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CHAPTER 23 – Isaiah: Approx. 745 B.C.-Eden Restored

Isaiah is the twenty-third book of the Bible. The title of the book in the Hebrew Bible is Yesha’yahu meaning “Yahweh saves.” The English title comes from the Septuagint which has the title Hesaias, “Isaiah.”

Authorship

The prophet Isaiah is the author of the book of Isaiah. The book was written during Isaiah’s prophetic ministry which lasted from approximately 745 B.C. to about 685 B.C.

Summary

The book of Isaiah covers the period from 745 B.C. to the future time when God creates a new heaven and a new earth, and the entire earth is restored to the beauty of the garden of Eden.

The book of Isaiah is like a miniature Bible in that it has 66 chapters just as the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible has 66 books. It can be logically divided into two sections. The first section consists of Chapters 1 to 39 just like the Old Testament has 39 books. The second section consists of Chapters 40 to 66 (27 chapters) just like the New Testament has 27 books.

The first section of Isaiah mostly deals with the problems facing the kingdom of Judah, foremost of which is the problem of sin, and the succession of crises that arose from the then historical situation. There are also occasional glimpses of the future.

The second section of Isaiah turns to the future, glorious destiny that awaits Israel, the coming of the Messiah (Christ) and the establishment of His eternal kingdom on earth.

The book opens with the first section recording Isaiah’s call by God to prophetic ministry and his early prophetic messages. Isaiah next turns to the circumstance in which Judah was in mortal danger from Syria. He predicts the impending Assyrian invasions and gives God’s promise of the deliverance of Judah from both Syria and Assyria.

Isaiah then predicts God’s deliverance of Judah from Babylon and from all the surrounding nations that had, at one time or another, oppressed Israel.

After this, Isaiah gives a graphic description of the future desolation of the earth when God would come in judgment against the nations. He also describes the future rejoicing of Israel at their deliverance and gives them a solemn warning to now turn to the Lord God and to trust in him. Isaiah then sets forth the folly of reliance on alliances with Egypt and Assyria in stark contrast to the blessedness of those who trust in God.

Isaiah next gives a graphic picture of the Messiah reigning in righteousness and His people dwelling in peace and security. After this, Isaiah gives details of the Assyrian king Sennacherib’s invasions of Judah and God’s miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army.

The first section of Isaiah closes with the sickness and recovery of king Hezekiah of Judah and the visit of envoys from Babylon.

In the second section of Isaiah, he opens with encouragement to Judah to look forward to deliverance from Babylonian captivity. They are to trust in God that deliverance will come from the Messiah (Christ) through God’s servant Cyrus, the human agent whom God will use as His servant. Israel will then become God’s servant to represent Him before the nations of the earth.

Isaiah then prophesies of the fall of Babylon and God challenges His people to learn the lesson of their Babylonian captivity. That is, lessons of loyalty to God, acceptance of their role as God’s messenger to the nations, turning from earthly goals, and a wholehearted response to God’s gracious invitation.

Then, Isaiah prophesies that the Messiah (Christ) will come as a suffering servant to redeem them from their sins and he outlines Israel’s role in God’s plan of evangelising the world. Therefore, God calls them to a revival of true religion. For this reformation will usher in Israel’s glorious destiny when she arises and lets her light of God’s ways of love shine forth to all peoples.

Next, Isaiah prophesies that when this evangelisation is completed, then will come the great day of God’s vengeance on those who have rejected His gracious call of mercy. Isaiah makes a final appeal to his people, Israel, to wholeheartedly reform as the necessary preparation for the glorious events already foretold.

Lastly, Isaiah prophesies that the earth is restored, people are rewarded according to their deeds, and God’s people worship Him in peace and righteousness forever.

Themes

• People who have forsaken the worship of God, who made heaven and earth, and instead followed other so-called gods.
• People who practice the outward forms of the worship of God but have no real connection with, nor love of, God.
• Warnings from God to a nation that continuance in their evil ways would result in speedy destruction.
• People’s refusal of God’s mercy and protection.
• A remnant of humanity will be faithful to God and, therefore, will be saved by God to eternal life.
• Prophecies of the coming Messiah (Christ) as a suffering servant, whose message of salvation would go to the ends of the earth.
• The great mission of the church to be a light of love to the nations which will then come to her light to seek God.

God as Revealed in the Book

• God seated upon His throne.
• God calling upon humanity to repent and ever willing to forgive.
• God who will send judgments on those who persist in evil ways.
• God who promises restoration of the earth, and everlasting joy and peace for those who worship Him in truth and love.

Connections with The Rest of the Bible

“She…brought forth her firstborn son: and…called his name JESUS.” Matthew 1:25. So, Christ, the promised Messiah, was born in human flesh just over 2,000 years ago in about 5 B.C.

Speaking of Israel, God says, “Him [Jesus Christ], being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye [Israel] have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain [killed]: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death.” Acts 2:23, 24.

Now, Christ’s commission to His church is, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature [every person].” Mark 16:15.

Spiritual Applications

Pray to God sincerely and ask God to help you to do His will, believing that God will help you, and thus you will be enabled to make the spiritual applications noted below:

• Get to know God personally.
• Repent of your sins.
• Be a faithful representative of God to the world.

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