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 66 presents a powerful conclusion to the book of Isaiah, encapsulating themes of judgment, restoration, and the nature of true worship. The chapter opens with God asserting His sovereignty over the heavens and the earth, emphasizing that no building can confine Him. Instead, God looks for those who are humble and contrite, highlighting that external sacrifices are meaningless without a true heart for God. God condemns the empty rituals of those who pursue their own ways, indicating that their actions have led to their own downfall. He promises judgment for those who disregard His call. In a contrasting vision of hope, Isaiah speaks of the restoration of Jerusalem, using imagery of childbirth to describe the rapid and miraculous growth of the nation. This reflects God's ability to bring forth life from what seems barren and hopeless. The rejoicing of those who love Jerusalem is encouraged, as God promises to comfort His people as a mother comforts her child. The chapter concludes with a vision of God's glory being revealed to all nations, calling forth a gathering of people from afar to witness His majesty. This gathering symbolizes a new era where the faithful will be brought into a restored relationship with their God, and the chapter reflects the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. Overall, Isaiah 66 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of genuine worship, the inevitability of divine judgment, and the hope of restoration through God's grace. It emphasizes that true worship stems from a heart aligned with God's will, and that the ultimate fulfillment of His promises extends beyond Israel to all nations.