The Book of Isaiah is one of the most prominent and influential prophetic books in the Old Testament, known for its powerful messages of judgment, hope, and redemption. The prophet Isaiah ministered to the southern kingdom of Judah during the reigns of four kings, spanning a period of over 40 years in the 8th century BCE.
The book can be divided into three main sections. The first section (chapters 1-39) primarily addresses the people of Judah, warning them of impending judgment due to their disobedience, idolatry, and social injustice. Isaiah calls the people to repentance and faith in God, while also offering hope through the promise of a future Messiah.
The second section (chapters 40-55) shifts in tone, offering messages of comfort and hope to the exiles in Babylon. This section is marked by the prophecies of a "Suffering Servant" who will bear the sins of the people and bring salvation to Israel and the world.
The final section (chapters 56-66) looks forward to the future restoration of Israel and the coming of God's eternal kingdom. It emphasizes the importance of righteousness, justice, and faithfulness to God, while also anticipating the creation of a new heavens and a new earth.
Throughout the book, Isaiah employs vivid imagery, poetic language, and powerful prophecies to convey God's messages. Many of these prophecies find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, as the New Testament writers frequently draw upon Isaiah's words to explain Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
Charles E. Cruise, The "Wealth of the Nations": A Study in the Intertextuality of Isaiah 60:5, 11, JETS 58/2 (2015), 283-97.
Gary V. Smith, The Destruction of Babylon in Isaiah 46-47, JETS 58/3 (2015), 527-44.
— Isaiah 40-55: Which Audience was Addressed?, JETS 54.4 (Dec. 2011), 701-13.
G. K. Beale, An Amillennial Response to a Premillennial view of Isaiah 65:20, JETS 61.3 (2018), 461-92.
Matthew Seufert, Reading Isaiah 40:1-11 in light of Isaiah 36-37, JETS 58/2 (2015), 269-81.
Terrance R. Wardlaw Jr., The Significance of Creation in the Book of Isaiah, JETS 59/3 (2016), 449-71.
Emilio Ramos, Isaiah with Emilio Ramos.
John Oswalt, Dr. John Oswalt, Isaiah.