Liberty University's Harold Willmington offers some great facts about Isaiah I bet you never knew:
The book of Isaiah may be compared to the Bible.
The Bible has 66 books. Isaiah has 66 chapters.
The Old Testament has 39 books. The first section of Isaiah has 39 chapters.
The New Testament has 27 books. The last section of Isaiah has 27 chapters.
The Old Testament covers the history and sin of Israel, as do chapters 1-39 of Isaiah.
The New Testament describes the person and ministry of Christ, as do chapters 40-66 of Isaiah.
The New Testament begins with the ministry of John the Baptist (Mt. 3:1-3). The second section in Isaiah begins by predicting this ministry (40:3-5).
The New Testament ends by referring to the new heavens and new earth (Rev. 21:1-3). Isaiah ends his book by describing the same things (66:22).
The book of Isaiah may be compared to the Bible.
The Bible has 66 books. Isaiah has 66 chapters.
The Old Testament has 39 books. The first section of Isaiah has 39 chapters.
The New Testament has 27 books. The last section of Isaiah has 27 chapters.
The Old Testament covers the history and sin of Israel, as do chapters 1-39 of Isaiah.
The New Testament describes the person and ministry of Christ, as do chapters 40-66 of Isaiah.
The New Testament begins with the ministry of John the Baptist (Mt. 3:1-3). The second section in Isaiah begins by predicting this ministry (40:3-5).
The New Testament ends by referring to the new heavens and new earth (Rev. 21:1-3). Isaiah ends his book by describing the same things (66:22).
Three of Scripture’s greatest salvation invitations are found in its pages:
• “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (1:18).
• “Look unto me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (45:22).
• “Ho, every one that thirsts, come ye to the waters, and he that has no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfies not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat you that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness” (55:1, 2).
Isaiah is the only Biblical book to mention and describe a company of angels known as the seraphim (6:1-8). This remarkable section not only provides us with a glimpse into heaven, but also illustrates an aspect of the ministry angels perform for believers (compare Isa. 6:6-7 with Heb. 1:14).
It is the only Old Testament book to predict both the virgin birth of Christ (7:14), and His dual nature (9:6).
It is the first of two Old Testament books describing the early days of Lucifer before he fell and became the devil (14:12-15; Ezek. 28:11-18).
It provides the most beautiful description of the Highway of God’s Holiness in all the Bible (35).
- Willmington
• “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (1:18).
• “Look unto me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (45:22).
• “Ho, every one that thirsts, come ye to the waters, and he that has no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfies not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat you that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness” (55:1, 2).
Isaiah is the only Biblical book to mention and describe a company of angels known as the seraphim (6:1-8). This remarkable section not only provides us with a glimpse into heaven, but also illustrates an aspect of the ministry angels perform for believers (compare Isa. 6:6-7 with Heb. 1:14).
It is the only Old Testament book to predict both the virgin birth of Christ (7:14), and His dual nature (9:6).
It is the first of two Old Testament books describing the early days of Lucifer before he fell and became the devil (14:12-15; Ezek. 28:11-18).
It provides the most beautiful description of the Highway of God’s Holiness in all the Bible (35).
- Willmington
Angels flying about his head, with some of them "burning." A live coal is placed on his lips. The future unfolds before him.
This is Isaiah.
FACTS ABOUT ISAIAH:
1. Isaiah is sometimes referred to as the prince of the prophets.
2. According to an unsubstantiated Jewish tradition in a book called The Ascension of Isaiah, he was sawed in half during the reign of Manasseh.
3. Chapter 53 is quite famous and is known as the "Suffering Servant" chapter.
4. There is a new time period to come - a time of relief and joy and safety and family. It's called the Messianic Age (11:6–9).
5. During the Messianic Age, a promised king (descended from David) will reign in righteousness (9:7; 32:1), and all nations will stream to the holy mountain of Jerusalem ( 2:2–4 ). God’s people will no longer be hurt by wicked rulers (11:14; 45:14), and Jerusalem will truly be the “City of the Lord” (60:14).
