“The Bible in Miniature” What comes to mind when you think bout Isaiah? What do you want to know...

“The Bible in Miniature”

• What comes to mind when you think bout Isaiah?

• What do you want to know about Isaiah?• We are perilously close to losing our

reverence for the greatest treasure that God has gifted us with; the Bible.

• It’s in that spirit that we begin today a study of the Biblical book that announced the coming of the Messiah and His eternal kingdom; Isaiah

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A Priceless Treasure

“The Treasures of Isaiah”

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 like crimson,They shall become like wool.

Isaiah 1:18


And they shall beat their swords into plowshares,And their spears into pruning hooks;Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,Neither shall they learn war anymore.

Isaiah 2:4

The “unofficial” mission statement of the UN.

The “Unofficial” Mission Statement of the UN


I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:Holy, holy, hole is the LORD of hosts;The whole earth is full of his glory!Isaiah 6:1-3


Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14


For to us a child is born,To us a son is given;And the government shall be upon his shoulder,And his name shall be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6


There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,And a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

Isaiah 9:6


Behold, I am the one who has laid a foundation in Zion,A stone, a tested stone,A precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation:“Whoever believes will not be in haste.”

Isaiah 28:16


• Over the next 11 weeks, we are going to work our way through this “priceless treasure”.

• We’ll methodically work through the 66 chapters as we seek to understand with more clarity the nature of our God.

• We’ll see through the eyes of Isaiah the prophet the state of apostasy of God’s chosen people and examine the relevance of his message to our circumstance.


• Some refer to the book of Isaiah as “the Bible in Miniature”

• The great announcement in Isaiah is: Jesus is Coming!”

• And in the pronouncement of His coming, is the great question is, “Who will join Me in spreading the news?”

• The great challenge to us is to respond as Isaiah, even in spite of the tremendous challenges; “Here am I, Send me!”


• How to get the most from this study:– Read through the book– Become familiar with it’s organization and

theme– Re-read the portion of the book that will be

the focus for each Sunday.– Consult a commentary to aide your study– Come prepared to participate in class

discussion.


Session Topics

1. The Man, The Times, And The Book2. Introduction To The Entire Prophecy (1)3. Early Messages Of Isaiah (2-5)4. Isaiah’s Vision Of The Holy God (6)5. Judah’s True Hope: The Messianic King (7-12)6. Prophecies Concerning The Nations (13-27)7. The Source Of True Deliverance (28-35)8. Historical Interlude (36-39)9. The One True God Versus Idols (40-48)10.Salvation Through The Suffering Servant (49-

53)11.The Future Glory For God’s People (54-66)

Resources

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The Man, The Times, And The Book

Read through the Book

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Session 1

The Man, The Times, The Book

Review

1. Why is the book of Isaiah called the Bible in Miniature?

2. How many chapters in the book of Isaiah3. How many books in the Bible?4. What is the theme of this study?– Isaiah 6:8

5. What passage did Tyler preach from last week?– Isaiah 6

“The Messianic Prophet”

1. What is a prophet?– One who speaks God’s word to the people of

their own day– “to boil up like a fountain”– A spokesman for God; not so much a

“foreteller” as a “forth teller”.

2. So why is so much of Isaiah about the future; i.e. the Messiah?– It was a reminder of a bright future; that God

would not forget the promises made to the patriarchs.

Isaiah, The Man

1. What does Isaiah mean?– “salvation of the Lord”, or “the Lord is

salvation”; i.e. a symbol of the message

2. What do we know about his family– Tradition says that Amoz was a brother of

Amaziah, the son of Joash, king of Judah (2 Kin 14:1)

3. How did his ministry begin?4. How did his ministry end?

Isaiah, The Times

1. Political turmoil for Judah and an aggressive neighbor; Assyria.

2. Judah resisted joining an alliance with Israel and Syria and they attacked Judah in retaliation.

3. Judah considered reaching out to Assyria as Isaiah encouraged the king and people to trust only in Jehovah.

4. How did Judah respond to Isaiah’s encouragement

Isaiah, The Times

1. King Ahaz realized that Assyria was after him next and started looking for Egypt to help.

2. Again, Isaiah counseled the nation to make no alliance but to trust only in God. This time King Ahaz heeded the message. How did it work out this time?– God rewarded his faith by destroying the

Assyrian’s ( Isa 36-37)

3. Then Ahaz did something stupid! What?

Isaiah, The Book

1. 2 Major Themes:– “Trust in the Holy One of Israel”– “The Messiah to come and the glory of His

age”

2. The Book is divided into two major parts.– The Assyrian Period (chapters 1-39)– The Babylonian Period (chapters 40-66)


Next Week

Introduction To The Entire Prophecy

Chapter 1

Resources


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Review

1. How did his ministry begin?2. Why was his message called a “vision”?3. How important is the prophecy in the

book? 4. Last week we saw that King Ahaz

rejected Isaiah’s advice in respect to a military alliance with Assyria. How did that work out for him?

