Heathcote Engadine Anglican Church

2012 TERM 4 – ISAIAH

Table of Contents

Isaiah Studies – how to use............................................................................2

Study 1 Isaiah Introduction and Context..........................................................4
Study 2 State of the Nation? [Isa 1:1 – 2:5]......................................................6
Study 3 Isaiah’s vision [Isa 5 - 6]..................................................................8
Study 4 Fear God or man? [Isa 7 - 9]............................................................10
Study 5 Who do you trust in? [Isa 13 – 27]......................................................12
Study 6 On whom do you depend? [Isa 30 - 31 & 36 - 37]...................................14
Study 7 Comfort and God’s plans [Isa 39 - 40].................................................16
Study 8 The servant [Isa 42 – 52, 61]............................................................18
Study 9 Waiting for the future [Isa 64:8 - 66].................................................20
Supporting Notes.......................................................................................21
Isaiah and New Testament Use......................................................................23
Resources...............................................................................................24
Isaiah Studies – how to use

Approach
Isaiah is big on themes, scope and size. It is therefore tempting to seek out “favourite”
passages and only look at these. However daunting it may seem, the approach taken
with these studies is to focus on reading the book as a book, much as we would a New
Testament book. We should expect that there is a purposeful structure and themes being
developed throughout.
These studies explore the main themes of the book as they are developed, and have an
emphasis on reading chunks of Isaiah and considering the context for the original hearers.
Having appreciated Isaiah’s message in context we can then consider how it relates to us
today in light of Jesus, noting that many prophesies made in Isaiah are quoted as fulfilled
in the New Testament. Further many of the big themes in Isaiah are still relevant today
(Judgement, Hope, God’s holiness)
The studies try to get you to reflect on what you have learnt about God and his ways,
however if you have more time you could extend these. For example look at how the New
Testament uses this part of Isaiah, or consider how Isaiah’s message to Israel could be
applied to our society today. (After all God hasn’t changed)
One difficulty faced is the lack of familiarity we have with names, places and the
historical context. Handouts associated with these studies look to provide enough
background information to help you read Isaiah. Study one spends some time reviewing
these.
Where helpful a short historical background is provided (in Italics) to assist with
summarising the situation or context. (Don’t forget to use the maps and timelines as
well).
A question followed by an asterisk with a number in superscript (eg *1) indicates that the
supporting notes at the back have more information.
It should also be noted that the studies will not overlap directly with the sermon series in
Church. The sermons will focus primarily on Ch 40 to 66 and so will cover many key New
Testament uses of Isaiah. (A list of many New Testament uses of Isaiah is provided at the
back of the studies in case you want to explore as you go). Between Bible study and the
sermon series you should get to cover almost every chapter of Isaiah!

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Study structure
Each study looks at a significant theme as it is developed in the book. The questions are
there to guide discussion in that direction. Given the size of Isaiah, it is more about the
big picture rather than bogging down on a couple of verses. This also means that many
sections that are amazing are not covered! This is where the preparation section comes
in.
The preparation section at the end of each study gets you reading (usually a couple of
chapters) so you get to see some of the other highlights in Isaiah. Sometimes these
extend the study, other times they provide background for the next study. Either way it
really is worth the effort to read them. The table below summarises the chapters covered
in preparation and in the studies.

Prep Study
Isaiah Wk Isaiah Topic
- 1 1 Introduction – OT background
- 2 1–2 State of the Nation
2-4 3 5–6 Isaiah’s vision
2 Kin 16 4 7–9 Fear God or Man?
9 -12 5 13 – 27 Who do you trust in?
19, 28 - 29 6 30, 36–37 On Whom do you depend?
38, 2Kin 18 7 39 – 40 Comfort and God’s plans
41, 44 - 45 8 42 – 53, 61 The Servant
54-57 9 65 – 66 Waiting for the future

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Study 1 Isaiah Introduction and Context

