THE BOOK OF ISAIAH II OT Survey

 

THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

THEME OF THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

The main theme of Isaiah is salvation through the Holy One of Israel. While the book strongly declares God’s judgment against sin, it also presents the hope of redemption, restoration, and the coming Messiah.

Isaiah’s message may be summarized in two words: “Judgment and Salvation.”

• God judges sin, idolatry, and rebellion.

• God promises salvation through the Suffering Servant and ultimate reign of the Messianic King.

The overarching theme of Isaiah is:
“Salvation is of the LORD.”

The name Isaiah itself means “The LORD is salvation.” The book presents God as the Holy One of Israel, who judges sin but also provides redemption and restoration. Isaiah speaks of both judgment (upon Judah, Israel, and the nations) and hope (the coming of the Messiah, the Servant of the LORD, and the future glory of Zion).

Key Verse:
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
— Isaiah 1:18 (KJV)

SYNOPSIS OF THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

Isaiah, often called the “Prince of Prophets,” ministered in Judah during a time of political unrest and spiritual decline (8th century B.C.). He warns of judgment upon Judah, Israel, and the surrounding nations for their rebellion against God. However, woven throughout the book is a profound message of hope: God will bring salvation through the coming Messiah, who will establish a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and glory.

The book is often called a “miniature Bible”:

• 66 chapters (like the Bible’s 66 books).

• Chapters 1–39 (like the Old Testament) focus on judgment.

• Chapters 40–66 (like the New Testament) focus on comfort and salvation through the Messiah.

Isaiah presents Christ as:

• The Virgin-born Immanuel (7:14)

• The Mighty God and Prince of Peace (9:6–7)

• The Suffering Servant (53:1–12)

• The Anointed Conqueror (61:1–3)

• The Coming King (65–66)

Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (approx. 740–680 BC). His ministry addressed Judah’s rebellion, called the people back to covenant faithfulness, and warned of coming judgment through Assyria and later Babylon.

The book is divided into two large movements:

1. Chapters 1–39: Judgment and Warning

   • God’s holiness contrasted with Judah’s sin.

   • Warnings of judgment upon Judah, Israel, and surrounding nations.

   • Hope promised through the coming Messianic King from David’s line (e.g., Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7; 11:1–9).

2. Chapters 40–66: Comfort and Salvation

   • Words of hope to the exiled people, even before the exile began.

   • The revelation of the Suffering Servant who bears sin (Isaiah 53).

   • The promise of restoration, new heavens, and new earth.

Thus, Isaiah moves from condemnation to consolation, from judgment to redemption.

OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

Part I – Judgment and Condemnation (Ch. 1–39)

1. Introduction: Judah’s Sin and God’s Call (1:1–5:30)

2. Isaiah’s Call and Commission (6:1–13)

3. Prophecies of Immanuel and the Messianic King (7:1–12:6)

4. Oracles Against the Nations (13:1–23:18)

5. The Apocalypse of Isaiah – Judgment and Deliverance (24:1–27:13)

6. Woes and Warnings Against Judah (28:1–35:10)

7. Historical Interlude: Assyrian Invasion and Hezekiah’s Deliverance (36:1–39:8)

Part II – Comfort and Salvation (Ch. 40–66)

1. The Comfort of God’s Greatness (40:1–48:22)

2. The Servant of the LORD and His Mission (49:1–57:21)

   • The “Servant Songs” (esp. Isaiah 42, 49, 50, 52–53)

   • Culminating in the Suffering Servant who atones for sin.

3. The Glory of Zion and the New Creation (58:1–66:24)

• The future of Jerusalem, Gentile inclusion, and eternal hope.

SURVEY OF THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

1. Author: Isaiah, son of Amoz, a prophet in Judah during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and HezekiahTradition says he was martyred under King Manasseh.

2. Historical Context: Prophesied in Judah during Assyrian dominance, warning of Babylonian exile to come.  Assyria was rising as a world power, threatening both Israel and Judah. Judah trusted in alliances instead of God, leading to warnings of judgment.

3. Key Purposes:

   • To call God’s people to repentance.

   • To proclaim judgment on sin and rebellion.

   • To reveal God’s plan of salvation through the coming Messiah.

   • To assure the remnant of God’s faithfulness and future restoration.

4. Messianic Prophecies in Isaiah:

   • Virgin birth – Isaiah 7:14

   • Messianic titles – Isaiah 9:6–7

   • Messiah as Branch of Jesse – Isaiah 11:1–9

   • Messiah as Suffering Servant – Isaiah 53

   • Messiah’s mission to the Gentiles – Isaiah 49:6

5. Theological Emphasis:

• God as the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah’s favorite title).

• The sovereignty of God over nations and history.

• Sin brings judgment, but God’s grace offers salvation.

• Salvation is not only for Israel but also for the Gentiles.

• Salvation comes not through human strength, but by God’s grace.

• The hope of a new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 65–66).

Isaiah is sometimes called “The Fifth Gospel” because of its rich Messianic prophecies. It presents the whole message of the Bible in miniature:

• Chapters 1–39 parallel the Old Testament (Law, sin, judgment).