5. What other prophets were contemporaries of Isaiah?

Session 2

Introduction To The Entire Prophecy

(Chapter 1)

“Objective”

1. Get a sense of what Isaiah saw and why God was disappointed in His people.

2. Relate / compare it to our current situation

3. Gain an appreciation for the style of writing that is used in Isaiah to help us in the remainder of the study.

“The Introduction”

1. The first chapter serves as an introduction to the entire prophecy, especially the first section (Chapters 1-12)

2. It begins with what has been called “The Great Arraignment”

3. The Lord offers a call to repentance.4. It concludes with an announcement of the

coming judgment on Judah and Jerusalem.

“Chapter 1 by Outline”

1. The Heading (1:1)2. Judah’s Sinful Condition (1:2-15)3. The Call to Repentance (1:16-20)4. Announcement of the Coming Judgment

(1:21-31)

The Language of Isaiah

1. Hebrew Poetry2. Poetic Phraseology Made Oral Traditions

Easier to Recall3. Patterns and Verbal Flags Brought

Attention to the Upcoming Poetic Instruction

“Judah’s Condition”

1. Read Isa 1:2-32. Read Isa 1:43. Read Isa 1:5-64. Read Isa 1:7-85. Read Isa 1:96. Read Isa 1:10-147. Read Isa 1:158. We’re not this bad, or we?

“The Call to Repentance”

1. Read Isa 1:162. Read Isa 1:173. Read Isa 1:184. Read Isa 1:19-20

“Judgment to Come”

1. Read Isa 1:162. Read Isa 1:173. Read Isa 1:184. Read Isa 1:19-20

“Summary”

1. What was the state of the people of Judah as it relates to their relationship with God?

2. What was the choices that God offered to them?

3. What would be the consequence of their choices?

4. Did you hear any verbal flags or see poetic devices that were illustrative of the poetic style of Isaiah?

Resources


Next Week

Early Messages Of Isaiah

Chapters 2-5

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Review

1. Chapter One has been called: ?The Great Arraignment

2. God offered a solution to the condition of the nation of Israel; it was: ?

Repentance and Forgiveness3. For those that refused to repent there

was: ?Judgment

4. Isaiah is written in the poetic form: ? Parallelism

Session 4

Early Messages of Isaiah

(Chapters 2-5)

“Objective”

1. To survey several messages of Isaiah, possibly presented in the early years of his ministry

2. To consider the first prophesy that looked forward to the age of the Messiah in which we now live

3. To introduce “foreshortening” and “figurative language” as concepts to understanding Biblical prophecy

“Messages for Desperate Times”

1. Chapters 2-5 contain messages which speak of both the future and present of Judah and Jerusalem.

2. It is thought that these are early messages presented near the beginning of his ministry.– Zion’s Glorious Future (2:1-4)– Zion’s Inglorious Present (2:5 – 4:6)– God and Judah (5:1-30)

“Zion’s Glorious Future”2:1-4

1. The mountain of the Lord’s house will be established in the latter days, in which the word of the Lord will go forth from Jerusalem.

2. It is a message of great hope3. It is clearly messianic and it’s fulfillment

began with the coming of Christ4. The culmination may extend beyond the

2nd coming, to what was depicted in Revelation as the new Jerusalem.

“Zion’s Glorious Future”

“Zion’s Inglorious Present”2:5-4:6

1. Judah was being forsaken by God because they had left him to go after worldliness, materialism, and idolatry. How is that like our time?

2. The “day of the Lord” was about to come upon them. What was that going to be like?

3. Are “we” in danger of like judgment?4. What was the purpose of the judgment?

“God and Judah”5:1-30

1. The 3rd message begins with a “song” regarding The Beloved (God) that built a vineyard and planted choice vines. What did the vineyard produce?

