Isaiah

The great prophecy of Isaiah is the first of four major prophecies, and parallels the four gospels of Christ. As the first of the prophetic books, the book of Isaiah presents the glory of the kingdom, whilst Matthew presents the glory of the king. The word “prophet” (from the Heb. nabr) means to boil or bubble over. It is to be excited about the message, not merely to forthtell, but to fore-tell. It is taken from the metaphor of a fountain bursting forth from the heart of man into which God has poured his Spirit-Word. See Psalm 45:1; Pro. 1:23. The Greek is “pro” = for, and “phet,” a message; thus to interpret the divine will; the irresistible impulse that comes from a love and understanding of the divine message. The main arrangement of Isaiah is remarkable. As there are 66 books in the Bible, so there are 66 chapters in the prophecy of Isaiah. As the Bible has 39 books in the Old Testament, and 27 in the New; so there is a natural division of 39/27 chapters in Isaiah, for ch. 40 opens up an entirely new theme. Moreover as the 39 books of the O.T. are based on the Law, and threaten judgments because of disobedience; so the first 39 chapters of Isaiah are based upon impending divine judgment. As the N.T. proclaims the doctrine of grace through Christ Yahshua, and the salvation it will bring, so also does the final section of Isaiah. The opening chapter provides an indictment to a nation in folly. It reveals: [1] Introducing the writer: v. 1. [2] The waywardness of the sinful nation: vv. 2-4. [3] Abandoned as leprous: vv. 5-9. [4] Worship completely apostate: vv. 10-15. [5] Divine appeal to reform: vv. 16-20. [6] The depraved condition of the nation: vv. 21-23. [7] Israel ultimately to be purged and redeemed: vv. 24-31. • Thus the nation of Judah was politically strong but spiritual decadent. Their sacrifices, service and prayers, were an abomination. But divine mercy was always available, as it still is. — GEM, Logos