As a group share what you know about Isaiah already – what is the book about, what
happens?
Review supporting Material
To help give some background to the historical and geographic context there are four
handouts.
Handout
1. Comparative History
of Israel*Error: Reference
source not found
2. Timeline Summary –
Background Events
relating to Isaiah
3. Geography at the
time of Isaiah
4. Glossary – Terms and
what they mean
Notes
Timeline showing three main groups:
a) History of the other kingdoms and some key people/events
(Area known as ancient near east)
b) Israel’s History – kingdom split in 922, exiles (coloured arrows)
and some key names
c) Books of the bible – relative time written or covered
Detailed timing of events in Isaiah. Chapters of Isaiah tied to
events and kings (note how chapters are not always in time order).
Also note that Isaiah predicts future events hence some chapters
indicate when the events took place rather than when they were
prophesised. Judah kings sometimes co-reigned (shared kingship)
which can make dating complex.
Location of places – countries in Red. Main countries/cities
mentioned in Isaiah included but not all.
Key terms used that may need explanation. Note Israel/Judah and
their variants.

Spend some time looking at these and see if you can answer
1. When was the book written?
2. What other Prophets were active at the same time?
3. What is happening in Israel/Judah at the time Isaiah was written?
4. Where is the nation of Israel in relation to other nations? What do you know about
these other nations from general knowledge? (and the glossary)

A brief history of the Eighth Century BC around Israel (abridged notes from BST introduction)
At the beginning of the Eighth century the powerful kingdoms of Egypt and Assyria were
focused on internal matters, and so the region was relatively peaceful. During this time,
King Uzziah reigned for 50 years and for the nation of Israel it was a time of stability.
However, five years before Uzziah’s death (745BC) Tiglath-Pileser III came to power in
Assyria and the world changed.
Tiglath-Pileser III quickly subdued Babylon and his northern borders, then turned his
wrath towards Syria in 740BC. It was clear where he was heading and so the Kings of

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Damascus, Tyre and Northern Israel brought tribute to Assyria. In the year Uzziah died,
the scene was full of national threats and internally the creed that the Lord was King had
become hollow and lip service only. In 734BC the King of Northern Israel (Pekah)
together with Damascus (King Rezin) tried to force Judah (King Ahaz) to join with them in
rebelling against Assyria. Instead of trusting in the Lord, Ahaz appealed to Tiglath-Pileser
for help. Consequently Damascus fell in 732BC and Samaria (Northern Israel capital) in
722BC. The Assyrian empire now reached to the border of Judah and also demanded a
large tribute.
In 711 a Philistine revolt backed by Egypt was crushed and this should have been a
warning to Judah not to trust in other nations. When Hezekiah became king there was a
new Assyrian king – Sennacherib (in 705 BC). The world scene was changing as first
Babylon and then Egypt seemed to be ready to challenge Assyria and so Hezekiah
withheld tribute, coerced the Philistines to join and strengthened Jerusalem’s defences.
It turned out to be a mistake, as Sennacherib moved decisively and more quickly than the
region had reckoned on, he brought Babylon under control within a year. In a massive
campaign (701BC) he systematically ravaged all Israel (Palestine) from the north to the
south and finally placed Jerusalem under siege. Hezekiah’s last hope was Egypt, but they
turned out to be a broken reed and of no help. In the end Jerusalem survived, but the
land around them was a smoking ruin

Israel – What they were meant to be like

5. Israel as a nation was chosen by the LORD to be his people. They were to be God’s
people in God’s place living under God’s rule. Using your general knowledge and
the following passages describe what was expected of them as a nation.
 Deut 4:1-2
 Deut 10:12-22

6. In Deut 28 we learn of blessings if the people fully obey (Deut 28:1-6), and curses
if they disobey (28:15-19). Whilst there are many aspects to the curses, what do
the following verses reveal?
 Deut 28:36-37
 Deut 28:49-52

Preparation for Study 2:

 Review the timelines and maps provided to get an overview.

 If want to read about the kings of Judah: 2 Chronicles 26 to 32 covers the kings
during Isaiah’s time.
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Study 2 State of the Nation? [Isa 1:1 – 2:5]

Relate a time when you showed someone mercy/grace. What did if feel like? Why did you
do it?

Read Isaiah 1:1 – 31

1. From Isaiah 1:2-4, how would you describe the current state of the relationship
between Judah and the LORD?

2. Isa 1:5-9 What is happening? How do these events relate to the preceding verses? *2

3. Isa 1:10-17 describes their worship via the sacrificial system (as given to them by
Moses).
a. What is the LORDs response to their worship?

b. What is it that the LORD really wants from them?

