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 Chapter 5 opens with a poignant metaphor of a vineyard, representing God's relationship with His people, Israel. The chapter begins with a love song sung by the prophet Isaiah, illustrating God's care and investment in His vineyard, which is described as being on a fertile hill. The meticulous efforts of the owner — clearing stones, planting choice vines, and building a watchtower — signify God's desire for His people to produce good fruit. However, instead of yielding the expected good grapes, the vineyard produced wild grapes, symbolizing the moral and spiritual decay of Israel. The chapter transitions from this metaphor to a direct indictment of the people of Judah. Isaiah challenges the inhabitants of Jerusalem to judge between God and His vineyard, emphasizing that God has done everything possible for His people yet received nothing but disobedience and injustice in return. This leads to a declaration of impending judgment where God will remove His protection, allowing the vineyard to be trampled and left desolate. The chapter continues with a series of 'woes' directed at various societal ills, including avarice, drunkenness, and moral corruption. The prophet warns against those who exploit others and indulge in excess while ignoring the needs of the oppressed and the work of God. The dire consequences of such actions are highlighted, as the people face exile and destruction for their lack of knowledge and disregard for divine justice. The tone shifts as Isaiah contrasts the humbled state of man with the exaltation of the Lord, who remains just and holy. The chapter concludes with a stern warning against the moral inversion prevalent in society, where good is called evil and vice versa. This reflects a deep-seated issue of spiritual blindness and a call for repentance among the people of Judah, urging them to recognize and return to the true nature of good and evil as defined by God.