ISAIAH
Introductory Comments

It seems a daunting task to take on a study of a book of 66 chapters when it took hours to study just the first half of the first chapter! As I approach this study I do so with trepidation because eschatology is far from my favorite topic. However, some of my favorite passages of scripture come from this book and are probably some of your favorites too.

So without too much encouragement I hope you will join me in study. Please don't think this is my study, but yours too. One of the exciting things about studying is sharing what we learn with others and I would love for you to post any comments. If we happen to disagree, don't let that deter you because I want this to be a learning and growing experience for me, as well as possibly us all. Some of my posts may seem a little long - that is because along with my comments I will be posting scriptures to save you the trouble of looking them up for yourself. Also, because of the nature of the topics we will be studying, I should add that this study is not to lay guilt upon anyone nor is it meant to be judgmental. It's my hope you will find much to meditate upon. Our purpose in studying is to know God more intimately and to come into a deeper walk of faith and relationship with Him. And so our study begins with some background information.

That God would use a prophet named Isaiah, whose name means "the salvation of the LORD" is so appropriate, because the key message of the book is that of redemption. Isaiah is the most significant of the major prophets and the prophet most frequently quoted in the New Testament scriptures. In our study we will be visiting those scriptures as they relate to the Messiah and the messianic age.

What qualities did Isaiah possess that God would choose this man to deliver such an important message? As you read Isaiah you will find that he was a man who had a genuine knowledge of the Lord. He also loved Israel, the people and their homeland. Like God, he despised the sin Israel was involved in and the hypocrisy of their worship. He was a man of courage who was skillful in his use of language and imagery, which he used quite dramatically in order to get Judah's attention.

After the death of King Solomon the nation of Israel divided into two kingdoms. The ten northern tribes formed the kingdom known as Israel or Ephraim with Samaria as its capital. Benjamin and Judah united to form the kingdom of Judah to the south, with Jerusalem as its capital. Throughout the book, Isaiah is given visions concerning both Judah and Jerusalem. The whole book consists of prophecies given during the reign of four kings – Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Throughout this study any reference made to "Israel" is because the comment could describe the whole of Israel, though Isaiah was specifically a prophet to Judah.

From the fourth year before Uzziah's death (762 BC) to the last year of Hezekiah (698 BC), Isaiah's prophetic ministry extended over a period of sixty-four years, an uncommon length of time for an uncommon man with a most significant message - warning of impending judgment, appealing to Judah for repentance, and pressing forward with a hope of a glorious future! His greatest message was that of salvation for the whole world through a coming Messiah who would die for us all and one day return. Hallelujah!

Well done Elianna! I'm so glad you are doing this study. Isaiah is a great book and I look forward to learning with you!!

Thank you for this study, I look forward to your next post. Exceptional.

Thank you, Steve for this opportunity. You have been a blessing!

Thank you, Devorah for your encouragement. I hope you will add your own comments as we study together.

Please pray for godly insight and wisdom for me to complete this study. Blessings upon you both!