[Note: Ex 22:21-24, Amos 5:21-24, Micah 6:6-8, Ps 82:1-5]

c. Do you think this expectation is relevant to Christians today? Why/Why not?

[James 1:27 and Luke10:25-37 may assist]

4. In Isa 1:18-21 the LORD reasons with them, what does he offer them? What are the
consequences of their choice?

5. In Isa 1:22-31 What will be the result of God’s judgement ?

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Read Isaiah 2:1-5
6. What does the future of Judah/Jerusalem look like? How does this compare to their
current situation?

7. What role do the nations play in this vision?

8. Reflect on Isaiah’s call to the nation, to live in light of the hope of the coming future
kingdom of God (Isa 2:5). How should we as Christians respond to this call?

Preparation for Study 3:

Read Isaiah 2 - 4
 Isa 2: what will happen “in that day”
 Isa 3: What is said about the elders/princes and the leading women of the day?
 Isa 4: What is being offered for those who are left in Jerusalem?
Note the themes/pattern leading up to Chapter 5 & 6
Isa 1 Sin and judgement Isa 2:1 – 5 Hope
Isa 2:6 – 4:1 Sin and judgement Isa 4:2 – 6 Hope

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Study 3 Isaiah’s vision [Isa 5 - 6]

How should the fact that God is Holy affect the way you live day to day?

Read Isa 5:1-7

1. What does this “song” reveal about the LORD’s view of Judah?

Read Isa 5:6-23

2. Using the table below list the key elements of what Israel are like and the LORDs
response.

Verse What doing wrong Verse What is the consequence

8 9-10

11-12 13-17

18-19

20

24-25

21

22

3. Re-read Isa 5:7 and compare to the notes above re what they are doing wrong. Do
you think that the LORD’s response (judgement) is fair? Why/why not?

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Read Isa 5:24-30
4. The distant nations (almost certainly Assyria) come in response to the LORD’s
command – what does the imagery convey about the coming exile/judgment?

Historical Background:
In 2 Chronicles 26 we learn about Uzziah and his reign. Israel was victorious over the
philistines and it was a time of stability and prosperity. However Uzziah became proud
in his heart and was judged by God - Uzziah became a leper until his death which was
approx 740BC. Isa 6:1 comes at this time of change with a clear message for Israel.
Read Isa 6:1-13
5. What does Isaiah see (his vision) in Verses 1-4?

6. How does Isaiah respond, and how does this compare to the nation of Israel that
we have just seen in Ch 1-5?

7. What is the purpose of the message Isaiah is given/sent to proclaim in 6:9-10?

(don’t forget to use v11-13 in your answer).*3

8. If you had a vision like Isaiah’s would it change your Christian life? Would you view
God differently, would it affect how you live? – why/why not?

Preparation for Study 4:

 Read 2 kings 16 – what do you learn about Ahaz?

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Study 4 Fear God or man? [Isa 7 - 9]

Historical background
Isaiah 7:1-2 is thought to be the year 734BC. The Assyrian King – Tiglath-Pileser III is
advancing against the region. The kings of Israel and Syria seek to depose Ahaz and
replace him with a king who will support them.
This is a tense time for Judah, will they trust in the LORD or not? During the next 3
chapters, the phrase “The LORD spoke…” is used many times and his message is directed
in turn to Ahaz, then Judah and then Isaiah. We will use this as a guide to study Isa 7 -9.

MESSAGE TO AHAZ
Read Isa 7:1-9
1. The LORDs message, what does it offer to Ahaz, is it conditional on anything (v9)?

