|
The name means the "salvation of Jehovah." It was a very appropriate name since the key
word in his prophecy is "salvation." This was the subject Isaiah was especially commissioned to set
forth. There are eighteen references to salvation. I will list seven of the passages: (1) God of- 12:2;
(2) walls of - 12:3; (3) joy of - 25:9; (4) day of - 49:8; (5) helmet of - 59:17; (6) garments of - 61:10;
and (7) light of - 62:1.
His Parentage and Family
Isaiah tells us repeatedly that he is the son of Amoz (1:1, 2:1 and 8:1). Isaiah's father must
not be confused with the prophet Amos (Notice the difference in spelling). It is believed by some that
Isaiah's father Amoz probably was not a man of high distinction, since he is never mentioned, except
in his connection to Isaiah.
Isaiah tells us that he had two sons: (1) Shear - Jashub (Isaiah 7:3) , whose name means - a
remnant shall return, and (2) Maher - shalal - hash - baz (Isaiah 8:3), whose name means - spoil
speedeth, prey hasteth and is identified as the son of the "prophetess." Little is known about her
beyond the fact she bore Isaiah's sons. If she had a gift of prophecy or if she prophesied, I have not
discovered such a record. It is possible she was viewed as such because she was the prophet's wife.
His Time
His prophecy tells us that he saw visions concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of
Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah (1:1). It would seem from this that he began his prophecy as
early as the latter years of the reign of Uzziah and lived well into the reign of King Hezekiah.
The tradition of the rabbis declared that Isaiah's death was a most horrible and painful
martyrdom. Isaiah resisted some of Manesseh's idolatrous acts and ordinances. Some say he was
seized and fastened between two planks and killed by being "sawn asunder." Another description
of his death was that he was put in the trunk of Carob tree and sawed apart. This mode of
punishment mentioned in Hebrews 11:37, is believed by some to have been an allusion to Isaiah's
death. What a horrible way to die! What great love and devotion to God he must have possessed!
His Position
His prophecy tells us that he saw visions concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of
That Isaiah was a Jew of good position, dwelling at Jerusalem and admitted to converse with
the monarchs, is evident in this book. As to exactly when Isaiah received his divine call, we cannot
be sure. Whether he was brought up in the "school of the prophets" is not certain either. However,
it is clear that he did receive a very solemn call, which came from God. Thus his prophetic career
commenced and he is generally considered the most prominent prophet of the Old Testament.
His Book of Prophecy
His prophecy tells us that he saw visions concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of
The prophecy is divided into two parts, as is the Bible. The prophecy of Isaiah is called by
some the Bible in miniature. The prophecy is divided thusly - chapters 1 - 39, refer generally to
events leading up to the captivity. The second part, chapters 40 - 66, reaches on through the centuries
to the Christian dispensation and is rich in Messianic references. So the chapters 1-39 seem to
correspond to the 39 books of the Old Testament and chapters 40-66 to the 27 books of the New
Testament. The 66 chapters of Isaiah, remind us of the 66 books of the Bible.
The first 39 chapters are chiefly historical with interspersed songs and poems. These chapters
contain some of the most magnificent prophecies of the Messiah to come. The last 27 chapters have
a collection of poems and chiefly give assurances of a return from Babylonian captivity. The
prophecies were partly fulfilled to the Jews of that day, but the complete fulfillment is ongoing. The
prophecies of the time of exile, inspired the Jews and filled them with hope and courage. They and
we are encouraged to live by faith and love God deeply.
Some of the most memorable incidents contained in his prophecy are: (1) when Rabshakeh,
speaking in the Hebrew language, discouraged the hearts of the Jews by denouncing their king,
Hezekiah and their God (Isaiah 36:13-18). (2) In desperation, Hezekiah sent word o Isaiah, asking
him to pray in their behalf (Isaiah 37:3-7). (3) When Isaiah told Hezekiah that he would die.
Hezekiah fervently prayed to God and before Isaiah could leave the palace, God sent him back to let
the king know that God had added 15 years to his life (Isaiah 38:1-8). (4) God gave one of the
greatest and most complete prophecies of the person and work of redemption by, Jesus Christ (Isaiah
53:1-12).
There are also memorable Messianic prophecies such as: Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:2 & 6-7. There
are also passages about sin as: Isaiah 59:1-2 and Isaiah 64:6. With all these special passages, there
is still so much more to the prophecy of Isaiah. We can all be blessed as we read and study this
wonderful prophecy.
Conclusion
His prophecy tells us that he saw visions concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of
Isaiah was a man of great earnestness and boldness. He lived under five Kings, only one of
which was religious and God-fearing. Yet Isaiah remained a man known for his spirituality and deep
reverence for God. Nothing was of more importance to him than the inward, spiritual, hidden man
of the heart. He was a man who confessed his sins, for he had seen God in all his Holiness (Isaiah
6:1-5). He was a man of wisdom, divinely inspired with visions of events to come.
|
