The Study of Isaiah

Today, we continue our journey through the Bible with today’s study of Isaiah. May God show us what He wants us to learn?

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

As we study the Bible alone or in a group setting, there are several questions we can ask ourselves to help us dig deeper. The five questions are:

What does the scripture say about God
Then what does the scripture say about me
Does something in this passage challenge me
What gives me hope in this passage
Is anything unclear to me

I hope these questions help you as much as they help me.

Book of Isaiah

Author: The prophet Isaiah.
Audience: Those in Judah and Jerusalem.
Date Written: approximately 695—642 BC.
Length: 66 Chapters.
Keywords: Salvation.
Key Verses: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (53:5).
Key People: Isaiah; his two sons.

Summary of Isaiah:

Isaiah is the second longest book of the Bible, after Psalms. The book looks at God’s judgement and salvation. Considering that theme, Isaiah shows us how a Holy God cannot allow sin to go unpunished. Isaiah portrays God’s oncoming judgment as a “consuming fire” (Isaiah 1:31 & 30:33). But that is not the end of the story.

God is full of grace, compassion, and mercy for his people, per the words of Isaiah. Isaiah compares the people of his times to a vineyard that should be trampled but God promises forgiveness and restoration of the people.

This Old Testament book has a unique focus on salvation through the Messiah. And he shows us how Christ will suffer because of our sins. All of this is told hundreds of years before Christ is born.

Sections of the Book:

The book of Isaiah contains ten significant themes, which are:

Messages of Rebuke and Promise (chs.1-6).
Prophecies and Threat against Judah (chs.7-21).
Judgment against the Nations (chs.13-23).
Judgment and Promise (chs.24-27).
Six Woes (chs.28-33).
More Prophecies of Judgment and Promise (chs.34-35).
A Historical Transition (chs.36-39).
The Deliverance and Restoration of Israel (chs.40-48).
Servant’s Ministry and Israel’s Restoration (chs. 49-57).
Everlasting Deliverance and Judgment (chs.58-66).

Messages in Isaiah:

Because of its scope, Isaiah contains one of the clearest expressions of the gospel in all the Old Testament. Even from the first chapter, the people have turned away from God and failed in their responsibilities as His children. And this message still holds true for us today. Salvation lies only in God—the only question is whether we will accept His offer. Once we accept salvation in Christ, Isaiah shows us the seven everlasting items are: strength (26:4), Judgements (33:14), Joy (35:10), Salvation (45:17), Kindness (54:8), Covenant (55:3), and Light (60:19).

Final thoughts:

And like so many other books in the Bible, we see God’s character on display in this book. They are:

Accessible—55:3, 6.
Eternal—9:6.
Faithful—49:7.
Glorious—2:10; 6:3; 42:8; 48:11; 59:19.
Holy—5:16; 6:3; 57:15.
Just—45:21.
Kind—54:8, 10; 63:7.
Long-suffering—30:18; 48:9.
Loving—38:17; 43:3, 4; 49:15, 16; 63:9.
Merciful—49:13; 54:7, 8, 55:3, 7.
Powerful—26:4; 33:13; 41:10; 43:13; 48:13; 52:10; 63:12.
A promise keeper—1:18; 43:2.
Unequaled—43:10; 44:6; 46:5, 9.
Unsearchable—40:28.
Wise—28:29; 40:14, 28; 42:9; 44:7; 46:10; 47:10; 66:18.
Wrathful—1:4; 3:8; 9:13, 14, 19; 13:9; 26:20; 42:24, 25; 47:6; 48:9; 54:8.

The book of Isaiah presents one of the most startling examples of messianic prophecy in the OT. With vivid imagery, Isaiah depicts the future Christ as the Suffering Servant, who was “led as a lamb to the slaughter” (53:7) and “shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities” (53:11).

All Lessons from the Bible

Each book of the Bible contains lessons for us to learn and historical information. We must study God’s Word to see what to do and what not to do in life. Paul reminds us of the importance of the words within the text in 2 Timothy 3.

2 Timothy 3:14-17; “14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Prayer

Please grant me the understanding and knowledge of You and Your word. As I open my Bible to read the scriptures, it gives me wisdom and discernment. And even as I sit and listen to the pastor, preacher or apostle reveal what Your Holy Book is speaking into my life, help me see and understand. Help me know Jesus Christ and how He lived His life so I can follow in His precious footsteps. Amen.

Do you need prayer? I would love to pray for you. Submit your prayer request on my website at https://yvonne-morgan.com/submit-your-prayer-request-here/