Isaiah
The Prophet of Salvation
Name Information
- Meaning: "The Lord is salvation"
- Language of Origin: Hebrew
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Isaiah was a prophet in Judah during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. His ministry spanned times of prosperity, political crisis, and spiritual decline. Known as the 'Prince of Prophets,' Isaiah delivered messages of judgment, hope, and the coming Messiah. He is also remembered for a prophetic sign-act in which he went stripped and barefoot for three years to symbolize the humiliation of nations under God’s judgment.
⏰ 8th century BC (c. 740–681 BC)
Roles
- Prophet
- Visionary
- Messianic Foreteller
Relationships
- King: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah
Story
Isaiah began his prophetic ministry in the year King Uzziah died, around 740 BC.
In a vision, he saw the Lord high and exalted, heard the seraphim cry 'Holy, holy, holy,' and was cleansed from sin before being sent with God’s message.
Confronted kings and leaders, calling for repentance and trust in God rather than political alliances.
Prophesied the Babylonian exile and the eventual return of God’s people.
Foretold the Messiah’s birth, ministry, suffering, and reign.
Obeyed God’s unusual command to go stripped and barefoot for three years as a sign that Egypt and Cush would be led away in shame by Assyria.
Tradition holds that Isaiah was martyred during Manasseh’s reign, possibly by being sawn in two.
Spiritual Significance
- Called by God in a vision of His holiness and majesty (Isaiah 6).
- Warned Judah of coming judgment due to sin and idolatry.
- Foretold the virgin birth of Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14) and the reign of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6–7).
- Prophesied the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many (Isaiah 53).
- Performed a prophetic sign by going stripped and barefoot for three years to symbolize Egypt and Cush’s humiliation under Assyria (Isaiah 20).
- Spoke of the future glory of God’s kingdom and the renewal of creation.
Christ Connection
Isaiah’s prophecies point directly to Jesus as Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:22–23).
The suffering servant of Isaiah 53 is fulfilled in Christ’s atoning death (Acts 8:32–35).
Isaiah’s vision of the kingdom of peace and justice finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus’ reign.
What We Can Learn
- A vision of God’s holiness leads to humility, repentance, and service.
- True hope is found in God’s promises, not human power.
- Sometimes God calls His servants to unusual acts to communicate His message.
- The coming of the Messiah was God’s answer to humanity’s deepest need.
Memory Verses
Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
— Isaiah 1:18Here am I. Send me!
— Isaiah 6:8The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
— Isaiah 9:2For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
— Isaiah 9:6You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
— Isaiah 26:3But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
— Isaiah 40:31Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
— Isaiah 43:1See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
— Isaiah 43:19But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
— Isaiah 53:5No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
— Isaiah 54:17
Key Passages
- Isaiah 1–66
- Isaiah 6:1–8
- Isaiah 7:14
- Isaiah 9:6–7
- Isaiah 20:2–4
- Isaiah 53
- Matthew 3:3
- Luke 4:17–21
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