ISAIAH [30 MAY 21 JUNE DAY 151- 173]

INTRODUCTION

Isaiah means salvation. He lived in Jerusalem, about a hundred years before Ezekiel and Jeremiah. He served through four kings of Judah, they were Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. The prophecies of Isaiah pointing to the coming Messiah.

Two main divisions in Isaiah: First, from chapter 1-39 Condemnation - judgment and fall of Jerusalem to the Exile. Second, from chapter 40-66 Consolation - hope and restoration of Israel.

Chapter 1-39 Condemnation - judgment and fall of Jerusalem. Three main sections: First, Chapter 1-12 Judgment and Hope for Jerusalem. Isaiah accuses the leaders of rebellion, idolatry and injustice. God would raise a nation to destroy them as a purifying fire that they would repent and return to God. With a remnant; God will raise a New Jerusalem.

Second, Chapter 13-27 Judgment, Fall and Hope for all other Nations. Babylon and neighbours like Philistia, Moab. Damascus, Egypt and Tyre come to destruction. (Chapter 12-23) Tale of two cities. He contrasted the two cities. One is Jerusalem the lofty city and all that are wicked and rebellion (Chapter 24-27) but to be replaced by a new city of peace and justice.

Third, Chapter 28-39 The Rise and Fall of Jerusalem. Accusation of Jerusalem leaders turning to Egypt and series of woes against Israel (28-35). Then rise and fall of Hezekiah (Chaps 36-39).

Chapter 40-66. Consolation - hope and restoration of Israel. Three main sections: First, Chapter 40-48 Announcement of Hope. Babylonian Exile is over and Israels sin has been dwelt with. Its a new era of comfort. Israel doubted God really care, as the scar of the captivity in Babylon lingers, Gods response as orchestrated because of Israels sin. God raise Persia to lead them out and recognise who He is. They failed as Gods servants.

Second, Chapter 49-55 The Suffering Servant. God would raise the servant to restore Israel and be a light to the nations. He would be rejected and killed but raised for his people (44-53). The people would response differently.

Third, Chapter 56-66 The Exalted Servant. The servants inherit Gods Kingdom. Three poems of how the servant announces Gods Kingdom. The wicked will be removed from the city forever (56-58) Announcing the New Jerusalem (60-62) and the prayer of repentance of the evils they see surrounding them (59, 63-64). The servants will inherit the new creation and the people of the world are invited to come and join this Gods covenant family.