Isaiah Class 1 of 3

Distinguishing Characteristics.

There are several marks by which one may recognize the prophet:

(1) He was influenced and motivated by his “call” to speak in his day.

(2) He was conscious of God’s authority and on this basis spoke courageously and uncompromisingly.

(3) He was a man of the spirit, spending much time in communion with God, often in solitary and lonely places.

(4) He was often a rugged individualist who would attract attention. He followed no prescribed order and was independent of ritual and popular custom.

(5) He was a faithful and often fierce denouncer of evil practices of the individual and the nation.

(6) Many of the prophets reveal in their discourses the future of the nation and of the Kingdom of God

From the Exodus (c. 1446 BCE) to Isaiah's ministry (c. 740 BCE) is about 700 years.

From Isaiah (c. 740–700 BCE) to the birth of Jesus (c. 4 BCE) is also about 700 years.

Versus in Know your Bible:

Here is a comprehensive list of all the scripture references found in the provided Isaiah PDF, extracted and organized per your request.Isaiah.pdf

Scripture References from Isaiah.pdf

Isaiah

Isaiah 1:18

Isaiah 6:8

Isaiah 6:9-10

Isaiah 7:3

Isaiah 7:14

Isaiah 8:3

Isaiah 8:3-4

Isaiah 9:6-7

Isaiah 9:1-2

Isaiah 10:5-11

Isaiah 10:12-19

Isaiah 10:15

Isaiah 10:20-27

Isaiah 11:1

Isaiah 11:1-10

Isaiah 11:2-4

Isaiah 11:9

Isaiah 13:1-23

Isaiah 14:7

Isaiah 14:12

Isaiah 20:2-3

Isaiah 22:20-22

Isaiah 24:20

Isaiah 26:3-4

Isaiah 28:16

Isaiah 29:13

Isaiah 32:1

Isaiah 35:10

Isaiah 36-39

Isaiah 37:33-38

Isaiah 40:1

Isaiah 40:3-5

Isaiah 40:3-10

Isaiah 40:11

Isaiah 43:1-3

Isaiah 44:28

Isaiah 45:1-14

Isaiah 45:17

Isaiah 53:2-12

Isaiah 53:3-7

Isaiah 53:4-6

Isaiah 53:4-12

Isaiah 53:6

Isaiah 53:9

Isaiah 53:12

Isaiah 55:3

Isaiah 55:8

Isaiah 55:10-11

Isaiah 56:2

Isaiah 57:20-21

Isaiah 59:2

Isaiah 59:16

Isaiah 59:17

Isaiah 61:1-3

Isaiah 61:10

Isaiah 62:1-2

Isaiah 63:1

Isaiah 66:1-2

Isaiah 66:13

Psalms

Psalms 22

Psalms 71:22

Psalms 78:41

Psalms 89:18

Psalms 9:17

Psalms 118:22

Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1:9

Jeremiah 3:12

Jeremiah 6:15

Jeremiah 7:16

Jeremiah 7:28

Jeremiah 8:5

Jeremiah 11:8

Jeremiah 12:6

Jeremiah 13:9-10

Jeremiah 13:23

Jeremiah 14:11

Jeremiah 14:12

Jeremiah 14:17

Jeremiah 15:16

Jeremiah 16:12

Jeremiah 17:5

Jeremiah 17:13

Jeremiah 18:1-11

Jeremiah 18:12

Jeremiah 18:19-23

Jeremiah 19:1-15

Jeremiah 20:9

Jeremiah 22:6

Jeremiah 22:29

Jeremiah 23:1-4

Jeremiah 23:5-6

Jeremiah 23:29

Jeremiah 24:4-7

Jeremiah 24:7

Jeremiah 26:13

Jeremiah 27:8

Jeremiah 29:10-14

Jeremiah 31:3

Jeremiah 31:29-30

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Jeremiah 33:16

Jeremiah 36:21-24

Jeremiah 36:27-32

Jeremiah 37:11-38:6

Jeremiah 38:7-13

Jeremiah 39:11-14

Jeremiah 40:7

Jeremiah 41:1-3

Jeremiah 43:5-7

Jeremiah 43:8-13

Jeremiah 50:29

Jeremiah 51:5

Jeremiah 51:50

Kings

II Kings 19:22

II Kings 19:34

II Kings 20:12-18

Chronicles

II Chronicles 36:15

Samuel

II Samuel 7:1-17

Micah

Micah 7:2-3

Zephaniah

Zephaniah 3:7

Habakkuk

Habakkuk 1-2

Ezekiel

Ezekiel 18:4

Ezekiel 18:20

Obadiah

Obadiah (no verse specified)

