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 56 presents a powerful message of inclusivity and justice, emphasizing God's desire for righteousness and the universal nature of His salvation. The chapter begins with a call to keep justice and do righteousness, declaring that God's salvation is imminent. This sets the tone for the chapter, highlighting that faithful adherence to God's commandments is a prerequisite for receiving His blessings. The blessings are not reserved for the Israelites alone; instead, Isaiah explicitly addresses both eunuchs and foreigners, affirming that they too can be part of God's covenant community. This radical inclusion is underscored by God's promise to give the eunuchs a name and a legacy that is better than that of sons and daughters, suggesting that faithfulness to God is more significant than biological lineage. Furthermore, Isaiah expresses a vision of a holy mountain where all who worship the Lord can come, emphasizing that His house will be a house of prayer for all peoples. This transcends cultural and social boundaries, reinforcing the idea that God's love and mercy are available to everyone who seeks Him sincerely. The prophecy also warns against the negligence of the watchmen (the leaders), who are depicted as blind and self-serving, prioritizing their own desires over the spiritual well-being of the community. This critique serves as a reminder of the responsibilities of leaders to guide their people towards righteousness. The chapter concludes with a stark contrast between the faithful and the unfaithful. While God's people are called to a life of justice and righteousness, the leaders are depicted as greedy and indulgent. This theme of contrasting behaviors serves to challenge the reader to reflect on their own commitments and the importance of faithful leadership in the community. Overall, Isaiah 56 encapsulates a profound message of hope, inclusiveness, and the necessity of righteousness in the pursuit of God's salvation.