Isaiah uses three particular themes throughout this book
a. Fire as a figure of punishment ( 1:31; 10:17; 26:11; 33:11–14; 34:9–10; 66:24),
b. The “holy mountain” of Jerusalem ( 2:2–4)
c. The highway to Jerusalem ( 11:16)
1. Isaiah is sometimes referred to as the prince of the prophets.
2. According to an unsubstantiated Jewish tradition in a book called The Ascension of Isaiah, he was sawed in half during the reign of Manasseh.
3. Chapter 53 is quite famous and is known as the "Suffering Servant" chapter.
4. There is a new time period to come - a time of relief and joy and safety and family. It's called the Messianic Age (11:6–9).
5. During the Messianic Age, a promised king (descended from David) will reign in righteousness (9:7; 32:1), and all nations will stream to the holy mountain of Jerusalem ( 2:2–4 ). God’s people will no longer be hurt by wicked rulers (11:14; 45:14), and Jerusalem will truly be the “City of the Lord” (60:14).
Isaiah uses three particular themes throughout this book
a. Fire as a figure of punishment ( 1:31; 10:17; 26:11; 33:11–14; 34:9–10; 66:24),
b. The “holy mountain” of Jerusalem ( 2:2–4)
c. The highway to Jerusalem ( 11:16)
Isaiah is the known as the "Shakespeare of the prophets", and the "St. Paul of the Old Testament". This marvelous manuscript has been regarded almost universally as by far the greatest and grandest treatise on the most important subject in the history of writing – Christ and his salvation.
Isaiah has more to say about the greatness of God (ch. 40, 43), the horrors of the tribulation (24), the wonders of the millennium (35), and the ministry of Christ (53), than any other biblical book.
This amazing chapter alone is quoted from or alluded to some 85 times in the New Testament. Jesus said that Isaiah saw His glory and spoke of Him (Jn. 12:41).
The word salvation appears 33 times in the writing of the prophets, and of these, 26 instances occur in Isaiah.
Isaiah has more to say about the greatness of God (ch. 40, 43), the horrors of the tribulation (24), the wonders of the millennium (35), and the ministry of Christ (53), than any other biblical book.
This amazing chapter alone is quoted from or alluded to some 85 times in the New Testament. Jesus said that Isaiah saw His glory and spoke of Him (Jn. 12:41).
The word salvation appears 33 times in the writing of the prophets, and of these, 26 instances occur in Isaiah.
GOTQUESTIONS.ORG:
Brief Summary: The Book of Isaiah reveals God’s judgment and salvation. God is “holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3), and therefore He cannot allow sin to go unpunished (Isaiah 1:2; 2:11-20; 5:30; 34:1-2; 42:25). Isaiah portrays God’s oncoming judgment as a “consuming fire” (Isaiah 1:31; 30:33).
At the same time, Isaiah understands that God is a God of mercy, grace, and compassion (Isaiah 5:25; 11:16; 14:1-2; 32:2; 40:3; 41:14-16). The nation of Israel (both Judah and Israel) is blind and deaf to God’s commands (Isaiah 6:9-10; 42:7). Judah is compared to a vineyard that should be, and will be, trampled on (Isaiah 5:1-7). Only because of His mercy and His promises to Israel, will God not allow Israel or Judah to be completely destroyed. He will bring restoration, forgiveness, and healing (43:2; 43:16-19; 52:10-12).
More than any other book in the Old Testament, Isaiah focuses on the salvation that will come through the Messiah. The Messiah will one day rule in justice and righteousness (Isaiah 9:7; 32:1). The reign of the Messiah will bring peace and safety to Israel (Isaiah 11:6-9). Through the Messiah, Israel will be a light to all the nations (Isaiah 42:6; 55:4-5). The Messiah’s kingdom on earth (Isaiah chapter 65-66) is the goal towards which all of the Book of Isaiah points. It is during the reign of the Messiah that God’s righteousness will be fully revealed to the world.