2. What was the “purpose” of the vineyard?3. When God’s people were no longer in a

position to fulfill their purpose, they were powerless against their “enemies.”

“Summary”

1. Who is the “Mountain of the Lord”?2. Why did Isaiah speak of events that in

hind sight would not occur for hundreds of years like they were eminent?

3. Why do you think that metaphors are used in scripture?


Resources


Next Week

Isaiah’s Vision Of The Holy God

Chapter 6

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Review

1. Chapter 1 – The Great Arraignment– Call to Repentance– Announcement of Judgment

2. Chapter 2-5 – Early Messages of Isaiah– Zion’s Glorious Future (Hope)– Zion’s Inglorious Present – Impending Judgment (Wild grapes)

3. Chapter 6 – Vision of the Holy God / The Commissioning

Session 5 & 6

Isaiah’s Vision Of The Holy God

(Chapter 6)

“Objective”

1. To examine Isaiah’s vision of God sitting on His throne.

2. To consider how God hardens the hearts of those who refuse to hear.

3. To note that desolation and captivity would be themes of Isaiah’s prophecy.

“The Commission”

1. Common thought is that “the vision” marks the beginning of Isaiah’s ministry.

2. Why doesn’t the vision appear until Chapter 6.

3. Read Jn 12:37-41. Who did Isaiah see?4. Chapter 6 themes:– Vision (6:1-4)– Reaction (6:5)– Absolution (6:6-7)– Commission (6:8-13)

“The Vision / Revelation”(Read 6:1-4)

1. The Date (6:1a)2. The Lord (6:1b)3. The Seraphim (6:2-3)4. The Audiovisuals (6:4)

“The Reaction - Prostration”(Read 6:5)

1. His Despair– “Woe is me, for I am undone!” – 6.5a– Ezek 1:28– Dan 10:5-10– Re 1:17

2. His Consciousness of Guilt– Look at 6.5b & c

3. His Reason for His Despair– Read Exo 33:20

“The Purification”(Read 6:6-7)

1. Approached by a Seraphim– Who initiated the action?– If God has a task for us to do, then he will

initiate the preparation.

2. Purged of His Sin– What act purged his sin?– How do we know?– Read Psa 51:12-15– Are you open to service to the Lord?

“The Commission - Consecration”(Read 6:8-13)

1. The Lord’s question and Isaiah’s response.– “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?”

– 6:8a– “Here am I! Send me.” – 6:8b

“The Commission - Consecration”(Read 6:8-13)

2. The Commission– The charge – 6:9-10• What to tell the people• What effect this will have on the people• God knew their hearts would only harden

– The term – 6:11-12• “How long?”• The Lord’s response

– The remnant and holy seed – 6:13• See Romans 11:5

“Summary”

1. When we encounter a Holy God, it can be both exhilarating and frightening.

2. When our sin and inadequacy is revealed, we can either deal with it or deny it.

3. What God saves, he’s commissions.4. What God commissions, he prepares.5. What God prepares, he supports on the

mission.

Resources


Next Week

Judah’s True Hope: The Messianic King

Chapters 7-12

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Review

1. What was Isaiah’s reaction when he saw God sitting on HIS throne in a vision?– He realized his true standing before God; i.e.

a sinner.

• How was Isaiah assured that his sin was purged– A live coal was touched to his mouth.

• What small ray of hope was revealed to Isaiah in the vision?– The remnant; “holy seed in the stump”

Session 7 & 8

Judah’s True Hope: The Messianic King

Chapters 7-12

“Objective”

1. To note the prophecies of Isaiah during the reign of Ahaz, King of Judah, those related to the Assyrian invasion and those that looked to the coming of the Messiah.

2. To glean principles related to God’s use of the nations in exercising His judgment.

3. To consider “prophetic suggestion” as a concept to understanding Biblical prophecy.

Context

1. History and prophesies delivered during the reign of Ahaz.

2. Jerusalem was being threatened by Syria and Israel for refusing to join the resistance against Assyria.

3. Ahaz and Judah were attempting to seek help from Assyria (North) and Egypt (south).

Outline

1. The Syrian-Israel Crisis (7:1-25)2. The Assyrian Invader (8:1-10:34)3. Judah’s Hope in the Messiah (11:1-12:6)

The Syrian-Israel Crisis (Read 7:1-25)

1. Judah (and Ahaz) had a pressing dilemma.

2. Isaiah was dispatched by God to offer encouragement.

3. How did Ahaz respond to the encouragement?

4. Was the prophecy delivered by Isaiah fulfilling to Judah (and Ahaz)?

5. Read Mt 1:18-23

“Summary of Chapter 7”

1. Ahaz, King of Judah, son of Jothan, son of Uzziah was leading Judah to seek assistance form Assyria or Egypt because of perceived danger from Israel and Syria (who had been snubbed).

