ISAIAH
The book of Isaiah may be compared to the whole Bible because it has two parts, like the two testaments. In the Old Testament section (chaps. 1–39), the prophet condemns the sins of Judah and warns of coming judgment. In the New Testament section (chaps.
The name Isaiah means “the salvation of Jehovah,” and the prophet deals with four different kinds of salvation: (1) Judah’s national salvation from the attacks of other nations; (2) Judah’s salvation from the Babylonian captivity; (3) the future salvation of the Jews when their kingdom is established; and (4) the personal salvation of the sinner who puts his faith in the Redeemer.
Isaiah prophesied seven hundred years before Christ, in a period of international tension. Egypt, Syria, Israel (the northern kingdom), Babylon, and Assyria had their eyes on Judah, and the leaders of Judah tried to play one nation against another in their attempt to avoid war. Isaiah warned them not to trust in politics but to trust the Lord and obey His Word. The leaders did not listen, and Judah was eventually taken captive by Babylon. Isaiah’s book guided and comforted the exiles both during and after their captivity.
As you read this book, you will see how believers should respond to international conflicts, political decay in the nation, and religious decay among the people, including the religious leaders. Isaiah ministered at a time when “religion” was popular but not spiritual, and the ministry at the temple was only a formality. The nation as a whole was corrupt, but God had His faithful remnant just as He does today.
Tradition says that the prophet Isaiah was sawed in half by King Manasseh. Hebrews 11:37 is said to refer to his death.