A prophet sees God’s holiness, warns of judgement, and promises a Saviour and a new creation.
- Section
- Old Testament, Major Prophets
- Book
- 23 of 66
- Chapters
- 66
- Written by
- Isaiah son of Amoz
- When
- His ministry began around 740 BC
- Written to
- Judah and Jerusalem
The big picture
Isaiah begins with a nation that has turned away from God. In chapter 6 the prophet sees the Lord, holy and high, and is sent to call the people back.
The book moves from warning to comfort. Chapters 40 to 66 speak of God bringing His people home, of a Servant who will suffer for others, and of a new heavens and a new earth.
Why it was written
It called Judah to trust God rather than powerful neighbours, and gave hope to a people who would lose everything in exile.
Key passages
Tap or hover over a reference to read it.
- Isaiah 6:1-8 – Isaiah sees the Lord and says, “Here I am! Send me”
- Isaiah 9:6-7 – A child is born who will reign for ever
- Isaiah 40:28-31 – Strength for the weary who wait for the Lord
- Isaiah 53 – The Servant who suffers for the sins of others
How it points to Jesus
Jesus read from Isaiah 61 in His first sermon at Nazareth and said, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled” (Luke 4:16-21). The early church read Isaiah 53 as a picture of the cross (Acts 8:32-35), and the promise of a child called Mighty God and Prince of Peace is read at Christmas across the world.
Themes and people
Themes: God’s holiness · Judgement and mercy · The Servant · Comfort · New creation
People: Isaiah · King Hezekiah · King Ahaz
Study it together
- In Isaiah 6, seeing God made Isaiah aware of his own sin. How does knowing God change how you see yourself?
- Read Isaiah 53. What does it tell you about why Jesus died?
- Isaiah 40 speaks to people who are tired. Where do you need God’s strength right now?
Bring your answers and questions to Friday Bible Study, or watch our sermons.
Prepared by Spring Valley Church, Luton. Bible references open the English Standard Version (ESV) in a pop-up supplied by Logos Reftagger.