2. Israel was dispatched to warn of the danger of trusting in political alliances; i.e. a real enemy – Assyria.

3. Ahaz piously rejected Isaiah!4. Assyria was used as the Lord’s

instrument.

The Assyrian Invader (8:1-10:34)

1. A 2nd prophecy is delivered by Isaiah2. Assyria’s schemes toward Judah are

restricted by God. Isa 10:6-73. Once Assyria’s purpose is accomplished,

God will judge Assyria for it’s own arrogance. Isa 10:12

4. So Ahaz was afraid of retaliation from Israel and Syria. Who was it that he should really be afraid of? Isa 10:25

5. What saved Judah?

Judah’s Hope in the Messiah (11:1-12:6)

1. In Chapter 11 we find things that sound like they are referring to immediate events and things that are Messianic in nature. Why?

2. Isa 12:1-6 contains a beautiful Song of Praise to the Lord. Why is it that mankind is moved to praise after the deliverance but not prior to the downfall?

“Summary”

1. God is working a plan for your eternity.2. Putting your trust in someone / thing other

than God leads to destruction.3. God will give you warnings – you should

heed them.4. God will deliver a warning even if you don’t

deserve it.5. There is no finessing God, He knows our

heart.6. If you are not receiving instruction from God,

you’ll be focused on the wrong things.7. Once we put our trust in others, it’s hard to

break the allegiance.

Resources



Next Week

Prophecies Concerning The

Nations

Chapters 13-27

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When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be

encouraged by yours. Romans 1:11-13 (Living Translation)

Review

1. Name at least one thing we learned in application of Isaiah’s prophecy to Ahaz.

2. Is it possible for one prophecy to refer to more than one historical event?

3. What is the occurrence of #2 called.4. Why does God use nations in exercising

His judgment?5. We are often tempted to put our trust in

ourselves, or others, or things, or our country. Why is this not a good thing?

Session 9 & 10

Prophecies Concerning The

Nations

Chapters 13-27

“Objective”

1. To “survey” the prophecies of Isaiah concerning the nations surrounding Judah, related to the rise and fall of Babylon and restoration of Israel after her captivity

2. To glean the importance of an obedient trust in the Lord and waiting for His ultimate deliverance

Intro

1. Isaiah expands his horizon to include prophecies concerning the surrounding nations.

2. Nearly all are introduced as a “burden” (e.g. 13:1; 15:1; 17:1). These are declarations which are especially weighty and solemn. Used chiefly to denounce wrath and calamity (i.e. hard to deliver).

3. We see God as not only as the God of Israel, but who rules all nations of men.

Prophecies Concerning Various Nations (13 – 23)

1. Judgment Against Babylon (13 – 14a)2. Judgment Against Assyria (14b)3. Judgment Against Philistia (14c)4. Judgment Against Moab (15 – 16)5. Judgment Against Syria and Israel (17)6. Judgment Against Ethiopia (18)7. Judgment Against Egypt (19)8. Isaiah – A Sign Against Egypt and Ethiopia (20)9. Judgment Against Bablylon, Edom, and Arabia

(21)10.Judgment Against Jerusalem (22)11.Judgment Against Tyre (23)

Prophecies Concerning Judah (24 – 27)

1. God’s Judgment on the Land (24)2. Songs of Praise for God’s Judgment (25

– 26a)3. Prayerful Reflection on God’s Judgments

(26b)4. The Future Prosperity of Zion (27)

Review

Judgment Against Babylon (13-14a)

1. The day of the Lord is “at hand”.2. Judgment is figuratively depicted as worldwide

judgment, with universal calamities.3. The Medes conquer Babylon.4. In the end, Babylon will be devastated like

Sodom and Gomorrah; inhabited by wild beasts and not man.

5. God will show mercy on Judah; i.e. the restoration of Israel.

6. Proverb7. In a proverb, the King of Babylon is referred to as

Lucifer, son of the morning, who descends in shame to Sheol (hell).

Judgment Against Assyria (14b)

1. God’s purpose is to destroy Assyria2. His purpose cannot be annulled. Read

Isa 14:26-27.

