Bible in one year 10/30/2022 Isaiah introduction by Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

 Bible in one year 10/30/2022 Isaiah introduction

by Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

Christian Arts Ministries: Biblical precepts & Gospel music; Pastoral ministry &counseling 

Author :Isaiah   Date: 740-680 B.C.

 The prophet Isaiah was born into an influential, upper-class family, Isaiah rubbed shoulders with royalty and gave advice concerning the foreign affairs of the nation. Though usually scoffed at, he warned vigorously against foreign alliances and urged Judah to trust the Lord (7:4;30:1-17). He also attacked the social ill of the day, not because he was a social reformer, but because he saw those abuses as symptoms of spiritual declension (1:3-9;58:6-10). After living most of his life in Jerusalem tradition says that Isaiah was martyred during the reign of Manasseh (696-642) by being sawed in two inside a hollow log (Heb.11:37).

Isaiah has often been called “ the evangelical prophet” because he says so much about the redemptive work of Messiah. More about the person and work of Christ is found here than in any other book of the Old Testament. Consequently, there are many important and favorite passages in the book such as 1:18;2:4;6:3;7:14;9:6-7;11:9;26:3;35:1;40:3;48:16;Chapter 53;55:1;57:15; 59:1;61:1-3.

  Historical timeline--   During the latter half of the eighth century Judah seemingly was about to follow the example of apostasy of the ten northern tribes of Israel (who were captured by Assyria in 722). King Ahaz foolishly looked to Assyria for protection, even though Isaiah told him the Northern  Kingdom would shortly fall at the hands of the Assyrians(8:3-4). Hezekiah, Ahaz’s God-fearing son, instituted spiritual reforms but sought the help of Egypt in foreign affairs. Egypt fell before Sennacherib of Assyria, and only through divine intervention was Judah saved from the same fate(37:36-37).During the reign of Manasseh, idolatrous practices were reinstated, and Isaiah warned of the inevitability of the Babylonian captivity. He also gave assurance of the preservation  of the people and restoration of the nation.

 

Bibliography,

Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV). Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986.