• Chapters 40–66 parallel the New Testament (grace, redemption, glory).

Isaiah reminds us that though God must judge sin, His ultimate plan is to redeem His people through the Messiah and restore all creation to His glory.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
— Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)

🔑 Overview of Isaiah as a Miniature Bible

• The Bible:

  • Old Testament: 39 Books → Law, sin, judgment, preparation for Christ

  • New Testament: 27 Books → Grace, redemption, salvation through Christ

• Isaiah:

  • Chapters 1–39 → Judgment, sin, Assyrian threat, like the Old Testament

  • Chapters 40–66 → Comfort, redemption, Messiah, future hope, like the New Testament

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📖 PARALLELS BETWEEN ISAIAH AND THE BIBLE

Part 1: Isaiah 1–39 (Like the Old Testament, 39 books)

• Isaiah 1 (Genesis): The beginning — Israel’s rebellion, sin enters, need for cleansing.

• Isaiah 6 (Exodus): Isaiah’s call resembles God’s call to deliver His people.

• Isaiah 13–23 (Prophets): Oracles against nations like God’s judgment in historical books.

• Isaiah 24–27: Apocalyptic judgment (like prophetic warnings in the OT).

• Isaiah 36–39 (Kings/Chronicles): Historical section about King Hezekiah and Assyria.

👉 Summary: These first 39 chapters stress God’s holiness, man’s sinfulness, and judgment — just as the Old Testament emphasizes the Law and humanity’s need for salvation.

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Part 2: Isaiah 40–66 (Like the New Testament, 27 books)

• Isaiah 40 (Matthew): Announcement of comfort and good news — “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD” (Isa. 40:3) → fulfilled in John the Baptist (Matt. 3:3).

• Isaiah 42 (Gospels): Introduction of the Servant of the LORD, pointing to Christ’s ministry.

• Isaiah 53 (The Gospels’ climax): The Suffering Servant bears our sins — Calvary.

• Isaiah 55 (Acts): Invitation to come freely to God, like the gospel going to the Gentiles.

• Isaiah 60–62 (Epistles): Glory of Zion, righteousness, and the Spirit’s anointing.

• Isaiah 65–66 (Revelation): The new heavens and new earth → parallels the closing of the Bible in Revelation 21–22.

👉 Summary: These last 27 chapters proclaim God’s grace, the coming Messiah, and eternal hope — just as the New Testament does.

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✨ Conclusion: Isaiah as a Bible in Miniature

• Isaiah’s 66 chapters mirror the 66 books of Scripture.

• The structure moves from condemnation to consolation, from judgment to redemption, from sin to salvation — exactly as the whole Bible does.

• Isaiah is rightly called “The Gospel Prophet” because it gives one of the clearest pictures of Christ’s birth (Isa. 7:14; 9:6), ministry (Isa. 61:1–2), suffering (Isa. 53), and future reign (Isa. 11; 65–66).

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
— Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

 

📖 Isaiah’s 66 Chapters Mirroring the 66 Books of the Bible

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Section 1 – Isaiah 1–39 (Like the 39 Books of the Old Testament)

Emphasis: Sin, judgment, covenant failure, call to repentance.

Isaiah Chapter	Parallel OT Book	Connection / Parallel
Isaiah 1	Genesis	Beginning with sin and rebellion; need for cleansing (1:18).
Isaiah 2	Exodus	Deliverance and worship of the LORD in His mountain.
Isaiah 3	Leviticus	God’s order, holiness, judgment against sin.
Isaiah 4	Numbers	A purified remnant under God’s cloud of glory.
Isaiah 5	Deuteronomy	Song of the vineyard → blessing/cursing based on obedience.
Isaiah 6	Joshua	Commissioning of Isaiah like Joshua’s call to conquer in God’s holiness.
Isaiah 7	Judges	Apostasy and God raising deliverers; prophecy of Immanuel.
Isaiah 8	Ruth	Hope amid chaos; a faithful remnant clings to God.
Isaiah 9	1 Samuel	Rise of the Messianic King (David type → “unto us a child is born”).
Isaiah 10	2 Samuel	God’s judgment on arrogant rulers; like Saul/David contrast.
Isaiah 11	1 Kings	Branch from Jesse = true King; unlike Israel’s divided kingship.
Isaiah 12	2 Kings	Song of salvation after deliverance, like Hezekiah’s.
Isaiah 13	1 Chronicles	Judgment of nations; Israel’s central role in history.
Isaiah 14	2 Chronicles	Fall of proud kings; especially Babylon’s.
Isaiah 15–16	Ezra	Restoration themes; Moab judged but remnant preserved.
Isaiah 17	Nehemiah	God’s protection of His city, Jerusalem.
Isaiah 18	Esther	Nations plot, but God protects His people.
Isaiah 19	Job	God’s dealings with Egypt = sovereignty like Job’s story.
Isaiah 20	Psalms	Prophetic sign-act, like Psalms’ prophetic laments.
Isaiah 21	Proverbs	Watchman’s wisdom; nations fall despite human pride.
Isaiah 22	Ecclesiastes	Vanity of human defenses; only God secures.
Isaiah 23	Song of Solomon	Judgment on Tyre (worldly beauty fades vs. true love endures).
Isaiah 24	Isaiah (book of)	Universal judgment theme, like prophets begin.
Isaiah 25	Jeremiah	Tears wiped away; promise of restoration after judgment.
Isaiah 26	Lamentations	Song of trust amidst ruin, like Jeremiah’s laments.
Isaiah 27	Ezekiel	Restoration of Israel, vineyard revived.
Isaiah 28	Daniel	God’s cornerstone vs. human empires; messianic vision.
Isaiah 29	Hosea	Blindness of God’s people; judgment but hope.
Isaiah 30	Joel	Day of the LORD themes.
Isaiah 31	Amos	Woe to those who trust Egypt; parallels Amos’ warnings.
Isaiah 32	Obadiah	Contrast of righteous King and downfall of enemies.
Isaiah 33	Jonah	Assyria condemned, Nineveh background.
Isaiah 34	Micah	Nations judged, Zion exalted.
Isaiah 35	Nahum	Judgment on enemies, joy for the redeemed.
Isaiah 36	Habakkuk	Historical invasion; God delivers faithful.
Isaiah 37	Zephaniah	LORD in midst of His people to save.
Isaiah 38	Haggai	Hezekiah’s rebuilding of faith parallels temple rebuilding.
Isaiah 39	Zechariah	Prediction of exile, like Zechariah’s visions of future glory.

