Isaiah

By Mary Jane Chaignot

The title of the book is derived from its opening words: the vision of Isaiah, son of Amoz which he saw…." Four kings are mentioned, suggesting a time of 25 years. And while most scholars accept the historicity of a person named Isaiah, they are also in agreement that the material in the book covers a much longer span. It is almost universally agreed that chapters 1-39 describe events in Isaiah's own lifetime, roughly 739-701 BCE. Chapters 40-55 reflect the period of exile (605-539BCE), and chapters 56-66 the return, approximately 539-500BCE. Scholars often identify these three distinct historical periods as First, Second (Deutero/DI), and Third (Trito/TI) Isaiah. It makes for interesting arguments over the unity of the book.

Most scholars deal with this by making a distinction between Isaiah, the prophet, and Isaiah, the book. Some argue that the latter periods are simply the prophecy of the historical Isaiah. Others argue for three distinct authors, in sync with the one overarching message throughout the book: God is in control of historical events and is using them to achieve His divine goals for His people. Isaiah began his prophetic ministry at the very time when Israel began to feel the heavy hand of Assyria. It is the Assyrian threat, then, that is behind the oracles of doom that dot the first twelve chapters. This is followed by a period of prophetic silence because the King (Ahaz, at this point) made an alliance with Assyria. Upon the death of Ahaz, Isaiah returned to his ministry. He began to look beyond his times and called for faith in Yahweh, all the while continuing to denounce the intrigues of the political leaders. During his later years, the kings worked on an alliance with Egypt, which Isaiah labeled as a "covenant with death." Indeed, the Assyrians were quick to put down the rebellion engineered by the alliance and picked off the Judean cities one by one, eventually holding Hezekiah under siege in Jerusalem. Hezekiah's submission and agreement to pay tribute staved off total destruction for the city. Although Isaiah saw the Assyrian king to be the instrument of God's chastisement for Judea, he also knew that the conquerors would be humbled after they had fulfilled God's purposes. He was, therefore, convinced that Jerusalem would survive.

It did survive, but its inhabitants were taken into exile in 567BCE - the background for chapters 40-55. In contrast to the earlier prophecies of doom and gloom, these verses sparkle with a message of hope and joy to come, a prosperity that would never end. In the events that had occurred, this author saw the fulfillment of God's plan. Judah had been punished for her sins, but a new day was at hand. God had a new plan, a new beginning in store for his people. Within these sixteen chapters are some of the most dramatic verses in the Bible. Themes of creation, history, and redemption all highlight God's work in the world, leading the author to exultant praise. Included in these passages are the Servant Songs, poems that portray the Servant and his function in the purpose of God. In these poems the Servant suffers, not for his own sins, but for the sins of others. But through his suffering and death, he affects God's saving purpose. In its time, the Hebrew people thought the Servant to be Israel or the prophet. Since the days of the New Testament, however, the verses have typically been interpreted as pointing to Christ.

The final chapters 56-66 deal with encouraging and supporting those who returned to Jerusalem, where things were very different from when they had left. Although the return was seen as fulfillment of Deutero-Isaiah's prophecy, the reality fell far short from a triumphant return. They were only granted a small portion of their land, which did include the city of Jerusalem. They had to interface with people who had stayed behind as well as with those who had moved in to occupy the desolate land. It was a time of disappointments, disillusions, and divisions among those who returned. They surely needed a prophetic word.

All three sections of Isaiah emphasize God's special relationship with his people. The main themes are promise and fulfillment in an ongoing pattern. When God's promises are fulfilled, there are additional promises leading to further fulfillment. The final chapters explore issues of salvation and judgment, with the Servant involved in both aspects.

The book itself was known by the time of Chronicles, roughly around 400 BCE. There were never any issues regarding its canonicity. The book has always been highly regarded both before and after the New Testament period. This is evidenced by the many quotes and allusions from Isaiah found throughout the New Testament and on the lips of Jesus and Paul.

In addition to the three main divisions, there are several subdivisions. I -- Chapters 1-39: Threats against the people (1-12), Threats against foreign peoples (13-23), and Promises to God's people (24-39). II -- Chapters 40-55: Living under the Babylonians (40-48), A light to the nations: return to Palestine (49-55). III -- Chapters 56-66: The restored community.

