Jesus when He was born. His exaltation begins by not being placed in a tomb with criminals, but by being buried with the rich. vs. 10-12 These verses deal with His exaltation, resurrection and ascension. Although He has died a violent death, He lives again (“prolong His days”) and sees the result of His anguish. The result is the justifying of many; men and women who are enabled to stand before God as if they had never sinned.
54:1-17 NO MORE JUDGMENT
55:1-13 SEEK THE LORD
56:1-8 SALVATION FOR JEWS AND GENTILES
56:9-57:13THE RULERS OF ISRAEL ARE REBUKED
57:14-21 PEACE TO THE LOWLY IN SPIRIT
III – ISAIAH
58:1-66:24 JUDGMENT, SALVATION AND GLORY
58:1-14 GOD’S CHOSEN FAST
Only if our hearts are humbled does God see our humbled bodies. God does not judge by outward appearances, but looks straight through to the heart.
59:1-21 YAHWEH OUR INTERCESSOR
60:1-22 THE GLORIOUS CITY OF THE LORD
61:1-9 THE ANOINTED SERVANT
This passage is not looked upon as a Song of the Servant, but very obviously is speaking of the Servant. Jesus claimed this passage for Himself in Luke 4:16-21. vs. 1 The coming upon of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament was always to give strength to accomplish the mission given by Yahweh. So, as perfect Man, Jesus received the Spirit to accomplish man’s salvation. vs. 2 “Favorable year of the Lord” can be rendered as “the year of the Lord’s grace.” It is a reference to the year of Jubilee. See Leviticus 25. It was a year in which all debts were absolved and all property was returned to its owner. It means restoration and rest to all Israelites. The Servant is to usher in the ultimate year of Jubilee. vs. 3 The people of God sit in mourning, wearing ashes in their hair and the black robes of sadness. The Servant changes death into life with joy and peace.
62:1-12 THE CITY NO LONGER DESERTED
63:1-6 TREADING THE WINEPRESS
63:7-64:12 A LONGING FOR THE LOVING-KINDNESS OF GOD
65:1-25 PROSPERITY FOR TRUE ISRAEL
66:1-22 THE SUPERNATURAL BIRTH OF A NATION
vs. 18, 19 All nations are going to behold the glory of God. This is a reference to the blessing of Abraham that was to be for all nations. See Genesis 22:18. vs. 20, 21 These men from all nations are to be involved in the worship of Yahweh – even to becoming priests. Under the old covenant, there could be no priesthood outside of the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron. A further company of priests made up of Jews and gentiles would be a shock to every Israelite who read it. It speaks undoubtedly of the Church.