Read Isa 7:10-25

2. What is the sign offered to Ahaz? What will happen and when? .*4

3. Read Matthew 1:20-25. In what two ways does Jesus fulfil (complete) this
prophesy? *5

MESSAGE TO JUDAH
Read Isa 8:1-10
4. Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz name means “quick to the plunder swift to the spoil”. What
is the point of writing this down in ordinary letters and having witnesses to it?
(Compare with Isa 8:18)

Historical Background
It is clear from Isa 8 that Assyria will be used by the LORD. We are told what happens
after this event in the bible as 2 Kings 16 & 2 Chron 28 summarise his kingship. From
these we see that Ahaz does not stand firm in his faith in the LORD, rather he chooses to
trust in Assyria 2kings 16:7 tells us that he sends to Tiglath-Pileser who does indeed
come and defeat Damascus. However this is only temporary. Ahaz soon puts his trust in
the gods of Aram by worshipping them (!!) with the result as 2 Chronicles 28:22-23
makes clear “…they were his downfall and the downfall of all Israel”

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MESSAGE TO ISAIAH
Read Isa 8:11-18
5. What is Isaiah reminded of in Vs 11-13?

6. The way in which Isaiah will experience the LORD is very different to Judah (vs 13-
15) why is this?

7. Vs 16-18 What is Isaiah’s response?

MESSAGE FOR THE FUTURE

Read Isa 8:19-9:7
8. We know from Isa 6 that Isaiah’s job was to communicate the LORDs message
(mostly judgement) to all Israel, and the end of Ch 8 paints a very dark picture of
the future. In contrast, what hope is offered in 9:1-7?

9. Read Matthew 4:12-17 which quotes Isa 9:1-2. Given the context in Isaiah, what
expectation should we have of Jesus?

10.Ahaz didn’t trust God when faced with a crisis (invasion), what hinders us from
wholeheartedly trusting in God?

Preparation for Study 5:

Read Isaiah 9:8 - 12
 Isa 10: What will happen to Assyria? What is the promise to the remnant?
 Isa 11: What similarities are there between the figure described here and the
one described in 9:17? Also look at Isa 4:2, 6:13.
 Isa 12: What is the main point of chapter 12?

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Study 5 Who do you trust in? [Isa 13 – 27]

Why are there so many oracles? What is the point? Particularly as it is very unlikely that
these oracles would have been heard by the nations they speak of. Isaiah has an
important message for Judah that they need to hear, it reinforces and develops the
message of previous chapters. This is summed up in Isa 7:9 – “If you do not stand firm in
your faith, you will not stand at all”

TRUST IN SURROUNDING NATIONS?

1. For each section of Isaiah below, using the table below and your maps, identify:
a. which nation is being spoken to,
b. where it is on the map and,
c. What will happen and if stated, why it will happen

Passage Nation What will happen Why/Other comment

Isa 13:1-3,
Isa13:19-20

Isa 14:24-27

Isa 14:28-32

Isa 15:1-3,
Isa 16:6-8,
Isa 13-14

Isa 17:1-4,
Isa 9-11

Isa 18:1-2,
Isa 18:7

Isa 19:1-4

2. From Question 1, it is clear that Israel is surrounded by many nations – larger and
more powerful than them. The constant threat of war would have made it
tempting to make agreements with them (ie put trust in them). What do Isaiah’s
oracles together show Israel?

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TRUST IN EGYPTS PLANS?
Philistia and Moab backed by Egypt rebelled against Assyria in 713BC. Assyrian
records tell us that Yamani - the King of Ashdod (in Philistine) - escaped and fled to
Egypt. However Egypt was pressured by the Assyrian might to hand Yamani over to
the Assyrian king (Sargon II). The capture of Ashdod was thought to occur in 711BC.

Read Isa 20.

3. What was Isaiah’s sign for the last three years

4. What message does it provide for those who would trust in Egypt?

GOD’S FUTURE PLANS

Chapters 24-27 are often called the Isaiah Apocalypse – perhaps because of its vivid
imagery of the future for all nations.
5. Read Isa 24:1-3, 19-23. What in general terms is this an image of?

6. Read Isa 25:6-9, Isa 27:12. What will happen?

7. Reflect on what you have read, do you trust God alone to carry out his plans for
the future regardless of what is happening around you/to you?

Preparation for Study 6:

Read Isa 19 – what will happen to Assyria and Egypt in the end?
Read Isa 28 – 29
 Isa 28: Ephraim (Northern Israel) – how are they behaving – what is Gods
response?
 Isa 29: Ariel (Judah) – how are they behaving – what is Gods response?
If interested compare New Testament usage: Isa 28:16 with Rom 9:33 and Isa 29:13 with
Mark 7:1-8

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Study 6 On whom do you depend? [Isa 30 - 31 & 36 - 37]

Chapters 36-37 mark a dramatic climax to the end of the first half of the book. However,
in order to better appreciate them and what they show us about God, it is worthwhile
knowing the message Isaiah has been preaching in Chapter 28-35 and in particular the
message of Chapters 30-31.