Nahum

Nahum (no verse specified)

Matthew

Matthew 1:21-23

Matthew 2:13-18

Matthew 2:17-18

Matthew 11:1-6

Matthew 13:14-15

Matthew 15:8-9

Matthew 16:18-19

Matthew 21:13

Matthew 23:37-39

Matthew 28:19

Mark

Mark 1:1-4

Luke

Luke 4:16-21

Luke 24:44

John

John 1:4-5

John 1:9

John 1:14

John 1:18

John 3:3-5

John 6:44-45

John 6:68

John 8:32

John 14:6

John 14:9

John 17:3

John 18:36

Acts

Acts 2

Acts 2:34-35

Acts 4:11-12

Acts 8:35

Acts 10

Acts 11:14

Acts 11:26

Acts 15:25-26

Acts 16:21

Romans

Romans 1:16

Romans 9:33

Romans 11:33-36

Romans 12:8

Romans 14:11-12

Romans 16:22

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

1 Corinthians 1:21

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

1 Corinthians 3:11

1 Corinthians 15:23-25

1 Corinthians 15:54

1 Corinthians 16:21

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 5:21

Galatians

Galatians 6:5

Galatians 6:11

Galatians 3:26-29

Galatians 4:18

Ephesians

Ephesians 1:20-23

Ephesians 2:14-16

Ephesians 2:20

Ephesians 4:4-6

Ephesians 6:17

Philippians

Philippians 2:12

Philippians 3:8

Colossians

Colossians 1:13

Colossians 2:14

Colossians 4:18

II Thessalonians

II Thessalonians 3:17

I Peter

I Peter 1:6

I Peter 1:22

I Peter 1:25

I Peter 2:9-10

I Peter 2:24

I Peter 4:16

II Peter

II Peter 1:3-4

II Peter 1:21

II Peter 3:9

I Timothy

I Timothy 3:15

I Timothy 4:16

II Timothy

II Timothy 1:10

James

James 1:21

James 1:25

Hebrews

Hebrews 2:9

Hebrews 7:19

Hebrews 8:6-13

Hebrews 9:15-17

Hebrews 9:26

Hebrews 10:1-10

Hebrews 10:15-18

Jude

Jude v.3

Revelation

Revelation 1:5

Revelation 3:21

Revelation 19:8

Revelation 21:3-4

- The northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by Assyria during Isaiah’s lifetime. 18 years warning. - Isaiah witnessed both the threat and eventual fall of Israel around 722 BC, and he prophesied about these events as they happened.

- The southern kingdom of Judah was not taken into exile during Isaiah’s life.

- Isaiah warned that Judah would eventually be conquered and sent into exile by Babylon, but this did not occur while he was alive.

- The destruction of Jerusalem and exile to Babylon happened about a century after Isaiah’s death.

- In summary: Israel fell to Assyria while Isaiah lived; Judah’s exile to Babylon was foretold by Isaiah but happened after his lifetime.

The Book of Isaiah presents a sweeping prophetic vision set during times of national crisis, emphasizing both divine judgment and the promise of future restoration. The message of Isaiah unfolds in two main parts: the first highlights the rebellion and impending judgment upon Judah, while the second offers words of comfort, hope, and ultimate renewal for the people (Isaiah 1–39; 40–66).

## Main Flow of Isaiah

### Judgment and Exile (Chapters 1–39)

- The prophet begins with a stark rebuke of Judah’s sinfulness, yet consistently invites repentance and the possibility of forgiveness (Isaiah 1:2-20).