I The Vision of Isaiah 1-39

1-12 -- Threats against the People

  • 1:1
    • Superscription
  • 1:2-6:13
    • The Vision of Isaiah
      • 1:2-9 
        • The charge against Israel
      • 1:10-17
        • Contrasting ways to relate to God (empty ceremony/ethical purity)
      • 1:18-20
        • Invitation to obey and repent (He knows they won't)
      • 1:21-31 
        • Announcement of judgment
      • 2:1-4:6 
        • What Israel is versus what Israel will be
      • 2:1-5 
        • Ultimate destiny of House of Jacob
      • 2:6-22 
        • Foolishness of humanity trying to exalt itself
        • Discourse on "The Day of the Lord" (Day of judgment)
      • 3:1-15 
        • Dependence on humanity leads to dissolution
        • Judah is foolish to elevate those who were destroying them
      • 3:16-4:1 
        • Metaphor of a wealthy woman reduced to begging
      • 4:2-6 
        • God will not give up on these people
      • 5:1-30 
        • Reality of Israel's current situation
      • 5:1-7 
        • Lament for a vineyard that is not fruitful
      • 5:8-24 
        • Six woes re: the bad grapes and wasting of vineyard
      • 5:25-30 
        • Yahweh's reaction to wasted vineyard
      • 6:1-13 
        • God is closing their minds; things are so bad, judgment is inevitable
  • 7:1-9:7
    • Northern tribes have joined forces with Syria. Both have been forced to become part of Assyria. They are putting pressure on Judah to help gain their independence. They are unsuccessful; both capitals are sacked.
      • 7:1-9
        • Isaiah encourages Ahaz (Judah's king) to trust God, not humans
      • 7:10-17 
        • Isaiah offers a sign: virgin will be with child, call him Immanuel
      • 7:18-25 
        • Isaiah's warning to Ahaz includes four calamities
      • 8:1-10 
        • Additional warnings; allies' plan will not last
      • 8:11-15
        • Isaiah shares God's private words and describes the traps they face
      • 8:18-22
        • Isaiah practices what he preaches
      • 9:1-7 
        • God's promise of a Son - Counselor, Prince of Peace Christians claim Jesus fulfills these promises
  • 9:8-10:4
    • Six woes spelling disaster for Israel
    • (May reflect the fall of Israel to Assyria in 722BCE)
    • Ending is a warning that God's anger is not sated
  • 10:5-11:16
    • Despite being an instrument of God's judgment, Assyria will also be humbled. Woe to the Assyrian that exalts himself.
  • 10:20-34
    • A remnant will survive
  • 11:1-16
    • Israel will grow again
  • 12:1-6
    • Songs of Praise to sing on the day of salvation

13-23 - Threats Against Foreign Peoples

  • 13:1-14:27 
    • Prophecy against Babylon
    • Babylon was an unhappy underling of Assyria at this point. Within a century, they will invade Assyria and become the major power in the life of the southern kingdom. Their ultimate fall is described.
    • One cannot thwart God's plans.
  • 14:28-17:14 
    • Prophecies against Judah's neighbors
  • 14:28-32 
    • Prophecies against Assyria and the Philistines
  • 15:1-16:14 
    • The destruction of Moab
    • Description of the enemies' attack and its result:
    • Moab is undone
  • 17:1-14 
    • Oracles about Damascus, Ephraim, and Assyria
  • 18:1-20:6 
    • Prophecies against Ethiopia and Egypt
    • Judah tries to unite with them against the
    • Assyrians to no avail
    • All would fall in accordance with God's judgment
  • 21:1-17 
    • Oracles against Babylon, Edom, and Arabia
    • Description of the utter confusion and terror of the fall of Babylon
    • Irony is, of course, the fall of Babylon liberated Judah
  • 22:1-25 
    • A prophecy about Jerusalem
  • 22:1-14 
    • Their exultant rejoicing about deliverance is way premature
    • God has not finished with them
  • 22:15-25 
    • Address to leaders who fail - analogous to Jerusalem
  • 23:1-18 
    • Oracles against Sidon and Tyre
  • 23:1-14 
    • Descriptions of their destruction
  • 23:15-18 
    • Descriptions of their future rehabilitation and dedication to God

