Isaiah

Lore & Background

Isaiah is consistently portrayed as the intermediary between God and the kings of Judah. When King Hezekiah faced the Assyrian threat, he sent officials to Isaiah, who responded with a message from the Lord not to fear the blasphemies of the Assyrian king (2 Kings 19:2, 6; Isaiah 37:2, 6). Later, Isaiah sent word to Hezekiah that the Lord had heard his prayer against Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:20; Isaiah 37:21). Isaiah also ministered to Hezekiah during his illness. He initially delivered a death sentence from the Lord (2 Kings 20:1; Isaiah 38:1), but after Hezekiah's prayer, Isaiah received a new word and prescribed a lump of figs for the king's boil, resulting in recovery (2 Kings 20:4, 7; Isaiah 38:4). He also provided a sign involving the shadow on the dial of Ahaz going backward ten degrees (2 Kings 20:9, 11). Earlier in his ministry, Isaiah was sent by the Lord to meet King Ahaz with his son Shearjashub (Isaiah 7:3). He also delivered a burden concerning Babylon (Isaiah 13:1) and performed a symbolic act by walking naked and barefoot for three years as a sign against Egypt and Ethiopia (Isaiah 20:2-3).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Isaiah as a prophet whose primary role is to convey the word of the Lord directly to the kings of Judah, especially Hezekiah. He is not a court advisor offering human counsel but a divine messenger who speaks with authority, often beginning his statements with 'Thus saith the LORD' (2 Kings 19:6; 2 Kings 20:1; Isaiah 37:6). His interactions show a dynamic relationship with God: he delivers a message, then receives a new word after circumstances change (2 Kings 20:1, 4; Isaiah 38:1, 4). Isaiah is also depicted as a man of action. He prays to the Lord, and the shadow on the dial is reversed (2 Kings 20:11). He prescribes a physical remedy (a lump of figs) for Hezekiah's boil (2 Kings 20:7). He performs a long-term symbolic act, walking naked and barefoot for three years (Isaiah 20:3). His writings are noted as historical records for the reigns of Uzziah and Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 26:22; 2 Chronicles 32:32). The passages consistently present him as a faithful servant of God, referred to as 'my servant Isaiah' (Isaiah 20:3).

Did You Know?

• Isaiah had a son named Shearjashub, whom he took with him to meet King Ahaz (Isaiah 7:3).
• Isaiah walked naked and barefoot for three years as a sign against Egypt and Ethiopia (Isaiah 20:3).
• Isaiah wrote the rest of the acts of King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:22).
• Isaiah prescribed a lump of figs to heal King Hezekiah's boil (2 Kings 20:7).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." — Isaiah "At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke." — Isaiah "As the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land." — Isaiah "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." — Isaiah