1. survey of the Bible

2.  the book of Isaiah is the first in the section of Old Testament books of prophecy, 17 in all  the purpose of prophets was two-fold ▪ reveal a warning or instruction to the people from God ▪ foretell some future event, whether calamity or promise  the book of Isaiah stands above the others, in scope as well as in length ▪ it contains not only prophecies to Judah, but also to the surrounding nations, even their enemies ▪ his is also the most quoted Old Testament book in the gospel, especially notable for its Messianic prophecies

3.  Isaiah prophesied during turbulent times  began at the end of Uzziah’s reign, and continued through the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah ▪ c.740-701 BC (1:1)  saw the fall of Israel to Assyria (c.722) and decline of Judah as they neared assured destruction ▪ (6:1, 8-13) ▪ but Judah’s destruction would not be final

4.  warnings / judgments because of sin (59:1-2)  upon Judah (1:4-6; 3:24-25)  upon Israel (7:5-9; 8:3-4; 9:8-14)  upon the surrounding nations (34:1-2, 8) ▪ Assyria (10:5-7, 12) ▪ Babylon (13:1, 11, 17) ▪ Philistia (14:28-29, 31) ▪ Moab (16:13-14) ▪ Egypt (19:1-4) ▪ Tyre, Edom, Damascus, Ethiopia

5.  near-term restoration for Judah / Jerusalem  (1:7-9)(10:20-25)(44:28-45:7)  future glory and hope (in the Messiah)  nearly every prophecy of destruction followed by promise of Messianic hope (1:18-20)(2:1-4)(4:2) (7:13-16)(8:12-18)(9:6-7)(11:1-10)(35:1-10)  later chapters devoted to future glory for Israel, and all nations (42:1-4)(52:13-15)(ch.53)(59:15-21)  in them we see a picture of Christ and the church

6.  the comfort and confidence of fulfillment  knowing that Jesus is the Christ and that God’s promises of salvation held true (Mt. 1:22-23; 4:12- 17)(Mk. 15:27-28)  potential starting point for teaching (Acts 8:30-35)  attaining salvation through God’s grace  whether Jew or Gentile, none deserved God’s mercy (Rom. 10:20-21)  yet God gave us a way (Gal. 3:26-29)

7.  the book of Isaiah has been rightly deemed a “bible within the bible” for all its themes  sin and judgment  promise of the Redeemer for all nations  attainment of glory, to be fulfilled in the church  will we be those whose hearts are open to the call of God, or will we be like those of Isaiah’s day who closed their ears to instruction?