Read Isa 30:1-18.

1. Using the table below, quickly note the one main point regarding Israel’s
attitude/behaviour and the LORDs response or view.

Israel’s LORDs
Verse
attitude/behaviour response/View

1-5

6-7

8-14

15-18

2. In Isa 30:15 – what does the LORD expect them to do in the face of the real threats
from other nations? [Compare with Exodus 14:10-14]

Read Isa 31:1-9.

3. The theme of the futility in trusting in Egypt is continued, Vs 6 is a call to repent
from idols and return to the LORD – what will happen when they do?

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Historical Background
In 2 Kings 18 we learn that Hezekiah rebels against Assyria and prepares for the attack,
which Scennarcherib duly does in the year 701 BC. Scennarcherib’s records state that he
attacked and captured 46 cities in Judah and that he shut Hezekiah up – “like a bird in a
cage”! Note: Lachish was a very strongly fortified city and was the last line of defence
for Jerusalem.
Read Isa 36:1-22
4. The field commander gives many reasons why the people should surrender, List
some of them below. Are these arguments true/convincing?

Speech 1 [36:1- 
10]




Speech 2 [36:11- 
22]




Read Isa 37:1-20

5. Compare the attitude towards the LORD: of the field commander (Isa 36:1-22),
Scennarcherib (Isa 37:8-13) and Hezekiah (Isa 37:14-20).

Read Isa 37: 21 -38

6. What does Vs 21 show us about prayer?

7. Vs 33-35 What will happen and why?

8. In Isa 36:5 the challenge is: ”…on whom are you depending?” When do you find it
difficult to depend on God? What can we learn from Hezekiah’s prayer?

Preparation for Study 7:

 Read Isaiah 38. How does Hezekiah compare/contrast with Ahaz in Isa 7:10-17.
What is the theme of Hezekiah’s song
 If interested in background - Read 2 Kings 18:1-18

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Study 7 Comfort and God’s plans [Isa 39 - 40]

Isaiah 38 recounts the story of Hezekiah and God’s granting of 15 yrs extra life. Based on
this and other events in the Bible it is likely this event took place in around 712BC that
is before the Assyrian invasion of Judah in 701.
Read Isa 39
1. What will happen?

At first It seems odd that this passage is not before 36-37 given the chronology. One
explanation is that Isaiah 36-39 are a pivot or turning point in the book and the
placement of them is used to mark the main themes/focus of Isaiah – thus a simple
summary would be
Isaiah 1-38 Isaiah 39-66
Timing of events Current/Present Future
Nation threatening Israel Assyria Babylonia
Message/theme of prophesy Judgement Hope

The prophecy in Isa 39 is fulfilled in 597 BC when the Babylonian king,

Nebuchadrezzar captures Jerusalem. For the rest of Isaiah, the prophecy’/messages
speak to a future generation who are in Exile in Babylon.

Read Isa 40:1-11

2. Summarise each section as indicated by the table below

Passage Summary/Main Point

1-2

3-5

6-8

9-11

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 3. Many commentators believe that 40:6 is a second commissioning of Isaiah – if so,
how does this message he is pronouncing compare to that in Isa 6:8-10?

Read Isa 40:12-31

4. In Vs 12-26 what is the view of God we are given?

5. In Vs 27-31, what is Israel’s state of mind? What is God’s response?

6. How would you summarise Chapter 40 in one sentence?

Read Luke 3:1-6

7. Who is being spoken about in Luke? Who is being spoken about in Isa 40? By
Quoting Isa 40:3-5 in this way what expectation about Jesus is Luke setting?* 6

8. What have you learnt about God - his character and his plans? How can this be an
encouragement to us as Christians today?

