Introduction
Note: This is a study in progress. A printable set of the latest class notes is >>>HERE<<<.
As we enter into the study of the book of Isaiah, we must gird our minds for spiritual action just as Peter says in 1 Peter 1:13,

“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober,
and rest your hope fully upon the grace
that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

These words are a perfect introduction to the book of Isaiah. For if there is one theme that runs through the book it is “the revelation of Jesus Christ.” The prophet Isaiah says more about the Lord Jesus Christ than any other Old Testament book. There are more than 40 prophecies of His First Coming, and over 80 prophecies regarding His Second Coming and Kingdom. This is why Isaiah has been called “The Evangelist of the Old Testament,” and his book has been referred to as “The Fifth Gospel.”

Not only this, but the book of Isaiah is a concise summary of the teaching of the whole Bible. In this book we can find the foundational doctrines of:

  1. The creation (Isa. 42:5; 45:18).
  2. The fall of Satan (Isa. 14:12–21).
  3. The sinful rebellion of mankind (Isa. 1:2–6).
  4. The virgin birth of the Savior (Isa. 7:13–14).
  5. His crucifixion and resurrection (Isa. 53:1–12).
  6. The offer of eternal salvation by grace through faith (Isa. 1:18–20; 55:1–7).
  7. The promise of a future eternal kingdom under Christ (Isa. 60:1–22; 65:17–25).
  8. The creation of New Heavens and a New Earth (Isa. 65:17; 66:22–23).

Because of the vast scope of doctrinal themes in the book it has been called “The Romans of the Old Testament.”

In addition, the very structure of the book parallels the entire Bible. In Chapters 1–39 we have the conviction of sin, call to repentance, and warning of judgment. This parallels the message of the 39 books of the Old Testament. Then, in Chapters 40–66 (the last 27 chapters), we see the message of the coming Savior and the offer of salvation, which encapsulates the message contained in the 27 books of the New Testament.

As if these facts were not amazing enough, the book is named after the author, the prophet Isaiah. His name means “The Salvation of Jehovah,” and that is the very theme of the book!

Though critics have sought to deny the single authorship of the book, suggesting at least three authors, in John 12:37–41, he quotes from Isaiah 53:1 and 6:10, ascribing those quotes to Isaiah. In fact, the book of Isaiah is quoted more times in the New Testament than any other Old Testament book except the Psalms.

Types of Messianic Prophecies

I believe it was Pastor Bob Bolender from Austin Bible Church who pointed out that there are four types of Messianic Prophecy in the Book of Isaiah:

  1. Prophecies of Jesus’ First Coming (i.e., Isa. 7:14; 53:1–12).
  2. Prophecies about His Second Coming (Isa. 2:1–4; 24:1–23; 32:1–4; 33:17–24; 35:1–10; 60:1–22).
  3. Prophecies that combine the two comings (Isa. 9:6–7; 11:1–12).
  4. Prophecies that give an overview of His redemptive works (Isa. 42:1–13; 61:1–11).

Style of Writing
Isaiah is one of the most brilliantly written books known to man. In Chapters 1–35, he writes in poetry. Chapters 36–39 are a historical narrative, so he writes in prose. Then, from Chapters 40–66, as he brings the theme of salvation to its climax, he reverts again to poetry. There are five songs in the book, beginning with the song of the unfruitful vineyard in Chapter 5. Isaiah’s literary skill is astounding as he uses parables, similitudes, analogies, and prophecy to convey the message of man’s sinfulness and of God’s love and plan of redemption.

About the Author
Isaiah’s name (“The Salvation of Jehovah”) suggests that he was raised by godly, believing parents. He was raised in Jerusalem, and his family had access to the royal court. He was married and had two sons, whose names had prophetic significance (Isa. 7:3; 8:3). His ministry lasted at least 60 years, and tradition (Justin Martyr, 100–165 A.D.) says he was martyred under the reign of Manasseh by being sawed in two. It is believed that this is the historical reference for Hebrews 11:37. Isaiah’s theological grasp is the broadest and deepest of any author in the Old Testament and is perhaps only surpassed by the Apostle Paul.

In the course of his book, Isaiah presents three methods—actually, three levels—of divine revelation. God reveals Himself to man through creation, through His inspired Word, and ultimately through the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Failure to respond to these manifestations of God’s love and mercy can only result in eternal condemnation.

Outline of the Book
Again, the major break in the book is Chapters 1–39: condemnation of sin and call to repentance; and Chapters 40–66: the coming of the Savior and offer of salvation. However, for our study, we will further divide the book along its theme development.

  1. The Problem of Sin and God’s Plan of Redemption (Chapters 1–12).
  2. The Sovereignty of God and His Judgment of the Nations (Chapters 13–35).
  3. The Assyrian Invasion and the Deliverance by God (Chapters 36–39).
  4. The Revelation of the Savior and the Redemption of Mankind (Chapters 40–66).

The Challenge of Isaiah
As we work through this book, we will be repeatedly confronted with the necessity of making personal application of the message of the prophet to our personal lives. The danger is to study Isaiah as a historical document without ever being spiritually touched by the fire of his words. His rebuke to Judah is a rebuke to present-day America. His call to repentance (self-examination, confession, correction) is a spiritual x-ray into each of our lives. The promise of grace, mercy, cleansing, and deliverance gives us hope and assurance, not just to say, “God hates the sin but loves the sinner,” but rather to acknowledge the truth that while God loves the sinner, He loves us too much to leave us in our sinful condition.

As one author has pointed out here in the Church Age, “We stand precisely on (Isaiah) 56:1, looking back to the work of the Servant (now fulfilled in the person, life, death and resurrection, of the Lord Jesus) and looking forward to the coming of the Anointed Conqueror.” (J. Alec Motyer, The Prophecy of Isaiah, p. 33, as quoted by Thomas Constable in his Notes on Isaiah, p. 15).

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