Judgment Against Philistia (14c)

1. In the year that King Ahaz died, Isaiah received a “burden” against the long time nemesis of Israel, Philistia.

2. Israel was not to rejoice over the death of their enemy’s king, for their destruction was coming.

3. Despite the death of Ahaz, desolation will be total.

4. Zion will provide refuge for God’s people.

Judgment Against Moab (15 – 16)

1. Desolation and wailing foretold for the cities of Moab

2. The primary sin of Moab was pride3. Within three years, Moab will be despised

and only a few will survive (a prophecy with a definite time period in which it was to be fulfilled.)

Judgment Against Syria and Israel (17)

1. The two nations who conspired against Judah will meet their demise (notice that the co-conspirators against Judah have judgment pronounced together.

2. As a result, they will no longer look to their idols, but have respect for the Holy One of Israel.

3. Their destruction the result of them forgetting the God of their salvation.

Judgment Against Ethiopia (18)

1. Isa refers to Ethiopia as the land shadowed with buzzing wings.

2. They send for help to the “nation tall and smooth of skin” (seeking an alliance).

3. Their crops would be destroyed, they would be left for birds of prey and beasts of the earth.

4. “A people tall and smooth of skin”, bring a present to Mount Zion (i.e. the very people that they sought alliance with).

Judgment Against Egypt (19)

1. Judgment comes to Egypt “riding on a swift cloud.” (figurative description)

2. Judgment takes the form of civil war and foreign occupation.

3. The Nile will turn foul, and the Lord confounds the famed wisdom of Egypt.

4. A future blessing is foretold as “a highway from Egypt to Assyria” (after Egypt comes to fear the Lord), and they will be blessed along with Israel and Assyria.

Isaiah – A Sign Against Egypt and Ethiopia (20)

1. Isaiah walks barefoot and naked as a sign to Egypt and Ethiopia (i.e. a visible sign)

2. This was a symbol of their captivity by the Assyrians.

Judgment Against Bablylon, Edom, and Arabia (21)

1. Isaiah prophesies against the “Wilderness of the Sea”.

2. Elam (Persia) and Media (the Medes) would be used to judge this nation.

3. Babylon is the primary subject of this prophecy.

4. Dumah (Edom) and Arabia also have judgment pronounced against them in this prophecy.

Judgment Against Jerusalem (22)

1. The Valley of Vision is how Jerusalem is referred to.

2. The city would be defeated by siege, after the rulers fled (i.e. there would be no battle.).

3. God would not protect the city because He called for weeping and sackcloth (reprentance), and they replied with joy and gladness (“Let us each and drink, for tomorrow we die!”

4. Shebna the steward / treasurer, would be driven from office into exile.

5. Liakim the son of Hilkiah replaces Shebna.

Judgment Against Tyre (23)

1. When Tyre falls, the ships of Tarshish (Spain) would wail, the city of Sidon would be ashamed, and the country of Egypt would be in agony (i.e. these are trading partners).

2. Destruction will come through the Chaldeans (Babylon).

3. The city would be forgotten for 70 years, before being restored.

God’s Judgment on the Land (24)

1. Calamities are prophesied on the earth, in which few are left.

2. After merriment ceases and the city is destroyed, the remnant “Praises the majesty of the Lord from the ends of the earth.”

3. Those “destined for judgment” will not be able to escape despite their efforts to flee.

4. When the earth is shaken and the moon and sun disgraced, the Lord will reign gloriously on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem before His elders.

Songs of Praise for God’s Judgment (25 – 26a)

1. Isaiah offers a hymn of praise because God has made a fortified city (Moab) a ruin, while providing strength and refuge for the poor and needy.

2. In His mountain the Lord (Messiah) will:– Make for His people a feast– Remove the veil that covers all nations– Swallow up death forever, wipe away tears, and remove

the rebuke of His people3. In that day they will say:– “Behold, we have waited, and He will save us.– “This is the Lord; we will be glad and rejoice in His

salvation”• For those trusting, “The Lord will keep them in perfect

peace.”

Prayerful Reflection on God’s Judgments (26b)

1. Those who wait on the Lord have a “soul’s desire to seek the Lord.”

2. Isaiah is confident that the Lord will establish peace for His people; He will raise them from the dead.

3. He counsels the people to “hide in their chambers” when the Lord begins His judgment.

The Future Prosperity of Zion (27)

1. After the great Leviathan (Babylon) has been slain, a song of a “flourishing” Israel is shared.

2. Israel’s judgment will be measured when compared to the nations that struck it; with the purpose of removing its iniquity and idolatry.

