The Basics: A Brief Overview of the Book of Isaiah
The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide.
The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works.
Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man.
These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison.
1.) Introduction
2.) Who wrote it
3.) When did they write it
4.) Key topics
5.) Key sections
6.) Books that interact with each other
7.) Analysis of the Book
As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book.
BASICS COURSE:
Isaiah
INTRODUCTION:
Imagine the nation ruled by King Saul, King David, and King Solomon suddenly divided into two different nations. The nation to the north called Israel has failed to produce even one good King. While the nation to the south, Judah, has brought forth only a few. The threat of Assyria to the North is ever present. Meanwhile, there is a remnant in Judah who eagerly focus on the Lord, and the general belief is that Judah might survive. Suddenly a man walks in proclaiming that God has found Judah guilty. This man earnestly comes forth pleading the need to tell what God has commissioned him to announce. His statements are bold, his words grab the attention of all ages, this man is named Isaiah.
WHO WROTE IT:
The book of Isaiah is named after its author, Isaiah.
WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT:
According to Biblical scholars, archaeologists, theologians, and historians, Isaiah was killed by being sawn in two with a wooden saw by King Manasseh soon after he had taken the throne. They summarize based on the evidence that Isaiah’s prophetic work was from 739-690 BC.[1]
KEY TOPICS:
The book of Isaiah is a magnificent book for several reasons, first God is declaring what He plans to do for the nations of Judah and Israel, but also to even rescue the whole world from their sins. The book is a marvelous pronouncement of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.
KEY SECTIONS:
There are 66 chapters to the book of Isaiah. I would be foolish to attempt to write them out in a sequence or in a timeline, but will rather point out certain understanding one should take when reading Isaiah. Some will say we should read Isaiah as symbolic, or others will say we need to read the chapters in an allegorical way only. However, this is not the case. Isaiah is foremost a book of God declaring something. As a reader it is our job to know what the topic is so we can better understand the context. Even if it sounds strange, this does not mean we are to ignore it. Many people today would have allegorized away prophecies in Isaiah regarding Jesus Christ’s first coming, and yet from history we know they happened literally. Take Isaiah seriously when you read through the book.
BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER:
Isaiah is one of the most influential books inside the Bible. Both the Old and New Testament influence the book and draw from it. Do not be surprised to see quotes of Isaiah in other books as well as characters from other books included in Isaiah.
ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK:
One of the biggest arguments against the book of Isaiah and even the entire Bible has been Chapter 53. Here the book describes Jesus Christ’s first coming, the chapter goes into great detail to describe the crucifixion and other details that would have been impossible to have known unless you were there. The problem is, Isaiah was supposed to be written hundreds of years before Jesus Christ would come. The secular world ranted it was placed in Isaiah only after Jesus Christ, others have gone on to say the chapter is cursed and no one should read it. However, in 1947 when the Dead Sea scrolls were found there was a complete copy of the book of Isaiah to include chapter 53, which proved the authenticity of both the book and the Bible.
I say all of this to hopefully bring your attention to what the theme of Isaiah is all about. This book is a revelation into the mind of God and His intricate plan. It is hope for those who wish to be rescued and accept Jesus Christ as the way, the truth, and the life. This book is a declaration to those who would oppose the Messiah. Do not be discouraged to read Isaiah, but eagerly ask the Lord to reveal to you what you need to understand. I have read the book several times over the years, and each time I learn something new that God wants to reveal to me. What a blessing to both Jew and Gentile knowing our Messiah has declared His intentions and He is in control.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL