Isaiah
The Messianic Prophet
Isaiah was one of the greatest prophets, ministering during the reigns of four kings of Judah. His prophecies include remarkable predictions about the Messiah's birth, ministry, suffering, and glory.
Character Traits
Life Timeline
In the year King Uzziah dies, Isaiah sees the Lord seated on His throne, high and exalted. Seraphim cry 'Holy, holy, holy.' Isaiah confesses his uncleanness; a seraph touches his lips with a burning coal. When God asks 'Whom shall I send?' Isaiah responds: 'Here am I. Send me!'
ISA 6:1-8Isaiah begins prophesying during Uzziah's reign. Uzziah brought prosperity to Judah but ended his life struck with leprosy for presuming to burn incense in the temple. His death marks a transition point for the nation.
ISA 1:1, 2CH 26:16-21Isaiah prophesies during Jotham's reign, warning of coming judgment for Judah's sins: injustice, idolatry, and empty religious ritual. He calls the nation to repentance, promising that though sins are scarlet, they can become white as snow.
ISA 1:1-31When Syria and Israel threaten Judah, King Ahaz trembles. Isaiah offers a sign from God, but Ahaz refuses. Isaiah prophesies anyway: 'The virgin will conceive and bear a son, and will call him Immanuel' - a prophecy fulfilled ultimately in Christ.
ISA 7:1-16God commands Isaiah to walk stripped and barefoot for three years as a sign against Egypt and Cush. This dramatic action prophecy warns that Assyria will lead them away as captives. It demonstrates the shameful fate awaiting those who trust in Egypt.
ISA 20:1-6Isaiah becomes a key advisor to King Hezekiah during the Assyrian crisis. When Sennacherib threatens Jerusalem, Isaiah delivers God's promise of deliverance. That night, the angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers.
ISA 36-37, 2KI 19:1-37When Hezekiah becomes deathly ill, Isaiah tells him to prepare for death. Hezekiah prays, and God sends Isaiah back with a promise of fifteen more years. Isaiah prescribes a fig poultice, and Hezekiah recovers.
ISA 38:1-8After Hezekiah foolishly shows Babylonian envoys all his treasures, Isaiah prophesies that Babylon will one day carry away everything and take Hezekiah's descendants as eunuchs. This prophecy is fulfilled over a century later.
ISA 39:1-8Isaiah records the profound Servant Songs, describing a coming Servant who will bring justice, bear Israel's sins, and be pierced for transgressions. The greatest, Isaiah 53, describes in detail the suffering and triumph of the Messiah centuries before Jesus.
ISA 42:1-9, 49:1-13, 50:4-11, 52:13-53:12Isaiah prophesies restoration beyond exile, even naming Cyrus as the future deliverer two centuries before his birth. He envisions new heavens and a new earth, comfort for God's people, and the coming glory of Zion.
ISA 40:1-31, 44:28-45:1, 65:17-25According to Jewish tradition, Isaiah was martyred during Manasseh's reign by being sawn in two while hiding inside a hollow tree. Hebrews 11:37 may reference this when mentioning those 'sawn in two.' His ministry spanned over fifty years and four kings.
Church tradition, HEB 11:37Key Relationships
Key Locations
Spiritual Lessons
Holy, Holy, Holy
Isaiah's vision emphasizes God's transcendent holiness, proclaimed three times for emphasis. Only when we see God's holiness do we see our sinfulness. Yet the holy God provides cleansing through grace.
Here Am I, Send Me
Isaiah's response to God's call is the model of availability. He did not ask where, how long, or what it would cost. When God seeks a messenger, the appropriate response is immediate, willing surrender.
Comfort My People
Isaiah's message was not only judgment but also comfort. God sees beyond present suffering to future restoration. Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength and mount up with wings like eagles.