Preparation for Study 8:

Read Isa 41 and 44-45
 Isa 41:2, 25 who is this person, what does this person do?
 Isa 44 – why does the LORD talk about idols? What point does he make about idol
worship?
 Isa 44 -45 what learn about Cyrus? (note Cyrus was a Persian king who came 150+
years later)

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Study 8 The servant [Isa 42 – 52, 61]

From Isaiah 40 onwards there is a change in tone. Isaiah is now called to preach a
message of comfort to the people (Isa 40:1) compared to his message of judgement (Isa
6:8). The message of the following chapters is clear through repetition - God will
demonstrate his absolute superiority over the idols by doing something new, something
unheard of: he will gather his people from exile through a foreign King! We see in Isa
41:2, 25 that he stirs up this servant, and In Isaiah 44-45 we are told it is Cyrus the
Persian king. Ezra 1:1-4 also recounts for us the fulfilment of this in 538 BC (over 150
years later!).

However during these chapters we see another servant, the description of whom which
clearly goes beyond Cyrus. There are four main passages which together are known as
the servant songs.

1. Read each of the passages indicated and complete the table where you can.

What will What will the What will be the result

Passage
the Servant Do? Servant be like? (for him or others)

Isa 42:1-
9*Error: Reference
source not found

Isa 49:1-7

Isa 50:4-9

Isa 52:13-15
Isa 53:1-12

2. Summarise the picture of the Servant as given to us by Isaiah.

Read Isaiah 61:1-3

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 3. This is thought by some to be a fifth passage about the servant, what does it add
to your summary?

4. What does this person have in common with the messiah? (Compare with Isa 11:1-
11 and Isa 42:1)

Read Luke 4:14-22

5. Jesus reads from Isa 61:1-2 and in Luke 4:21 says it is fulfilled! What is Jesus
saying?

6. Can you see any other fulfilments of these Isaiah passages in the NT?*8

Read Acts 8:26-40

7. Remembering that an Ethiopian is a gentile (ie not part of Israel), what is the
significance of this passage and its use of Isaiah?

8. Spend some time reflecting on God’s plan for salvation and its outworking through
history. What can you praise God for?

Preparation for Study 9:

Read Isaiah 54-55
 Isa 54:10 talks of a covenant of peace – what is the overall message?
 Isa 55:1-5 describes a feast – how is entrance gained to it?
 How do you think these Chapters relate to Isa 53 – the suffering servant?
Read Isaiah 56-57
Isa 56 is directed towards those who have returned from exile (538BC) – they had the
beginnings of what God had promised but not the fullness.
 Isa 56:1-8 what are the characteristics of the redeemed?
 Isa 56:9-57:13 what are the leaders like (watchmen and shepherds 56:10-11)?
 Isa 57:14-21 what are God’s plans?
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Study 9 Waiting for the future [Isa 64:8 - 66]

After the exiles returned to Jerusalem [538BC] it was clear that the full extent of God’s
promises had not yet come. Sin was still present, the world did not submit to God, and it
must have been easy to despair that the world they lived in was still broken and perhaps
even question if they really are God’s chosen people. Waiting for God to fulfil his
promises is genuinely hard. However they need to trust God and his promises, trust in his
servant, and trust that he will save them when he judges. The final chapters of Isaiah
focus in on this aspect.
Isaiah prays in Isa 63:7 – 64:12, we pick it up at the end.
Read Isa 64:1 - 12
1. What is Isaiah asking God to do?

Read Isa 65: 1 - 7

2. What is God’s response?

Read Isa 65:8 - 16

3. Compare the servants (vs 8) to you who forsake the LORD (vs 11). What will
happen to them?

Read Isa 65:17 – 25

4. What is the new world like – what bad things of the present will be fixed?

Isaiah 66:1-2 talks of rebuilding the temple, yet in Isa 66:6 Judgement will start at the
temple and on God’s people. However, out of this judgement a new birth takes place
and Israel will be central to God’s blessing of the nations (Isa 66:7-13)
Read Isa 66:18 - 24
5. What is happening in 66:18 - 21? What part do the nations play in this vision? *9

Read Revelation 21:1 - 4

6. Reflect on our situation, waiting for the return of Christ. In what ways does Isaiah
encourage you to persevere?

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Supporting Notes

Study 1:
1. Comparative History of Israel – Dates and Times
It is worth mentioning that dates and times can be very complex and controversial to
determine for ancient historical events. Today we tend to expect a precision that is not
always possible to achieve. Dating is based on several historical clues and often key
assumptions, hence different sources will quote different dates for the same event –
sometimes years or decades apart. The handouts attempt to provide an accurate view
but be aware there are alternative views for just about every event!