3. God will gather His people from Assyria and Egypt, and have them worship the Lord in Jerusalem (during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah).

“Summary”

1. Who / how did Isaiah deliver these prophecies?

2. Did all of these prophecies come true?3. Why was the prophecies in chapters 24-

27 given?4. What application can we make of these

prophecies; i.e. what impact do they have in our lives.

Who / how did Isaiah deliver these prophecies?

1. What do we really know about Isaiah the man?– Traditionally – brother of Amaziah, the son of

Joash, king of Judah (2Ki 14:1)– He lived during a time of great political turmoil

for the nation of Judah, but also a nation at the zenith of their political power and prosperity.

– He was God’s spokesman to Judah and Jerusalem at a time when the nation was immersed in sin.

– Traditionally – executed by Manasseh a few years after ascending the throne (He 11:37)


1. He is described as a man of God (i.e. closer to God than others and of righteous character).

2. Called ‘servant of Jehovah’ (i.e. specially commissioned by God to discharge duties.)

3. Called ‘messenger of Jehovah’ (i.e. chief task was to convey messages from God to men.)

4. Called ‘seer’ (i.e. saw things other people did not see)


1. Was a man in the ‘tradition’ of prophets which was already an established identity / role before Isaiah.

2. Isaiah publicly rebuked kings (e.g. arraigned Ahaz as an enemy of the true way.) Isa 7

3. Under Hezekiah, he came into his own and was treated with favor, but it was too late to avert consequences.


1. In addition to writing and speaking messages from God, prophets often acted out parables (e.g. Isaiah walked stripped and barefoot for three years to illustrate the coming captivity).

2. He also spoke in song and poetry.


1. In Isa 5:1-7 a popular song (Song of the Vineyard) was transformed into a parable.

2. The owner of a vineyard expects a sweet harvest (i.e. Judah should return Yahweh’s love with devotion.

3. Instead, Judah’s fruit has been wild and bitter.


1. To the guilty (i.e. the kings and the nation)– He seemed to have easy access to the royal

court (Isa 7:3)– Seemed to be well-informed about the affairs

of state; i.e. an educated person– Only a few families whose children were

destined to follow their fathers into the courts bureaucracy or other positions of responsibility, would have received a formal education (i.e. Shakespeare of the Bible)


1. To the faithful (i.e. the remnant)– Has the task of “Re-building”– Need to be prepared for the “road ahead”– Are daily tempted to act like everyone else– Need assurance of God’s promises and

safe-keeping– Has near term and long term (eschatological)

implications.

Did all of these prophecies come true?

1. In the whole of the Bible there are ~2500 prophecies, ~2000 which have already been fulfilled.

2. God is not the only one who uses forecasts to get people’s attention. Clairvoyants, mediums, spiritists and others have give some remarkable predictions (though rarely more than ~60% accuracy)

3. Messages from Satan fail to match the detail of Biblical prophecies and accuracy.

4. Read Deut. 18:21-22)


1. Messianic prophecies:– Isa 7:14 – born of a virgin– Isa 9:1 – ministry would be Galilee– Isa 9:6-7 – a descendent of King David– Isa 11:2 – is anointed with the Spirit of God– Isa 11:10 – be sought after by Gentiles


Bible prophecy: Isaiah 13:19Prophecy written: Between 701-681 BCProphecy fulfilled: 539 BC

In Isaiah 13:19, the prophet said Babylon would be overthrown, permanently. History confirms that when Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC, it never again rose to power as an empire. Before the time of Cyrus, however, Babylon had been defeated by the Assyrian Empire but was able to recover and later conquer the Assyrian Empire. However, like Isaiah prophesied 2700 years ago, the Babylonian Empire never recovered from Cyrus' conquest.


Bible prophecy: Isaiah 14:23Prophecy written: Between 701-681 BCProphecy fulfilled: 539 BC

In Isaiah 14:23, the prophet said that Babylon, which had been a world power at two different times in history, would be brought to a humble and final end. It would be reduced to swampland. After Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC, the kingdom never again rose to power. The buildings of Babylon fell into a gradual state of ruin during the next several centuries. Archaeologists excavated Babylon during the 1800s. Some parts of the city could not be dug up because they were under a water table that had risen over the years.


