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PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE

Introduction:

The prophet Isaiah is one of the major prophets of the Old Testament. His prophecies cover many subjects. They addressed both the nations of Judah and Israel. They gave much

information about the first coming of Christ. They also deal with his second coming and the millennial kingdom. Our information on the personal life of Isaiah is somewhat limited so we will consider what is available and then look at his life's work.

I.         THE BACKGROUND OF ISAIAH.

            A.        What Do We Know About His Name?

                        His name means "Salvation is of Jehovah" or “Jehovah is Helper.”

            B.        What Do We Know About His Family?

                        1.         His father’s name was Amoz according to Isaiah 1:1.

                                    Don’t confuse that with Amos.

                                    a.         Amoz means good courage.

                                    b.         Some believe that Amoz was the uncle of King Uzziah which, if that were true, would make Isaiah and King Uzziah cousins.

                        2.         Isaiah had a wife who was called a prophetess in Isaiah 8:3.

                        3.         Isaiah had two sons.

                                    a.         One son was Shearjashub which means, "A remnant shall

                                                return." (Isaiah 7:3)

                                    b.         The other son was Mahershalalhashbaz. (Isaiah 8:1-4)

                                                (1)       It is the longest name in Scripture.

                                                (2)       His name means "hasten the spoil" or "rush on the prey."

                        4.         Isaiah stated in Isaiah 8:18 that he and the children whom the Lord had given him were for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord.

Salvation was provided for Israel by Jehovah, but they would fall prey to their enemies as a result of their sin. However, a remnant would return.

            C.        What About The Call And Commissioning Of Isaiah?

                        1.         The original call of Isaiah is not known.

The book opens with a vision of the prophet, so it stands to reason that he was already a prophet at that time.

                        2.         However, in the year of King Uzziah's death, Isaiah had a vision that was absolutely life changing for him as the Lord commissioned him for

                                    service.. Isaiah 6:1-13

            D.        The Time Of Isaiah’s Ministry Coincided With The Reign Of Four Of Judah’s Kings. (Isaiah 1:1)

            E.        The Length Of Isaiah’s Ministry Was Approximately Sixty Years.

            F.        The Exact Time And Circumstances Of Isaiah’s Death Are Unknown But

Tradition Has It That He Was Placed Inside A Hollow Tree And Sawn Asunder During King Manasseh’s (Hezikiah’s Son) Reign.

                        (Cf Hebrews 11:37)

            G.       Isaiah Was A Contemporary Of Both Hosea And Micah.

II.       THE WORK AND MINISTRY OF ISAIAH.

            A.        Isaiah Ministered As A Writer.       

                        1.         He is the human author of the book bearing his name.

                                    His book is considered the Bible in miniature.

                                    a.         There are sixty-six books in the Bible and sixty-six chapters in Isaiah.

                                    b.         There are two major divisions in Isaiah coinciding with the Old and New Testaments.

                                                1)        The First 39 Chapters Are Words Of Judgment.

                                                 2)        The Last 27 Chapters Are Words Of Comfort.

                        2.         He was moved to give much of the history of Uzziah and Hezekiah.

                                    (2 Chronicles 26:22; 32:32; Cf. Isaiah 36:1-39:8)

                        3.         His writing involved picturesque illustrations and figurative language giving vivid expression to God's message. (Cf 1:13; 5:18; 12:1-6; 13:3)

                        4.         In its original form (Hebrew) much of the book of Isaiah was written as poetry.

            B.        Isaiah Ministered As A Statesman In Israel.

                        1.         He spoke of the time when the Lord would bring peace. Cf 2:1-4

                        2.         He denounced foreign alliances. Cf 8:11-18

                        3.         He proclaimed that the Lord was greater than any human force. 37:22ff

            C.        Isaiah Ministered As A Reformer.

                        1.         He denounced formalism. 1:10-16

                        2.         He condemned sin. 5:1-25

                        3.         He condemned false leaders. 9:13-16; 28:1-8

            D.        Isaiah Ministered As A Prophet.

                        1.         He foretold the future of Israel and the fall of the Gentiles. 13:1-23:18

                        2.         He prophesied of the virgin birth. 7:14

                        3.         He established the deity of the coming Messiah. 9:6-7

                        4.         He told of the suffering Saviour. 50:5-6; 53:1-12

                        5.         He described the coming kingdom age and the time preceding it. 2:1-5:30

                        6.         He told of Israel hearing the Gospel in other languages. 28:9-15

                        7.         He told of the coming of the Lord's servant. (i.e. Messiah. 42:1-7

                        8.         He predicted Christ's ministry. 61:1-3

                        9.         He predicted the ministry of Christ's forerunner. 40:3-5

            E.        Isaiah Ministered As A Theologian.

                        1.         He dealt with the sovereignty and holiness of God. 46:9-11; 57:15

                        2.         He dealt with the lordship of God. 44:5-8

                        3.         He dealt with the need for cleansing from sin. 1:18; 59:16

                        4.         He dealt with forgiving grace. 55:1-3

                        5.         He dealt with the need of showing reverence to God by his references to the "Holy One of Israel." 30;12; 43:14-17

                        6.         He dealt with God's exclusive power to save. 55:5-25

                        7.         He dealt with the origin of Satan. 14:12-14

Conclusion

Take some time this week to read Isaiah’s book and see how God used this great servant of His!

It will be a blessing to you!

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NOTICE:   THESE SERMONS ARE FREE TO BE USED BUT ARE NOT TO BE SOLD!