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The Book of Isaiah

OVERVIEW

(Taken from The Mendenhall Reference Bible)

Name:

The eighth century-prophet Isaiah has been remembered by this book named after him since the earliest times. Literature from the second century B.C., the dead sea scrolls, and the new testament bear witness to the fact that this book was a single volume under the name Isaiah.

Author:

Isaiah began his ministry  in Judah in 740 B.C. and continued into the reign of Manasseh, probably beyond 680 B.C. During this era of Assyrian advance into Palestine, Isaiah endured the godless reign of Ahaz and cooperated with the religious reformer, Hezekiah, and finally may have been martyred by Manasseh. The  

messages recorded in this book may represent only in part or in summary the prophetic contribution Isaiah made to the generation in which he lived. Other writings ascribed to Isaiah are noted in II Chronicles 26:22. 

Theme:

The message of Isaiah reflect the times in which he lived. Keenly aware of the social evils that prevailed in Judah Isaiah announced the destruction of Jerusalem and with it the fall of the Davidic dynasty. In contrast to this coming judgment he held out the realistic hope of a restored Kingdom of absolute peace in which a ruler from the Davidic line would reign in righteousness. Foreign nations such as Assyria temporarily were used in God's sovereign plan to bring judgment and even exile but ultimately would be subjected and destroyed.

With the prediction of Babylonian exile Isaiah projected the servant messages. Israel as God's servant was sinful and in captivity but in this message of comfort was assured of deliverance. Through Cyrus deliverance from exile was promised, through the suffering servant redemption from sin was assured, and the ultimate restoration of Zion provided the basis of Israel's national hope.

The messianic hope is dominant throughout the entire book. Portrayed as the suffering servant and the ruler of the final kingdom of perfect peace and righteousness the Messiah is presented as the one in whom people may trust.