Study 2:
Main focus is on reading the text and seeing how God operates. Isaiah Ch 1 provides a
clear picture of Israel’s spiritual state and we should remember the context of them
being God’s people, in God’s land under his rule – ie they had a covenant relationship to
obey. Their future depends on their relationship to this covenant. Obedience = blessing,
disobedience = cursing. It is interesting to note that even though the law commanded
them to offer sacrifices; they are meaningless if their attitude towards justice is not
right.
2. Isaiah 1:9 Sodom and Gomorrah reference  Genesis 17-19
Lot lived in that town, but in Gen 18:20 it says that the people’s sin is so grievous that
they are to be destroyed by God – but even in this judgment there is mercy towards Lot
and his family. Israel deserve judgment and should be destroyed, but again God shows
mercy and spares some people. [Note: Isa 1:9 is also quoted by Romans 9:29]

Study 3
3. Question 7
Use the timeline to see when Israel is exiled – well after Isaiah dies – for the rest of his
life he has to preach this message! However, note that Isa6:13 gives a hint of mercy in
the future, that is the judgment will not 100% destroy Israel – there is to be a remnant

Study 4
4. Question 2: the sign of Immanuel
Verse 14: God says he is going to give Ahaz a sign even though he has refused God's offer
of one, and in verse 14 we are rather cryptically introduced to a child figure who shall be
called "Immanuel", or "God with us". The commentaries suggest that the best
understanding of this is that it's a picture of Jerusalem, the virgin daughter of Zion, giving
birth to a child which is the remnant who will survive the judgment. This makes sense of
the "God with us" meaning of Immanuel, as the remnant are those whom God is with.
Although that sounds hopeful it's important to see that the birth of the child is actually a
sign of judgment for Ahaz. In verse 16 God says before the "child" reaches maturity the
King of Assyria will have overrun Syria and the Northern Kingdom, and in verse 17 Ahaz is
told God's judgment in the form of the Assyrian King will move on into Judah. In fact this
terrible judgment is described in the remainder of Chapter 7 where the land which was
supposed to flow with milk and honey is a wasteland of briars and thorns.
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5. Question 3
Isa 7:3 Isaiah is told to take his son - Shear-Jashub: this name means “a remnant will
return” or “a remnant will repent” (see footnotes in most bibles). And now a sign of
another child whose name means God with us is given. So the sign in the context it was
given has an element of hope for Isaiah/the faithful - that God will restore his people. So
Matthew points to the virgin birth, but also that In Jesus - God is with us.

Study 7
6. Question 7
In Isa 40:3-5 says “…prepare the way for the LORD” ie God. In Luke it is clearly talking
about Jesus as John the Baptist came and pointed to him. It implies that Jesus is Divine
(something we learn by the end of the gospels)

Study 8
7. Question 1
Note in reading Isa 42:5-7 the “you” refers to the servant, whilst in Isa 42:1-4 and 8-9 the
“you” refers to Israel

8. Question 6
Some references related to Chapters 43 to 61 – also there is a longer list in the next
section.
Isaiah Theme NT
Isa 42:1-9 Gentle Servant Matt 12:-15-21
Isa 49:1-7 Light Acts 13:4-7
Isa 53 Suffering Servant Matt 8:14-17
Isa 61 Anointed preacher Luke 4:16-21

Study 9

9. Question 5
Some passages that pick up themes of gentiles being included in a future triumphant
Zion/Jerusalem Isaiah 2:1-5, Isaiah 11:6-9, Isaiah 19:19-25, Isaiah 24-27, Isaiah 35, Isaiah
55:12-13.

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Isaiah and New Testament Use

The table below provides a mapping between Isaiah and its use in the New Testament.
This may be helpful if wanting to extend or plan alternative studies. This list is
predominately made up of quotes. There are at least another twenty “allusions” to
Isaiah, but these are often theme based and not always so obvious and so haven’t been
included. Many cross reference Bibles will provide a footnote showing where the quote
came from as well.

