The Prophet and His Day: Isaiah 1-39 - Free Bible Commentary

I. OPENING STATEMENTSINTRODUCTION TO ISAIAHA. Isaiah is quoted more often in the NT than any other prophet (over 411 times). His messagewas one of a radical universal monotheism and a redemptive plan for all creation.1. one God2. one world3. one faithB. Isaiah is wonderfully Messianic.1. the special children of the New Age, chapters 7-142. the Servant Songs, 41:1-4; 42:1-9; 49:1-7; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12 (possibly 61:1-3)3. the future Messianic Kingdom (New Age), chapters 56-66. The fall of Genesis 3 is notthe last word!C. E. J. Young, in An Introduction to the OT, states:1. “The book of Isaiah is rightly considered the greatest of the OT prophecies,” p. 168.2. “Of all the prophets of Israel, Isaiah understood most completely the mind of God andHis plan for the ages,” p. 171.3. “In spiritual insight he is unsurpassed in all the OT,” p. 172.II.THE NAME OF THE BOOKA. The book is named after its prophetic spokesman.B. The name means “salvation of YHWH” or “YHWH saves.” The Hebrew names that end in“iah” are an abbreviation of YHWH, as are many of the names in English that begin with a“j” and a vowel, example Joshua and Joel.III.CANONIZATIONA. This is the first of the four scrolls of the Latter Prophets.1. Isaiah2. Jeremiah3. Ezekiel4. the Twelve (minor prophets)B. It was accepted early and completely into the sacred writings of the Israelites.IV.GENREA. Isaiah’s literary skills surpass all OT prophets. His word plays and poetry are majestic andintriguing. The book is mostly Hebrew poetry (see Appendix One).B. It is difficult to sit down and read all of Isaiah at one time. It is difficult to outline the book.This is because Isaiah was a preacher, not just an author or editor. His book records hisspoken messages over a long period of time. These are linked together, sometimes1. by theme1