The Book of Isaiah Ray of Hope Christian Church May 22, 2012

Isaiah 1:1-31

The Pentateuch or the Law and the Historical books – 17 The Writings or personal and experiential books - 5

The Prophets: the 5 Major and 12 Minor prophets

The word “prophet” is made up of two words. The word “pro” means “in place of “ rather than “beforehand” as in the words, “provide” or “provision.” The remainder of the word “prophet” is from the Greek “pheimi” which means, “to speak.”

Exodus 7:1

Another word for prophet is “nabi” or mouthpiece.

Prophecy is not merely prediction or foretelling the future. Prophecy is also forth-telling or declaring a truth by the inspiration of God.

Deuteronomy 18:15,18,22

I must speak only what God puts in my mouth. Numbers 22:38

Isaiah, whose name means Jehovah is salvation, was a prophet in Jerusalem during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah.

from a family of means married – 8:3 had at least two sons – 7:3;8:3

Isaiah’s call is found in Chapter 6 He received a vision of God – 6:1-4 The vision produced conviction and confession- 6:5 He was forgiven and cleansed – 6:6-7

Isaiah’s call is found in Chapter 6 He heard God’s call – 6:8 He offered himself for God’s service – 6:8 He was commissioned for service – 6:9-13

Discussion: Have you ever had a vision or an awe-inspiring encounter with God? What feelings, emotions, and/or actions did it produce? Is your life any different because of it?

Isaiah 7:4-9

Isaiah 55:10-11

Isaiah 46:9-11

Chapters 36-39

The Structure of the Book I. The Judgment of God – God’s Government - Chapters 1-39 Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem – 1-12 Judgment on the nations – Warnings and promises – Historical

II. The Comfort of God – God’s Grace - Chapters Jehovah and idols – The Coming Messiah – Final restoration and promised glory – Chapters 58-66

The book of Isaiah is often called the Bible in miniature form. Comprised of 66 chapters Divided into two main sections First section is comprised of 39 books and deals with God’s judgment Second section is comprised of 27 books and deals with the compassion and mercy of God.

54:7-8 For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back. In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you.

29:13 “these people come near to me with their mouths and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up of rules taught by men.”

God tries to get them to act right. 1:2 Their suffering was a consequence, a result of their sins. 1:5ff God begs them to change their ways. 1:16-18

God gives them choice - 1:19-20 – If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land, But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.

God tells them, he is going to have to punish them – Isaiah 3:1-9 – God has to punish them because they are so obstinate and rebellious!

Isaiah 30:1,9, Woe to the obstinate children. These are a rebellious people. Isaiah 30:12, therefore, they will meet destruction.

Isaiah 30:15, It doesn’t have to be this way Isaiah 48:17-18, God repeatedly tries to tell them what is right

Discussion: What is it about human nature that persists with harmful and destructive behavior against God’s word and our own good?

Isaiah 30:18, God is continually gracious to us

Isaiah 49:14-16 Isaiah 43:1-6 He keeps calling out to them to come back - Isaiah 55:1-7, because God is a forgiving God – Isaiah 38:17,

Isaiah 43:25

Isaiah gives the rich prophetic picture of Christ His birth – 7:14, 9:6, Matt. 1:23 His anointing - 61:1-2, Luke 4:17-19 His rejection – 6:9-11 – John 12:37-45 His ministry to the Gentiles – 49:6, Luke 2:32, Acts 13:47

Isaiah gives the rich prophetic picture of Christ His suffering and death – Isaiah 52:13-53:12 His resurrection – 55:3, Acts 13:34 His Sovereign reign as King – Isaiah 9:6-7, 11:1,6,8;59:20-21, Rev. 19:13-16

There will be a new day – “Old things will pass away all things will become new.” Isaiah 60

A New Heaven and a New Earth Isaiah 65:17-18, Rev. 21