Purpose

To call Judah to repentance and reveal God's plan of salvation through the coming Messiah.

Author

Isaiah, son of Amoz, was a prophet to the southern kingdom of Judah for over 60 years. He was highly educated, had access to the royal court, and is considered the greatest of the Old Testament prophets.

Historical Context

Written: 740-680 BC. Prophecies during the reigns of four kings of Judah, including the Assyrian crisis.

Significance

Contains more prophecies about Jesus than any other Old Testament book and is quoted most in the New Testament.

Key Themes

God's Holiness, Messiah, Salvation, Judgment, Restoration

Interesting Facts

• Isaiah is quoted in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament book (over 65 times)
• Contains the clearest prophecy of Jesus' virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14)
• Isaiah 53 describes Jesus' crucifixion 700 years before it happened

Prophecies

• The virgin birth of Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14) Fulfilled: Jesus born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:23) (700 years later)
• The suffering servant who would die for our sins (Isaiah 53) Fulfilled: Jesus' crucifixion and atonement (700 years later)

Isaiah 22 is a vivid oracle concerning the impending judgment and downfall of Jerusalem, often referred to as the 'valley of vision.' The chapter lays out a dire picture of the city's leaders and inhabitants, who have become complacent in their security and have turned to self-indulgence rather than repentance. The text opens with a lamentation over the tumultuous state of the city, where instead of dying nobly in battle, the slain are victims of their own folly. Isaiah reveals that the leadership of Jerusalem has fled, abandoning their posts in fear. This cowardice leads to the city's vulnerability, as external forces, particularly Elam and Kir, gather strength against them. The people of Jerusalem, in their misguided confidence, attempt to fortify their city by repairing walls and creating reservoirs, yet they neglect to acknowledge God’s sovereignty in their plight. Instead of looking to Him, they turn to their own resources, demonstrating a profound spiritual blindness. The Lord calls for mourning and repentance, but the inhabitants respond with revelry, proclaiming a hedonistic mantra: 'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.' This stark contrast between God’s call for humility and the people's pursuit of pleasure highlights their deep-seated iniquities. In the latter part of the chapter, God’s judgment is pronounced upon Shebna, a high steward who has acted arrogantly and sought to secure his legacy through a lavish tomb. The divine message indicates his impending disgrace as God will remove him from his position and replace him with Eliakim, who will be entrusted with the keys of David and a position of honor. This change in leadership symbolizes God's authority in appointing and deposing rulers, stressing the importance of humility and fidelity to divine purpose over personal ambition. The chapter concludes with a foreboding sense of the consequences of pride and the urgent need for the people of Jerusalem to return to God before it's too late.