• The prophet Moses foretold (with some additions by Jeremiah and Jesus) that the ancient Jewish nation would be conquered twice and that the people would be carried off as slaves each time, first by the Babylonians (for a period of 70 years), and then by a fourth world kingdom (which we know as Rome). The second conqueror, Moses said, would take the Jews captive to Egypt in ships, selling them or giving them away as slaves to all parts of the world. Both of these predictions were fulfilled to the letter, the first in 607 B.C. and the second in 70 A.D. God's spokesmen said, further, that the Jews would remain scattered throughout the entire world for many generations, but without becoming assimilated by the peoples or of other nations, and that the Jews would one day return to the land of Palestine to re-establish for a second time their nation (Deuteronomy 29; Isaiah 11:11-13; Jeremiah 25:11; Hosea 3:4-5 and Luke 21:23-24).

• This prophetic statement sweeps across 3500 years of history to its complete fulfillment—in our lifetime.


• In Isaiah 27:6, the prophet said Israel would one day blossom and fill the world with fruit. This prophecy has been at least partially fulfilled, literally and symbolically. Today, the land of Israel, which had been barren for centuries, is a leading producer of agricultural products, exporting food to many countries. This prophecy also has been fulfilled symbolically with the worldwide spread of Christianity. Christianity, which began with Jesus in Israel, now has about 2 billion followers worldwide.

• Fulfilled: late 1900s


• So have all of the prophecies been fulfilled?

Why was the prophecies in chapters 24-27 given?

1. To encourage the remnant.2. They needed to be encouraged and

prepared, because they are the ones who will come back and build up a new society.

3. His preaching reassured them and kept them “hanging on.”

Application Today?

1. There is a point where God turns the “masses” over to their sin and destruction and focuses on the remnant.

2. You can rely on God to keep his promises.

3. Sometimes the “remnant” has the same experience as the sinful, but with the comfort supplied by God at their side.

4. God says it, “We will survive”

Resources



Next Week

The Source of True Deliverance

Chapters 28-35

Presented by


Here Am I: Send Me



The Timeline of Isaiah

Session 11 & 12

The Source of True Deliverance

Chapters 28-35

“Objective”

1. To review the messages Isaiah delivered when Israel and Judah were being threatened by Assyria

2. To note the condemnation for seeking help from Egypt when the people should have looked to the Lord for deliverance

Intro

1. The messages in this section (chs. 28-35) seem to relate mostly to the approaching calamities involving the Assyrian invasion.

2. During the reigns of Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, Shalmaneser king of Assyria came against Israel to the north and took them away captive (cf. 2 Kin 17:1-18:12).

Intro (cont’d)

1. So here was Judah faced with the question of what to do:– Surrender to the Assyrians?– Put their trust in an alliance with Egypt to the

south?

• Isaiah’s message was simple: The source of true deliverance was in the Lord!

Organization

1. The Lord’s design for Ephraim (Israel) and Ariel (Jerusalem) – Ch. 28-35

2. Alliances with Egypt denounced – Ch. 30-31

3. A King will reign in righteousness – Ch. 32

4. The plunderer (Assyria) – Ch. 335. The Sovereignty of God – Ch. 34-35

True Deliverance not Found in Egypt.

True Deliverance Found in the Lord

The Lord’s design for Ephraim (Israel) and Ariel (Jerusalem) – Ch. 28-35

1. Ephraim’s crown of pride would fade, while the Lord would be a crown of glory for the remnant.

2. Led to error by intoxicating drink, Israel’s leaders had not benefited from God’s instructions.

3. Ariel’s leaders (e.g. Ahaz) had trusted in a false confidence for deliverance.

4. God would instead lay in Zion a sure foundation based on justice and righteousness (cf. 1 Pe 2:4-8)

The Lord’s design for Ephraim (Israel) and Ariel (Jerusalem) – Ch. 28-35

5. Removing their false and inadequate confidences, God would have Ariel besieged but then her enemy mysteriously defeated.

6. The house of Jacob would again fear the God of Israel, and those who erred and complained would come to understand and learn the ways of God.