In a seeming paradox, the Book of Isaiah also presents the Messiah as one who will suffer. Isaiah chapter 53 vividly describes the Messiah suffering for sin. It is through His wounds that healing is achieved. It is through His suffering that our iniquities are taken away. This apparent contradiction is solved in the Person of Jesus Christ. In His first advent, Jesus was the suffering servant of Isaiah chapter 53. In His second advent, Jesus will be the conquering and ruling King, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
JOHN MACARTHUR:
More than any other prophet, Isaiah provides data on the future day of the Lord and the time following. He details numerous aspects of Israel’s future kingdom on earth not found elsewhere in the OT or NT, including changes in nature, the animal world, Jerusalem’s status among the nations, the Suffering Servant’s leadership, and others.
Brief Summary: The Book of Isaiah reveals God’s judgment and salvation. God is “holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3), and therefore He cannot allow sin to go unpunished (Isaiah 1:2; 2:11-20; 5:30; 34:1-2; 42:25). Isaiah portrays God’s oncoming judgment as a “consuming fire” (Isaiah 1:31; 30:33).
At the same time, Isaiah understands that God is a God of mercy, grace, and compassion (Isaiah 5:25; 11:16; 14:1-2; 32:2; 40:3; 41:14-16). The nation of Israel (both Judah and Israel) is blind and deaf to God’s commands (Isaiah 6:9-10; 42:7). Judah is compared to a vineyard that should be, and will be, trampled on (Isaiah 5:1-7). Only because of His mercy and His promises to Israel, will God not allow Israel or Judah to be completely destroyed. He will bring restoration, forgiveness, and healing (43:2; 43:16-19; 52:10-12).
More than any other book in the Old Testament, Isaiah focuses on the salvation that will come through the Messiah. The Messiah will one day rule in justice and righteousness (Isaiah 9:7; 32:1). The reign of the Messiah will bring peace and safety to Israel (Isaiah 11:6-9). Through the Messiah, Israel will be a light to all the nations (Isaiah 42:6; 55:4-5). The Messiah’s kingdom on earth (Isaiah chapter 65-66) is the goal towards which all of the Book of Isaiah points. It is during the reign of the Messiah that God’s righteousness will be fully revealed to the world.
In a seeming paradox, the Book of Isaiah also presents the Messiah as one who will suffer. Isaiah chapter 53 vividly describes the Messiah suffering for sin. It is through His wounds that healing is achieved. It is through His suffering that our iniquities are taken away. This apparent contradiction is solved in the Person of Jesus Christ. In His first advent, Jesus was the suffering servant of Isaiah chapter 53. In His second advent, Jesus will be the conquering and ruling King, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
JOHN MACARTHUR:
More than any other prophet, Isaiah provides data on the future day of the Lord and the time following. He details numerous aspects of Israel’s future kingdom on earth not found elsewhere in the OT or NT, including changes in nature, the animal world, Jerusalem’s status among the nations, the Suffering Servant’s leadership, and others.
CHUCK SWINDOLL:
Why is Isaiah so important? The book of Isaiah provides us with the most comprehensive prophetic picture of Jesus Christ in the entire Old Testament. It includes the full scope of His life: the announcement of His coming (Isaiah 40:3–5), His virgin birth (Isiah 7:14), His proclamation of the good news (Isiah 61:1), His sacrificial death (Isaiah 52:13–53:12), and His return to claim His own (Isiah 60:2–3).
Why is Isaiah so important? The book of Isaiah provides us with the most comprehensive prophetic picture of Jesus Christ in the entire Old Testament. It includes the full scope of His life: the announcement of His coming (Isaiah 40:3–5), His virgin birth (Isiah 7:14), His proclamation of the good news (Isiah 61:1), His sacrificial death (Isaiah 52:13–53:12), and His return to claim His own (Isiah 60:2–3).