Bible Study: The Prophet Isaiah - The Prince of Prophets
Introduction:
• Isaiah, often called the "Prince of Prophets," is a pivotal figure in the Old Testament.
• His book is rich in prophetic insights, particularly concerning the Messiah, and spans a vast historical and theological scope.
• We'll explore Isaiah's background, his prophetic message, and his enduring relevance for us today.
Context International Political Environment
- The book of Isaiah portrays the rise and consolidation of the Assyrian/Nineveh empire in three phases:
- Invasion of the North/East, by Tiglath-Pileser between 745-734 BC;
- Invasion of Samaria by Sargon and Salmoneser, in 724-722 BC;
- Failed invasion attempt of Judah (south) and West by Sennacherib, between 714-701 BC
- While the Northern Kingdom was defeated after the golden period of Jeroboam II, the Southern Kingdom was given over to internal wickedness under Ahaz.
- Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, was good (the most similar to David). Under Isaiah's advice he brought about a moral and religious revolution in the nation, but his son Manasseh, who was born in his 15th year of extra age, was wicked.
I. Isaiah: The Prophet and His Context:
• Name Significance:
◦ Isaiah (יְשַׁעְיָהוּ, Yeshayahu) means "Jehovah is salvation."
• Background:
◦ From a royal family, Isaiah lived in the palaces of Jerusalem.
◦ His prophetic calling came in the year King Uzziah died (Isaiah 6).
◦ He was a chief advisor to King Hezekiah, wielding significant political and religious influence.
• Prophetic Ministry:
◦ He prophesied to both the Northern (Israel) and Southern (Judah) Kingdoms during a time of moral and spiritual decay, similar to the periods of Jonah, Amos, Hosea, and Micah.
◦ His ministry spanned from approximately 740 to 680 BC.
• Jewish Tradition:
◦ Jewish tradition holds that Isaiah was martyred by being sawn in half by King Manasseh (though Manasseh later repented).
• New Testament Significance:
◦ Jesus, Peter, John, and Paul quoted Isaiah extensively.
◦ Isaiah is heavily referenced in the New Testament, highlighting his prophetic authority.
II. Purposes of the Book of Isaiah:
• Reveal the Messiah:
◦ To reveal prophecies about "The Holy One of Israel" and "The Suffering Servant of the Lord," both divine titles of Jesus.
• Call to Holiness:
◦ To exhort the people to holiness, reflecting the character of the Holy One of Israel.
• Divine Commission:
◦ In Isaiah 6, Isaiah's vision of God's holiness and his subsequent purification and commissioning highlight the divine nature of his prophetic calling.
III. Book Outline and Key Themes:
• Miniature Bible Structure:
◦ Isaiah's 66 chapters are often compared to the 66 books of the Bible.
◦ Part 1 (Isaiah 1-39): Judgment and Reproof:
▪ Reproofs for the sins of the people.
▪ Announcements of judgment.
◦ Part 2 (Isaiah 40-66): Comfort and Grace:
▪ Emphasis on grace and comfort.
▪ Hope for restoration and salvation.
• Isaiah: The Fifth Evangelist and the Saint Paul of the Old Testament:
◦ He is called the "Fifth Evangelist" due to his numerous Messianic prophecies (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, 11:1-5, 53:1-12, 55:1-9).
◦ He is also called the "Saint Paul of the Old Testament" because of his comprehensive treatment of theological doctrines.
◦ He is quoted more in the New Testament (95 times) than any other prophet.
• Main Message:
◦ The coming of the Messiah as the "Suffering Servant" to bring redemption (Isaiah 52:13-53:12).
◦ The humbling of human pride and the exaltation of God (Isaiah 2:17-18).
◦ Gods plan of salvation, and the suffering of the messiah, are major themes.
• Prophetic Scope:
◦ Isaiah's prophecies span a vast timeline:
▪ The fall of Lucifer (distant past).
▪ The contemporary situation in his time (present).
▪ The Babylonian invasion and return (near future).
▪ The coming of the Messiah (middle future).
▪ The millennial kingdom (distant future).
▪ The creation of a new heaven and a new earth (ultimate future).
IV. Key Theological Insights:
• Messianic Prophecy:
◦ Isaiah provides detailed prophecies about the Messiah's birth, character, suffering, and reign.
• God's Holiness:
◦ The book emphasizes God's holiness and the need for human holiness.
• God's Sovereignty:
◦ Isaiah highlights God's control over history and His ability to fulfill His purposes.
• Salvation Through Grace:
◦ The book points to salvation through God's grace, not human merit.
• God's Judgment and Mercy:
◦ Isaiah balances warnings of judgment with promises of mercy and restoration.
V. Application:
• Messianic Hope:
◦ How does Isaiah's Messianic prophecies strengthen our faith in Jesus?
◦ How can we share these prophecies with others?
• Holiness and Repentance:
◦ How does Isaiah's call to holiness challenge us to live differently?
◦ What areas of our lives need repentance and transformation?
• God's Sovereignty:
◦ How does Isaiah's view of God's sovereignty bring comfort and hope?
◦ How can we trust God's plan in our lives and in the world?
• The Suffering Servant:
◦ How does the image of the suffering servant show us the love of God?
◦ How can we follow the example of the suffering servant in our lives?
• Gods plan for the future:
◦ How does the book of Isaiah give us hope for the future?
- Bible Study: The Prophetic Books - Who were the prophets
- Bible Study: The Prophet Amos - A Call to Justice
- Bible Study: The Prophet Hosea - God's Unconditional Love
Conclusion:
• Isaiah's prophetic message is a powerful testament to God's love, justice, and plan for salvation.
• His book offers profound insights into the character of God and the coming of the Messiah.
• By studying Isaiah, we gain a deeper understanding of God's word and His enduring relevance for our lives.
