INTRODUCTION OF ISAIAH

Isaiah's life was spent under the cloud of rising Assyrian world domination. He lived in Jerusalem and was the counselor of kings. He prophesied during the reigns of the four kings mentioned in Isaiah 1:1. God's call came the year King Uzziah died (740 B.C.).

Kings put their trust in political alliances, military strength and even in pagan religions rather than in God, and the people followed them. Many people were tempted by the materialistic cultures of the powerful nations that surrounded Judah.

Isaiah proclaimed the sovereignty of God who is the ruler of all nations. He called God's people to put their trust in God and to obey him. He warned that failure to obey God would bring down God's wrath and national destruction. Judah's greatest enemy was her own moral corruption. Salvation could not be found in foreign alliances, but in the Sovereign God.

Isaiah prophesied about events that happened long after his death. He spoke about the Babylonian exile and he wrote words of comfort and hope to the exiles. Isaiah also looked forward to the coming of the Messiah, a descendant of David who would usher in a kingdom of peace and justice and righteousness. Isaiah described the Suffering Servant and looked forward to his coming.

The Book of Isaiah may be divided into 3 parts:

Chapters 1-39: God's judgment on Judah and the nations

Chapters 40-55: God's Servant

Chapters 56-66: Repentance and restoration.

1. My people have rebelled (1-17)

In the face of growing threats from powerful neighbors, fear filled the hearts of the people. Many sought help in the immoral and idolatrous religions of foreign nations. But they needed to fear God, not men, and repent. God was the one who could help them. Because they rebelled against God, violence, injustice and moral corruption were rampant. Israel was more stupid than a dumb animal: Oxen and donkeys know their masters, but Israel rebelled against her Maker. God hates meaningless religious ceremonies; he wants his people to love him and to practice justice and mercy. In any age a godless society becomes violent, corrupt and

full of injustice.

2. Come now, let us reason together (18-31)

God invites rebellious people to a personal relationship. He invites us to talk with him and he offers to cleanse our sins. Obedience leads to life, rebellion, to death. Read verses 21-31 and find God's warning and promise.

Application: Lord, take away my rebel heart and give me a heart that loves and obeys you.
One Word: Come, let us reason together