Isaiah is the longest of the Old Testament’s prophetic books, with 66 chapters that span more than half a century of Judah’s history. The prophet received his call in the year King Uzziah died and ministered during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah.
He saw the nation threatened by the advance of the Assyrian Empire and, later on, by the future threat of Babylon. Amid this scenario, Isaiah announces with the same clarity the judgment that was coming for sin and the salvation that God was preparing.
In the middle of the book, historical chapters narrate how King Hezekiah faced Sennacherib’s siege and saw Jerusalem delivered by a miracle.
The book reveals God as the Holy One of Israel, a title that appears dozens of times and shows his holiness and his power over all nations.
At the same time, it reveals a God who does not give up on his people and promises a Savior who would take upon himself the sin of all.
Isaiah’s messianic prophecies are so numerous and detailed that many scholars call the book the fifth gospel. In them appear the birth of Immanuel, the songs of the Suffering Servant and the eternal kingdom of the Prince of Peace, the Messiah God promised to send.
The first half of the book, harsher and full of warnings, gives way to chapters of comfort and hope in the second half. Reading Isaiah means hearing the same voice that condemns sin and, soon after, invites us to trust in a God who saves and restores.
May every page of this book lead the reader to worship the Holy One of Israel and to hope in the Savior he promised.