24-39 -- Promises to God's People

  • 24: 1-27:13
    • Devastation, then renewal for the entire land
      • 24:1-13 
        • A vision of the land laid waste
      • 24:14-16 
        • Choirs sing to the glory of the One who is Righteous
      • 24:17-23 
        • The prophet struggles with the calamity to come
      • 25:1-12 
        • Thanksgiving for the end of the enemy; hope for end of suffering
      • 26:1-19 
        • A song of praise to the Lord for establishing peace
      • 26:19-27:13 
        • Prophecy that Israel will be protected and renewed
  • 28:1-33:24
    • A collection of woe prophesies against Israel's leaders. It is thought that at this point, Jerusalem had declared independence from Assyria and aligned itself with Egypt. The leaders were ignoring Isaiah's prophecies.
      • 28:1-13
        • First Ephraim, then Jerusalem
      • 28:14-22 
        • Scoffers have made a covenant with death
      • 28:23-29 
        • Images from agriculture make the point that everything happens in God's own time
      • 29:1-24 
        • Oracle against Jerusalem (here called "Ariel")
        • Punishment, then consolation
        • "People honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me"
        • The mockers will be brought down; the humble will rejoice
      • 30:1-17 
        • Judah did not consult God regarding its foreign policy Oracle describes the foolishness of Judah in relying upon Egypt Isaiah's prophecies are a record of the rebelliousness of Judah
      • 30:18-26 
        • Judgment has its counterpart of grace
        • The people will weep no more
        • "Your ears will hear a voice… 'This is the way; walk in it."
      • 30:27-33 
        • The Lord will come in power
        • Judah's enemies will be destroyed
      • 31:1-32:20
        • Isaiah tries again to reach Judah - Woe to those who rely on Egypt. Eventually, even these mighty nations will be destroyed.
      • 31:1-5 
        • Trust in the Lord
      • 31:6-9 
        • A call for repentance and the defeat of Assyria
      • 32:1-8 
        • A kingdom of righteousness
        • After the downfall of Assyria, there will be a just government
      • 32:9-15 
        • A message for the women of Jerusalem
        • There will be terrible suffering and a new social world
      • 32:16-20
        • Judgment will not be the last word - renewal and peace
      • 33:1-24 
        • A series of woe oracles summarizing many points made earlier
      • 33:2-6 
        • The Lord will be gracious
      • 33:7-9 
        • Promise of the future contrasts with present hardships
      • 33:10-24 
        • God promises to act
        • "And the sins of those who dwell there will be forgiven."
  • 34:1-35:10
    • Judgment against the nations and renewal
      • 34:1-17 
        • Proclamation of a total and universal judgment
      • 35:1-10 
        • Joy of salvation among the redeemed people
        • "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened…the lame will leap like a hart."
  • 36:1-39:8
  • Historical information regarding Hezekiah's faith
  • Information here is virtually identical to 2 Kings 18:13, 17-19:37; 2 Chron 32:9-26. Judah is in midst of national crisis in 701 BCE due to Assyrian threat.
    • 36:1-10 
      • Sennacherib sends message - "On what are you confident?"
      • Boasts that Yahweh was on the side of Assyria
    • 36:11-20
      • Intimidation of Judah
      • Messengers speak in Hebrew, taunt the people to rebel against Hezekiah
    • 36:21-22 
      • People do not respond
  • 37:1-7
    • Hezekiah consults Isaiah
    • Isaiah reassures Hezekiah
  • 7:8-38
    • Hezekiah meets his political crisis
    • Sennacherib sends another threatening message. Hezekiah prays to Yahweh directly
  • 37:21-34
    • Response comes through Isaiah
    • Yahweh will deal with Sennacherib. Hezekiah will be given a sign, but it's for the future. For the moment, he has to trust.
  • 37:35-38
    • End of Assyrian threat and death of Sennacherib
  • 38:1-39:8
    • Hezekiah's illness and recovery
      • 38:1-8
        • Isaiah informs Hezekiah of his impending death
        • Hezekiah prays to Yahweh and death is averted
      • 38:9-22 
        • Hezekiah's thanksgiving after his recovery
      • 39:1-8 
        • Babylonian envoys foreshadow ominous threat of exile
        • But Hezekiah will enjoy peace in his lifetime

II God's Promises 40-55

in Babylon, roughly 150 years after the time of Isaiah. Judgment has occurred. A new message of grace and mercy is given to another "Isaiah."