- Isaiah’s own calling is dramatic, underscoring his mission to convey messages that would often be rejected, while assuring that a faithful remnant would remain (Isaiah 6).

- Amid looming threats from powerful neighboring empires, the prophet predicts that God is present and actively working, symbolized by the promise of a special child (Isaiah 7:14).

- There are prophecies of a future king who will reign with justice and peace, counterbalancing the warnings of doom (Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:1-10).

- Historical episodes, like foreign invasions and the decisions of Judah’s leaders, provide the real-life stage for Isaiah’s warnings and reassurances (Isaiah 36–39).

### Comfort and Restoration (Chapters 40–66)

- The tone shifts to one of comfort for those facing or having experienced exile, promising that God has not abandoned his people and will give them new strength (Isaiah 40:1-11, 31).

- God’s power and sovereignty are emphasized, showing that He is in control not just of Israel but of all nations and history (Isaiah 41:8-13; 45:18-25).

- The “Suffering Servant” songs reveal a figure who will rescue others through his own sacrifice, a theme of hope and redemption (Isaiah 42:1-9; 53:1-12).

- The closing scenes describe a renewed creation, where peace and worship envelop not just Israel but all peoples and nations (Isaiah 65:17-25; 66:22-23).

## Key Contextual Themes

- The book addresses the moral failure of leaders and the people, calling for justice, righteousness, and humble dependence on God (Isaiah 5:20-23; 10:1-4).

- Throughout, Isaiah balances warnings of judgment with remarkable promises: a coming Messiah, the preservation of a remnant, and future transformation (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; 10:20-21).

- The prophecies repeatedly zoom out from immediate crises to highlight God’s overarching plan for the whole world, not just Israel (Isaiah 2:2-4; 49:6).

- In the end, Isaiah offers assurance that despite failure and exile, God’s love and purposes prevail—resulting in renewed hope for all creation (Isaiah 54:7-10; 66:22-23).

1. If Isaiah stood in your city today…

Question: Imagine Isaiah walking through your neighborhood, school, or workplace. If he were to give a warning or word of hope, what social or spiritual trends might he address? How would his voice challenge today's culture, and which promises might he offer as encouragement?

Answer: Isaiah would likely speak out against self-centeredness, materialism, and “lip service” religion. He might warn about injustice or spiritual indifference, pointing to judgment but also the promise of grace for those who seek genuine repentance. His encouragement would center on God’s unwavering offer of salvation to a contrite heart, and the hope of belonging to Christ body the church. But he might also preach the return of Christ! Isaiah 1:18; 29:13; 55:6-7; Matthew 15:8-9 (Vain worship); Acts 13:38-39

2. “Miniature Bible” challenge: The 66-Chapter Mirror

Question: Isaiah’s book parallels the whole Bible: judgment and redemption. If your life story were divided in two parts—past mistakes and future hope—how would you describe each? What lessons help you move into ‘redemption’ chapters?

Answer: The first “book” may be marked by failures or times of wandering, like Israel. The second can begin the moment repentance leads to restoration—filled with hope, new direction, and purpose. The message is that the future needn’t be a prisoner of the past: God specializes in new beginnings, transforming guilt into growth and judgment into joy. As we can see this is not only the pattern of Judah and Israel at the time, but of us. Its the pattern of humanity. Isaiah (whole structure: 1-39, 40-66) Luke 24:44 (Jesus affirms OT prophecies)

3. The Prophetic Imagination Test

Question: Isaiah envisioned a renewed world, a “new heaven and new earth.” What small act or commitment could you start this week to help “renew” the church, or family?

Answer: Examples might include initiating reconciliation, serving someone in hidden ways, or bringing encouragement to the discouraged. Even small acts—like listening without judgment, forgiving, or simply saying “send me”—plant seeds that God may multiply into lasting change. No effort is wasted, and renewal often starts in humble places. Door knockings, being a shoulder. Etc… Isaiah 65:17; 66:22;

4. “Holy One of Israel:”

Question: Isaiah uses “Holy One of Israel” as a favorite title for God. If you could pose one question to a God today, what would you ask? Why do you think Isaiah’s experience of holiness left him both terrified and transformed?

