Isaiah: The Man and His Message

Overview and Introduction

I could use a spiritual renewal. There, I said it. Sometimes, I feel a bit stale and stuck. Spiritual matters can become dull, and temptations begin to look more and more attractive. Reading the Bible turns into something I check off my list for the day, and talking to God, well… let’s say it’s not where it needs to be. I took one of those DNA tests and learned that perfection does not run in my family. I was shocked. Lori wasn’t. She’s been telling me that for years. I need to be spiritually refreshed. How about you?

If your answer is “Yes!” I invite you to join me on a journey through the book of Isaiah. To be sure, Isaiah’s writings reveal that God pulls no punches. He calls us out when we sin—no one is off the hook. At the same time, he tells us where to go and what to do to find renewal, refreshment, and restoration. In Isaiah, we see God’s justice and mercy perfectly intertwined.

The Flow of the Book
The flow of Isaiah’s prophecy divides into two parts. Chapters 1-39 focus on God’s justice. God desires an intimate relationship with us, but sin drives a wedge between us and the Holy One of Israel, which is Isaiah’s favorite name for God. God loves us too much to allow us to follow the dangerous path of sin. When we stray, he gets our attention to draw us back home.

The prophet understood God's promises in his covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:2-3; 15:18-21; 17:3-8, 19). In the Abrahamic Covenant, God promised that the nation of Israel would have a special relationship with him, possess the land of Canaan, and that others would be blessed through them. Isaiah also recognized the covenant that God made with Moses. In the Mosaic Covenant, God promised that blessings would follow obedience, while punishment would follow disobedience (Deut. 28). The consequences of continued disobedience would lead to exile from the promised land. God also vowed to eventually allow the exiled group to return to the land based on his promises to Abraham (Deut. 30:1-5). Thus, in Isaiah, we find the “meshing” of the promises, blessings, and warnings from the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants.  

In chapters 40-66, the focus shifts to forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. Ultimately, redemption will come from the “Suffering Servant,” who will do for Israel (and us) what they cannot do for themselves. Several passages in Isaiah called “Servant Songs” speak about Jesus (42:1–9; 49:1–13; 50:4–11; 52:13–53:12). We will delve deeper into these passages to see how Jesus, the “Suffering Servant,” brings peace to our hearts and peace to the world. 

Who was Isaiah?
Isaiah’s name means “Yahweh is salvation.” There were many other Jewish men with this name, so the prophet identifies himself seven times as “the son of Amoz” (1:1; 2:1; 13:1; 20:2; 37:2, 21; 38:1). Isaiah’s ministry spanned the reigns of four kings of Judah—Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Most commentators believe that Isaiah prophesied for at least fifty-eight years (from around 739 BC, when Uzziah died, to 681 BC, when Sennacherib died).^[1]

Isaiah was married and had two sons. Isaiah’s wife is called “the prophetess” (Isa. 8:3). This could mean that she shared a prophetic gift or was married to a prophet, likely the latter, since there is no evidence of her prophesying. Their two sons were named Shear-jashub (“a remnant shall return”; Isa. 7:3) and Maher-shalal-hash-baz (“quick to plunder, swift to spoil” Isa. 8:1-4). Bible scholar Warren Wiersbe notes that the sons’ names “speak of the nation’s judgment and restoration, two important themes in Isaiah’s prophecy.”^[2]

One of my seminary professors often reminded us, “The man is the message.” This rings true of Isaiah. Throughout our study, we will see that Isaiah was a courageous prophet who despised pretentious religion. As a skilled communicator, Isaiah uses vivid language to convey his points. 

Twenty-two New Testament books mention Isaiah by name and refer to his prophecies to emphasize important theological points. We must understand this book to fully grasp the New Testament.

Our Study Strategy
The book of Isaiah is lengthy, comprising sixty-six chapters; consequently, many people hesitate to read this incredible work in our culture of “bite-sized theology” and thirty-second social media posts. Additionally, comprehending prophecy can be challenging. Therefore, we need a plan to truly understand and gain the most from our study.

We will invest sixty days examining this book. Most days, we will cover one chapter. Remember that the first rule of studying the Bible is to ask this question: How did the original reader or hearer understand the message? I will do my best to consider the historical context for each day’s passage, provide insights into the text's meaning, and offer practical applications. I am also presenting “Anchor Points”. These “Anchor Points” will be passages that provide comfort, strength, and renewal, serving as the focal point for each day.

At the end of today’s devo, I have included Warren Wiersbe's overview outline of Isaiah. I appreciate this outline because the information is presented clearly and practically. I recommend referring to this resource often as we study through Isaiah.

Anchor Point
There is much to consider as we look at Isaiah. We will address sin and its consequences, redemption, and restoration. God is always at work in our lives, continually writing our story. He loves us too much to let us continue down sin's dangerous and destructive path, and he loves us so much that he always offers grace and forgiveness. His mercies are new every morning.

Every day is a day of spiritual renewal and refreshment.

The passage I am highlighting today is also our overarching Anchor Point passage during our time in Isaiah.

Isaiah 43:18-19
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? 

The believer cannot remain trapped in the past—past sins, bitterness, guilt, and failures. God is doing a new thing in our lives! Let’s not miss it as God’s renewal springs forth in our souls!

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Isaiah 43:18-19. What new thing does God want to do in your life?

Talking to God: Share with God what keeps you stuck or slows you down. Pray for his refreshment to spring forth.

Zoom Call to review Job
On Monday, May 5 at 7:00 pm, we will meet on a Zoom call to review what we learned in Job and answer questions. Information and a link to join the call will be included in the May 5 devotion email.

Have Questions?
Please send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as you explore God's Word. Submit your question below, and we'll reply soon. Let us know if you want to further explore a relationship with Jesus or desire spiritual counsel.

Outline of Isaiah

Theme: The Salvation (deliverance) of the Lord

I.   Condemnation—(1–39)

1. Sermons against Judah and Israel—(1–12)

2. Burdens of Judgment against the Gentiles—(13–23)

3. Songs about Future Glory—(24–27)

4. Woes of Coming Judgment from Assyria—(28–35)

5. Historical Interlude—(36–39)

a. Hezekiah delivered from Assyria—(36–37)

b. Hezekiah deceived by Babylon—(37–38)

II.   Consolation—(40–66)

1. God’s Greatness—(40–48) (The Father vs. idols)

2. God’s Grace—(49–57) (The Son, God’s Servant)

3. God’s Glory—(58–66) (The Spirit and the kingdom)^[3]