Isaiah NT Use Isaiah NT Use Isaiah NT Use

Isa 1:9 Rom 9:29 Isa 28:16 1Pet 2:6 Isa 52:5 Rom 2:24
Isa 5:1 Mat 21:33 Isa 29:10 Rom 11:8 Isa 52:7 Rom 10:15
Isa 5:1 Mar 12:1 Isa 29:13 Mat 15:8-9 Isa 53:1 Jhn 12:38
Isa 5:1 Luk 20:9 Isa 29:13 Mar 7:6-7 Isa 53:1 Rom 10:16
Isa 6:9 Mar 4:12 Isa 29:14 1Cor 1:19 Isa 53:12 Luk 22:37
Isa 6:9 Luk 8:10 Isa 40:13 Rom 11:34 Isa 53:4 Mat 8:17
Isa 6:9 Jhn 12:40 Isa 40:13 1Cor 2:16 Isa 53:4-5 1Pet 2:24
Isa 6:9-10 Mat 13:14 Isa 40:3 Mat 3:3 Isa 53:7-8 Act 8:32-33
Isa 6:9-10 Act 28:26-27 Isa 40:3 Mar 1:2-3 Isa 53:9 1Pet 2:22
Isa 7:14 Mat 1:23 Isa 40:3 Jhn 1:23 Isa 54:1 Gal 4:27
Isa 8:14 Rom 9:33 Isa 40:3-5 Luk 3:4-6 Isa 54:13 Jhn 6:45
Isa 8:18 Hbr 2:13 Isa 40:6 1Pet 1:24-25 Isa 55:3 Act 13:34
Isa 10:22-23 Rom 9:27-28 Isa 42:1 Mat 12:18 Isa 56:7 Mat 21:13
Isa 11:10 Rom 15:12 Isa 42:1-4 Mat 12:18-21 Isa 56:7 Mar 11:17
Isa 21:9 Rev 18:2 Isa 43:18-19 2Cor 5:17 Isa 56:7 Luk 19:46
Isa 22:13 1Cor 15:32 Isa 45:23 Rom 14:11 Isa 59:20-21 Rom 11:26-27
Isa 25:8 1Cor 15:54 Isa 49:10 Rev 7:16 Isa 59:7-8 Rom 3:15-18
Isa 25:8 Rev 7:17 Isa 49:6 Act 13:47 Isa 61:1-2 Luk 4:18-19
Isa 28:11-12 1Cor 14:21 Isa 49:8 2Cor 6:2 Isa 64:4 1Cor 2:9
Isa 28:16 Rom 9:33 Isa 52:11-12 2Cor 6:17-18 Isa 65:1-2 Rom 10:20-21
Isa 28:16 Rom 10:11 Isa 52:15 Rom 15:21 Isa 66:1-2 Act 7:49-50

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Resources

The following resources may help with reading/learning about Isaiah – a short comment
about each one is also provided.

1. [BST] Bible speaks today – The message of Isaiah. Author: Barry Webb
This commentary is excellent – small in size, straightforward in explanation and
always pointing you to consider how Isaiah is relevant to us today as Christians.
Will definitely help you read Isaiah and get more out of it.

2. New bible dictionary

Article on Chronology to see more details re timelines. If interested in history can
look up articles on Egypt, Assyria and Babylonia to see history of each nation
(which is big).
Also useful for finding places and names that are not familiar to you

3. St Helens bishopgate website resources – PDF on talks, notes and studies on Isaiah
Site: http://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/bible-study-resources?ref=nav (then
look for link to Isaiah by Lee Gatiss.
They have a short talk followed by a bible study. The talks were done over a long
time and cover quite a bit of Isaiah. They are well done – worth reading to get
other inputs/ideas for leading a study.

4. Maps and geography

Site: www.bible.ca/maps
Many other sites exist but this one has a lot of maps relating to history and events
(exodus, roman empire etc). Worth exploring if interested in finding more details.

5. Teaching Isaiah by David Jackman

Not a commentary but more a starting point to get you thinking about how to
preach the material or prepare a bible study. Has some bible study questions per
chapter.

Document Version 1.0 7-Sep-2012

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