Isaiah is Called ‘The Evangelical Prophet’
Isaiah is often called “the evangelical prophet” because he says more about the coming of the Messiah and the redemptive work of Jesus than any other book in the Old Testament. As a result, there are many important and loved passages in this book. It was also a book that Jesus referenced often. This explained His reason for using parables to teach. One example is Isaiah 6:9-10, which says, “He said, Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn and be healed.” Another example is when Jesus told that salvation had come to them. Isaiah 62:11 which says, “The LORD has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, Your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.'” Jesus quotes Isaiah to highlight the disconnect between God and the people, but he also quotes Isaiah to remind people to the comfort God will bring through Him as the Lamb of God and the reigning King.
He is Regarded As One of the Greatest Prophets of the Bible
Isaiah’s name means “The Lord is salvation.” He lived in Jerusalem and the prophecies God gave him were directed toward Israel, Judah and other nations. Isaiah’s style of writing reveals a well-educated background. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says, “For versatility of expression and brilliance of imagery Isaiah had no superior, not even a rival. His style marks the climax of Hebrew literary art.” Jewish tradition says he was of royal descent and he may have been a cousin of King Uzziah. This may have given him access to the kings of Judah in Jerusalem. Many of the prophecies in Isaiah begin with historical conditions and prophecies for his day and then move forward to a far greater fulfillment prior to the return of Jesus Christ. The first, historical fulfillment is lesser in scope and is followed by the greater future fulfillment at the end of this present age.
Many Prophecies Have Come True
Isaiah has many prophecies in it that came true in the New Testament, prophecies that came true in history and prophecies that are still coming true today. He prophesied many things about Jesus’ life and Second Coming. For example, the prophet Isaiah wrote in the 53rd chapter of the Old Testament book of Isaiah that the Messiah would die for the sins of others, indicating that the Messiah would be mortal. Isaiah also wrote in chapter 9 that the Messiah would be referred to as God and as being eternal. In regards to His nature, Jesus is both man and God, fully human and yet fully God – God incarnate as a human. As God, He is eternal. As a man, He was mortal and died by death on a cross, and was later resurrected. Isaiah said God’s Son would be despised, afflicted and oppressed by many people. Yet, He would not speak against those who would hurt and kill Him. He would suffer for our sins and sorrows. At Jesus’ Second Coming, all mankind will live in peace. Isaiah taught that at this time, even the animals will live in harmony: wolves, leopards, lions and bears will no longer hunt lambs, goats and calves.
His Ministry Lasted Half a Century
Isaiah’s ministry lasted approximately half a century, continuing through the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. We are told through tradition that he suffered a martyr’s death during the reign of King Manasseh. His work brought him into direct contact with kings and priest and he encountered strong opposition from both groups. At times, this opposition was so strong that he was forced to give up speaking in public and confine his ministry to a group of disciples with whom he met privately.
Isaiah expressed convictions that were similar to those spoken to the people of Israel by Amos and Hosea. Despite the immediate dangers that the nation of Judah faced, Isaiah was confident of the ultimate triumph of the Hebrew people. Isaiah was sure that any temporary disaster would not be the final end of the Judean kingdom.
He Was One of the Most Political Prophets
Isaiah is recognized as a witness to one of the most unstable periods in Jerusalem’s history, from both political and religious point of view. Around 735 B.C.E., the nations of Aram and Israel threatened to invade Jerusalem, the capital of the city of Judah, if King Ahaz didn’t join their anti-Assyrian coalition. Later, Assyria invaded Judah to suppress a rebellion by King Hezekiah in 701 B.C.C. As a propjet, Isaiah delivered messages from Yahweh about these events to political leaders and social elites in Jerusalem. He enjoyed a good relationship with the royal members and had free access to the palace.
Saying that he was a part of the Jerusalem aristocracy, Isaiah took an active part in events and guided people of the higher authority. However, this position didn’t stop his from being outspoken. He is known to have attacked the ruling classes, in defense of common people, against the corruption that they faced.
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