👉 Summary of Isaiah 1–39: Like the Old Testament, this section emphasizes law, sin, and judgment but also anticipates the coming Messianic King.

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Section 2 – Isaiah 40–66 (Like the 27 Books of the New Testament)

Emphasis: Comfort, redemption, Messiah revealed, eternal hope.

Isaiah Chapter	Parallel NT Book	Connection / Parallel
Isaiah 40	Matthew	Voice in the wilderness (40:3) → John the Baptist (Matt. 3:3).
Isaiah 41	Mark	Servant of the LORD brings strength; parallels Christ’s ministry.
Isaiah 42	Luke	Spirit-filled Servant → “a light to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32).
Isaiah 43	John	“I am He” (43:10) → echoes Jesus’ “I AM” statements.
Isaiah 44	Acts	Outpouring of Spirit (44:3); parallels Pentecost.
Isaiah 45	Romans	God’s sovereignty in salvation (45:22) = Romans’ gospel message.
Isaiah 46	1 Corinthians	God’s wisdom vs. idols = contrast to Corinth’s idolatry.
Isaiah 47	2 Corinthians	Babylon humbled; God’s comfort for His people.
Isaiah 48	Galatians	Call to freedom from bondage, like Paul’s gospel of grace.
Isaiah 49	Ephesians	Gentiles included in God’s plan (49:6).
Isaiah 50	Philippians	Obedient Servant suffers (50:6) → Christ’s humility (Phil. 2).
Isaiah 51	Colossians	God’s people called to listen, stand complete in Him.
Isaiah 52	1 Thessalonians	Good news proclaimed: “How beautiful are the feet…” (52:7).
Isaiah 53	2 Thessalonians	Suffering Servant revealed; parallels Christ’s return hope.
Isaiah 54	1 Timothy	Covenant order in God’s household.
Isaiah 55	2 Timothy	Word of God powerful; preaching theme.
Isaiah 56	Titus	God’s house open to Gentiles; parallels church order.
Isaiah 57	Philemon	Reconciliation message; peace through grace.
Isaiah 58	Hebrews	True worship/fasting; Christ as High Priest.
Isaiah 59	James	Sin separates; need for works of righteousness.
Isaiah 60	1 Peter	Glory of Zion → “chosen generation, royal priesthood.”
Isaiah 61	2 Peter	Spirit anointed ministry; echoes Christ’s return hope.
Isaiah 62	1 John	Beloved bride; God’s people assured in His love.
Isaiah 63	2 John	Warning against deceivers; God’s true Redeemer.
Isaiah 64	3 John	Prayer for truth and restoration of God’s people.
Isaiah 65	Jude	Apostates judged, remnant preserved.
Isaiah 66	Revelation	New heavens and new earth → climax of all Scripture (Rev. 21–22).

👉 Summary of Isaiah 40–66: Like the New Testament, this section emphasizes comfort, redemption, Messiah as Suffering Servant, gospel to the nations, and eternal hope.

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✨ Final Thought

Isaiah is truly a Bible in miniature:

• 39 chapters = Old Testament (Law, sin, judgment).

• 27 chapters = New Testament (Grace, Messiah, salvation, eternal glory).

• The climax in Isaiah 66 matches Revelation: new heavens and new earth.

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”
— Isaiah 65:17 (KJV)

 

 a visual illustration of how Isaiah mirrors the Bible:

• Isaiah 1–39 parallels the 39 books of the Old Testament → Law, Sin, Judgment.

• Isaiah 40–66 parallels the 27 books of the New Testament → Grace, Messiah, Salvation.