ISAIAH BOOK OVERVIEW
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY: ISAIAH’S MESSAGE TO ISRAEL
The book of Isaiah begins with a powerful message of judgment against the sinful and rebellious nations but ultimately concludes with God’s promise of hope and restoration. Isaiah foretold Israel’s downfall to Assyria and Babylon, which occurred in 722 BC and 586 BC, respectively, as a result of their disobedience.
Within Isaiah’s warnings are glimmers of hope, particularly in the promises of a new heaven and new earth where God’s people will enjoy everlasting peace. Isaiah emphasizes how God’s judgment against Israel was temporary, but His hope and goodness endure forever.
Despite the Israelites’ rebellion, Isaiah also prophesied the coming Savior, pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s many promises of hope and restoration. Isaiah describes the vision of a suffering servant who will bear the sins of many, detailing the future death of Jesus. Ultimately, Isaiah’s message is one of redemption, where hope reigns and God’s eternal plan is revealed.
MAIN IDEAS: PROPHECIES OF BOTH WARNING + HOPE
Isaiah warned the Israelites that their rejection of God will lead to destruction + defeat. (Isaiah 1-5)
Isaiah offered a hopeful message that God would send a Savior to redeem + restore. (Isaiah 7-11)
God provided Isaiah with specific prophecies detailing the arrival + life of the Messiah. (Isaiah 53)
Isaiah envisioned a future in which God creates a righteous new heaven + new earth. (Isaiah 65-66)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: REDEEMER OF ALL NATIONS
Throughout Isaiah’s message, God is portrayed as the Redeemer of all nations, not just the Israelites. God warned the surrounding nations--even the enemies of the Israelites--inviting them to repent and turn from their sinful ways. God’s concern is not only for the Israelites, but the entirety of His creation.
Isaiah delivers messages of judgment against Israel and many surrounding nations, highlighting their need for a Savior. These warnings are paired with promises of hope and salvation, revealing God's desire to redeem and restore all people.
Isaiah 49:6 proclaims that God’s servant will be a light to the Gentiles (the non-Jewish or non-Israelite people). Isaiah begins to share God’s plans to provide salvation for the entire world. Through Isaiah, we see God’s character as the Redeemer who draws all people to Himself. Upon Jesus’ eventual arrival, it was declared that His birth was “good news of great joy for all people,” highlighting His heart for all nations.
JESUS IN ISAIAH: PIERCED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS
Isaiah 53 foretells the life of Jesus, stating that He would be God’s suffering servant pierced for the transgressions of mankind and crushed for their iniquities. Isaiah begins with the humble beginning of the Savior, explaining that He would have no apparent majesty and that he would be despised and rejected by men.
Jesus’ chastisement brought peace and healing to those who did not deserve it. His wounds on the cross covered the cost of sin and provided a means of salvation to all believers. Like a spotless lamb led to be sacrificed, He was silent and obedient. Although He was without sin, He took on the consequences of the world’s sins. The death of the innocent Savior would appease God’s need for justice and permanently deal with sin. Although it grieved Him, it was God’s will for the Messiah to die.