40-48 - Living Under the Babylonians

  • 40:1-11
    • The prophet is commissioned to comfort the people
    • "Prepare ye the way of the Lord."
  • 40:12-31
    • Yahweh is about to act
    • He is Creator and Lord of history and cannot be compared with anyone
    • He gives strength to the weary
  • 41:1-7
    • Scene opens with a courtroom; Israelites are helpless
    • Yahweh will raise up one from the East (Cyrus)
  • 41:8-20
    • Extent of Yahweh's commitment to Israel
    • "Do not fear, I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God."
  • 41:21-29
    • Invitation to Israel to come to court to argue who is God
  • 42:1-9
    • First of four Servant Songs
    • Description of the "Servant" includes some of the most familiar lines in Isa.
    • Scholars argue over the identity of the servant - Isaiah, Israel?
    • Servant speaks with the authority of Yahweh
  • 42:10-17
    • Invitation to praise for what Yahweh is about to do
  • 42:18-25
    • Yahweh confronts Israel about their ability to be his servant
  • 43:1-7
    • Despite the declaration of guilt, Yahweh claims them
    • Delivers a "fear not" oracle
  • 43:8-13
    • Another court scene wherein Israel testifies to God's power
  • 43:14-21
    • Babylon will fall, followed by a promise of salvation
  • 43:22-28
    • The punishment inflicted was inevitable consequence for sins
  • 44:1-5
    • Israel has been chosen "from the womb"
  • 44:6-23
    • It will not be idols but God who delivers Israel
  • 44:9-20 
    • Images of scorn re: idol-making
  • 44:24-45:8
    • The appointing of Cyrus
    • Yahweh will use him to bring the people back to Yahweh
  • 45:9-13
    • People cannot accept the prophet's message
  • 45:14-25
    • Nonetheless, it is Yahweh who has cared for them forever
    • The nations will come to the feet of Israel
  • 46:1-47:15
    • The fall of Babylon and their gods
      • 46:1-7 
        • Prophet addresses the gods of Babylon by name to humiliate them
      • 46:8-13 
        • Community has to acknowledge the power of Yahweh
      • 47:1-15 
        • The fall of Babylon
        • All the resources at their command cannot stop the destruction
  • 48:1-22
    • Israel is invited to respond
    • Address to Israel summons them to leave Babylon
      • 48:1-11
        • Israel's stubbornness will not keep Yahweh from acting in history
      • 48:12-22 
        • People are to "listen"
        • Yahweh will not abandon them; they are to prepare to leave Babylon

49-55 - Israel will be a Light to the Nations

  • 49:1-7
    • The second "Servant Song"
    • Servant laments his lack of success with the people but renews his faith
  • 49:8-13
    • He is reassured by recounting Yahweh's care for the people
  • 49:14-26
    • Images of a restored and reinhabited Zion
  • 50:1-3
    • Yahweh's relationship with Israel is likened to a marriage
  • 50:4-11
    • The third "Servant Song"
    • Despite his lack of success, he knows Yahweh will assist and vindicate him
    • He cannot lose with Yahweh on his side
  • 51:1-16
    • Exhortation of the people to "listen," "pay heed," and "awake, awake"
  • 51:17-52:2
    • The cup of judgment
    • The people must realize their hardships are the result of judgment, not chance
    • Their only hope is for salvation, for the fulfillment of God's purpose
    • Ending with a call for joy
  • 52:3-12
    • Various hymns calling for praise for God's acts of redemption
  • 52:13-53:9
    • The fourth "Servant Song"
    • In these verses, the servant is humiliated, put to death
    • It is clear that the servant suffered for the sins of others
  • 53:10-12
    • They are vindicated through his death
    • Again, many familiar passages in relation to Christ's death
  • 54:1-10
    • The future of Zion
    • If chronological, then the servant's work has been accomplished
    • Prophet leads call for praise, using metaphor of a woman restored
    • Again, theme of covenant is likened to marriage
  • 54:11-17
    • The New Jerusalem
    • Many of these images were expanded in book of Revelation
    • Buildings are costly and beautiful
    • Divine blessings will be permanent
  • 55:1-13
    • Invitation to a great banquet
    • Urging of the people to accept invitation to their own land and
    • Yahweh's protection as in the days of David
    • Use of parable of a busy marketplace
    • "Seek the Lord while he may be found."
    • Ending on a pastoral note: The Lord's everlasting sign will not be destroyed

