ISAIAH 61
THE SHARED MISSION OF ISAIAH + JESUS
Isaiah believes God has anointed him with His spirit to bring good news to the afflicted, healing to the brokenhearted, and freedom to the captives. In Luke 4:16-30, Jesus reads the words of Isaiah 61:1-2 to the people of Nazareth, telling them He has come to fulfill this prophecy.
Similar to God’s mission for Jesus, God sends Isaiah to make an announcement of God’s grace, defeat of enemies, and comfort those who mourn. Isaiah’s description of his calling to bring great joy is a prophetic depiction of the message that Jesus will bring many years later.
Because of God’s kindness and generosity, God’s people will inherit a double portion and everlasting joy. Just like a plant sprouting from the Earth, God will cause Israel to grow, bringing forth righteousness and praise from His people.
ISAIAH 62
A NEW NAME GIVEN TO JERUSALEM
Eventually, all of the nations will recognize Jerusalem as righteous. God’s chosen people will become his crown of glory. No longer will Jerusalem be left deserted and desolate, but instead God will once again delight in His people in the same way a groom delights in his bride
Jerusalem will be given new names: A City Not Forsaken, Holy People, Redeemed by the Lord! Isaiah warns the people to be on the lookout for the coming Savior, assuring them that He will do what God has promised.
ISAIAH 63
PRAISE GOD FOR HIS WONDROUS DEEDS + STEADFAST LOVE
Isaiah portrays God as both gracious to His people and vengeful to the enemies of Israel. He describes God as robed in splendor, yet splattered with the blood of His adversaries.
Isaiah recounts many wondrous deeds of God, including parting the sea for Moses, preserving the Israelites in the desert, and bringing them the rest of His spirit. Despite their wandering, God’s people praise Him for his constant love and steadfast faithfulness to them.
ISAIAH 64
GOD’S UNFATHOMABLE GREATNESS
One day, all of the nations will acknowledge God, His name will be made known even to enemy nations. No one has ever before conceived an idea of God that matches His greatness, His glory is unimaginable. Even humanity’s best attempt at righteousness is like dirty laundry compared to God’s virtue.
God’s people are like clay in His hands, able to be formed in His hands to produce great things. God has felt distant because of humanity’s sin, but God is still the Father of creation and will draw near once again.
Isaiah 64:8 - But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
ISAIAH 65
GOD’S PROMISES FOR THE NEW CREATION
Isaiah shares God's response to the praise and repentance of the previous chapters, revealing that God held out His hands to a defiant and obstinate people. It wasn’t God who was distant, but rather the people who were sinful.
A day of God's vengeance will come, where those who oppose Him and commit evil will be rebuked. While God has plans of abundance and blessing for His people, those who reject Him will be put to shame.
God's servants will rejoice as He establishes the new heavens and new earth. The old will be exchanged for the new, bringing eternal gladness and joy. God has proven to be trustworthy, and His promises of eternity are good news for believers!
ISAIAH 66
GOD’S FINAL REDEMPTION + RESTORATION
Summarizing the main themes of prophecy throughout the book, this chapter emphasizes God’s ultimate purposes of redemption and restoration. God honors those who are humble and contrite, blessing them abundantly.
God will reestablish Jerusalem as a place where comfort and joy will abound. Those who enter the New Jerusalem will have flourishing bones and rejoicing hearts. Those who seek God will be granted eternal life, and people from all nations will come together to worship Him.