Answer: One question might be, “How can I really be changed when I so often fall short?” Isaiah’s encounter with God’s holiness brought awe and a deep sense of inadequacy, but God responded not with condemnation, but with cleansing and mission. Holiness exposes weakness, but always with the intention to heal and include us in God’s unfolding purpose. Isaiah 6:1-7; 43:3; 45:11 (We see language like this in Job 42:5) Acts 3:13-15 (Christ, the Holy One) in Jerusalem, specifically at the Temple, by the gate called Beautiful and in Solomon's Colonnade (Porch)

5. “As one whom his mother comforts…” The empathy experiment

Question: Isaiah likens God’s comfort to a mother’s embrace. Recall a moment when divine comfort felt real—even if hard to describe. How might you embody this comfort for someone else, especially someone struggling with shame or loss?

Answer: Moments of divine comfort often feel like peace, tears amid prayer, or relief. To extend this empathy, offer presence without answers, affirm God’s love, pray with the hurting, or just sit in silence with them. The challenge is to comfort others not with platitudes, but by reflecting God’s own tenderness and patience. Isaiah 66:13; 2 Cor. 1:3-4 (God of all comfort)

6. The “Scarlet to Snow” transformation map

Question: Isaiah describes forgiveness turning scarlet sins white as snow. If you could chart your spiritual journey, where would these dramatic changes—moments of forgiveness transforming shame to joy—appear? What habits or attitudes best help you “stay white as snow” after you’ve received grace?

Answer: Transformation landmarks may be found in conversion, reconciliation, or aftermath of failure. Habits like daily prayer, gratitude, confession, keeping short accounts, and connecting regularly with scripture help keep one surrendered and walking in the light of renewal. Staying clean is not about perfection but constant honesty and returning often to mercy. Isaiah 1:18 ; 1 John 1:7

Realty

The Reality of Christ to physically come and spiritually come. The fascinating parallel to what we see come to fruition, should in every way secure God’s promises are reality and we should heed them seriously.

Isaiah gave hope to a people who would never see Christ with their own eyes—a hope rooted in God’s unshakeable promise, not immediate deliverance. For those living in the days of Isaiah, comfort came not from knowing details of future events, but from trusting that God had a plan, however distant or mysterious. They believed, as Isaiah declared, that restoration, peace, and a Redeemer would one day come—even if those blessings would only be fulfilled for generations far beyond their own. It is interesting how he was to come physically and how this echos to us spiritually.

Hope for Ancient Judah and Israel

Isaiah’s audience faced war, exile, and uncertainty, yet the prophet’s words kept them tethered to God’s faithfulness: “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith the Lord…” (Isaiah 40:1).

The promises of “a child born” and a “suffering servant” (Isaiah 9, 53) were rays of hope piercing the darkness of their hardship, revealing that judgment would not be the end—God would bring healing, forgiveness, and ultimate victory.

Their hope was forward-looking, grounded not in personal future experiences but in the certainty that God’s justice and mercy would one day transform their world.

How Did They View Hope Differently?

Ancient Israel’s hope was patient and collective; comfort was found in believing God’s promises were bigger than their own lifespans, uniting them to a story that stretched across centuries.

Today, Christian hope rests on the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies in Jesus Christ—what was “future” is now “accomplished” in history, making our hope more immediate and personally accessible.

Christians now see Isaiah’s vision through the lens of resurrection and redemption, assured that both a present reality in Christ and a future expectation.

Universal Comfort in Isaiah

Isaiah’s words comforted Judah and Israel by declaring God’s steadfast love even in the face of failure: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…” (Isaiah 1:18).

The same promises comfort all people today, providing assurance that God’s salvation is available to anyone who places their trust in Him, and that suffering is not meaningless but part of a greater redemption story.

For all generations, Isaiah invites us to find peace and restoration in God’s everlasting covenant—hope that endures beyond our present struggles, anchored in the faithfulness that sustained nations long ago and continues to sustain us now.

Isaiah reminds every reader: the comfort and hope we possess were once distant dreams for God’s people, but are now anchored in the reality of Christ’s coming.