56-66 - The Restored Community

  • 56:1-8
    • Warnings to keep the moral law
    • The hopes expressed in 40-55 paled in light of harsh realities of return
    • Loyalty to the covenant is paramount as is full acceptance by God
    • Can include foreigners, eunuchs
  • 56:9-57:13
    • Current leaders are inadequate, unworthy, and subject to idolatry
    • Probably a reflection of the leadership of the people who had stayed behind
    • Those who promote debased religion will be summoned, charged, and judged
    • Abhorrence by true worshipper of Yahweh
  • 57:14-21
    • Message to those who believe but are overwhelmed by others' lack of faith; yet all is not lost. Only those opposed to Yahweh will suffer
  • 58:1-14
    • Dealing with the practice of fasting in its religious significance
    • Prophet warns people they are not in right relation to Yahweh
    • Preparations must be made, get themselves ready - fasting and prayer
    • Their struggles indicate they are not worshiping properly
    • They do the outward ceremonies, but with no real internal piety, faith
  • 59:1-8
    • Yahweh is not to blame for troubles; he is mighty and willing to save
    • Their sufferings are a result of their sins
  • 59:9-20
    • Several people confess their sins and their faith that God will act soon
    • They recognize that God is at work in the horrible situation
  • 60:1-62:12
    • The promise of a New Jerusalem
    • The great expectations of Second Isaiah have not been realized. It is possible that the temple has been rebuilt, but it is only a shadow of its former glory. Therefore the words of Second Isaiah need to be repeated
      • 60:1-9 
        • The day will come when all the exiles will return with all their wealth
      • 60:10-18 
        • Description of the rebuilding of Jerusalem - great opulence
        • This never happened, could be describing a spiritual city
      • 60:19-22 
        • All opposition to God will disappear
      • 61:1-11 
        • Prophetic call is to preach healing and liberation to a stressed people
        • Yahweh promises to restore their rights - inheritance, joy
      • 62:1-12 
        • The intercessory nature of prophecy
        • He is confident that his prayers will be answered
        • (The exiles have returned, but the land is occupied and life is difficult)
  • 63:1-6
    • Battlefield language that recounts overcoming evil
    • It is in form of dialogue - questioner is city sentinel; responder is Yahweh
    • War is difficult, ugly
  • 63:7-19
    • Psalm of lament for the community
    • A confession of faith that includes preparation for penitence and supplication
    • Lament over current situation and prayer for forgiveness and help
  • 64:1-12
    • Continuation of psalm of lament
    • Confession of the uniqueness of God, the certainty of his divine appearing
  • 65:1-66:24
    • Oracles of Judgment
    • It is likely that the community was comprised of both faithful and unfaithful individuals. Throughout these oracles promise alternates with threat. Salvation and judgment will be extended to all of mankind
      • 65:1-7 
        • Pronouncement of judgment
        • Those who reject Yahweh and have embraced unholy practice face judgment
        • The verdict will be public; Yahweh will be silent no longer
      • 65:8-16 
        • If the disloyal will be destroyed, the faithful will be saved
        • Real descendants are those who are obedient to the covenant
        • Future of Israel will be determined by a remnant within Judea
      • 65:17-25 
        • Ultimately, the world will be transformed
        • The transformation of the world will restore it to
        • God's original purpose
      • 66:1-4 
        • Words spoken, perhaps, after the temple had been restored to remind the people that it is only the focal point for worship. True worship of God is derived from genuine humility and reverence
      • 66:5-6 
        • The unfaithful will be brought to shame
      • 66:7-17
        • The faithful will be comforted like a mother comforts her child
        • They will be glad at heart
      • 66:18-24 
        • All nations will share in Israel's position; they will proclaim the glory of God to all the world. The new age and the nation will endure forever. The last verse describes the fate of those who rebel against God. It indicates the seriousness of Israel's privilege and responsibility as God's agent in the world

Thus ends the first book of the prophets. Most of these verses are addressed to real people in real situations, people who were acting in ways contrary to a people of God. Whether it was kings making alliances with other nations or the people turning to other gods, the prophet stood as God's messenger to all. It was a message that mostly went unheeded, and judgment was severe. During the exile, he brought a message of hope and redemption; during the restoration of Jerusalem, he brought a message of encouragement and support. The people were not magically transported out of a difficult situation, but they were given the tools to survive and the assurance of God's presence with them.

Bibliography

Goldingay, John. "Isaiah." New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2001.

Herbert, A.S. "Isaiah 40-66." The Cambridge Bible Commentary. Great Britain: Cambridge University Press, 1975.

Knight, George. "Servant Theology, A Commentary on the Book of Isaiah 40-55." International Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B Eerdmans, 1984.

Sawyer, John. "Isaiah." Daily Study Bible Series. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1984.

Whybray, R.N. "Isaiah 40-66." The New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B Eerdmans, 1990.

Widyapranawa, S.H. "Isaiah, 1-39, The Lord is Savior, Faith in National Crisis." International Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B Eerdmans, 1990.

Books

Copyright © 2021 BibleWise.com. All rights reserved.