Alliances with Egypt denounced – Ch. 30-31

1. Confidence in Egypt was futile and those who trusted in her would be judged.

2. God would be gracious and merciful to those who trusted in Him.

3. As God judges the nations, it was folly to trust Egypt with her chariots and horsemen.

4. God would deliver Jerusalem Himself, having Assyria fall by a sword not of man, fleeing with fear (cf. 37:36-39).

Part 1 Review

1. The message from Isaiah to Judah during a threatening time from the Assyrians: The Egyptians are not your salvation.

2. A culture immersed in pleasure and escapism (e.g. alcohol abuse) is destined for decline. Why?

3. The Hebrews had already seen the defeat of the Egyptians at the hands of God during the Exodus. Why did this not influence their thinking?

4. It is our responsibility to remind our children of the great heritage that God has given us.

Session 11 & 12

Part 2The Source of True

DeliveranceChapters 28-35


A King will reign in righteousness – Ch. 32

1. Describes the coming of a new regime and his princes.

2. Preceded by difficult times, but the work of righteousness will produce peace, quietness and assurance.

3. May have been an initial reference to Hezekiah, but virtually all believe it is an ultimate reference to the coming of the Messiah.

The plunderer (Assyria) – Ch. 33

1. Assyria will be defeated while the plundered (Judah) looks to the Lord for deliverance and salvation.

2. Lord will intervene with His might, and Zion (Jerusalem) will be made a quiet and secure home.

3. Assyria’s plunder will be divided, while God’s people will be healed and forgiven.

The Sovereignty of God – Ch. 34-35

1. A fitting conclusion to the prophecies delivered by Isaiah during the Assyrian period.

2. It is a poem consisting of two parts3. The sovereignty of God would be

manifested in His judgment on the nations of the world, with a focus on Edom in particular

4. Then the land will be transformed and the redeemed traveling to Zion with singing and everlasting joy.

The Sovereignty of God – Ch. 34-35

5. This could be viewed as deliverance from Assyrian or Babylonian oppression, but the ultimate fulfillment is likely Messianic.

6. “The prophecy before us I regard as a kind of summing up, or recapitulation of all that he had delivered; and the general idea is, that the people of God would be delivered from all their foes, and that happier times under the Messiah would succeed all their calamities. This he had expressed often in the particular prophecies; he here expresses it in a summary and condensed manner.” (Barnes)

Next Week

Historical Interlude

Chapters 36-39

Presented by


Here Am I: Send Me



Session 13


Chapters 36-39

“Objective”

1. To note the pivotal role played by the historical interlude contained in chapters 36-39

2. To see the fulfillment of prophecies found previously in the book regarding the defeat of Assyria

3. To consider Hezekiah’s fervent prayers, both for deliverance from Assyria and from his illness

4. To note how the visit from Babylonian emissaries provided Isaiah the opportunity to foretell the Babylonian captivity

Review of Judgment / Assyrian Period

1. Judah (and her sister Israel) was in a hypocritical apostate relation with God.

2. When threatened by Assyria Judah refused to ally with Israel and Syria to stand against Assyria (who later attacked them).

3. Judah in a slight to Jehovah, looked to Assyria and then Egypt to provide protection.

4. Assyria conquers Israel and turns toward Judah.5. God delivers Judah from Assyria but warns of

Babylon.6. In the end Israel had a bright future with the

coming Messiah.

Three Questions for Today

1. What happened to the 185,000 Assyrian solders that were positioned to attack Jerusalem?

2. What was the prayer and the answer to that prayer that resulted in the extension of a life?

3. What was the miracle that overrode the laws of physics?



1. The two main characters are Isaiah and Hezekiah, king of Judah.

2. It’s an interlude because it’s a climax to the first section (Assyrian), while the second event includes a prophecy pertaining to the setting of the second section (Babylonian).

3. Do you remember that Isaiah kept telling Judah, that the Assyrians were not to be feared. Today we find out why.

Climax to Retribution (Assyria); 36-37

1. God fulfills the prophecies of deliverance from Assyria.

2. When Assyria was closing in on Jerusalem, Hezekiah is encouraged by Isaiah to trust in the Lord.

3. Hezekiah looks to the Lord for deliverance.4. Then in one night, the angel of the Lord kills

185,000 Assyrians in their own camp.5. The king of Assyrian limps home and is

killed by his sons while worshipping his “god”.

Prophecy to Restoration (Babylon); 38-39

1. Hezekiah grows ill and prays to the Lord for an extension of his life.

2. Isaiah encourages him to put his affairs in order, his death is imminent.

3. Hezekiah wept fervently to the Lord.4. Isaiah delivered the message that

Hezekiah’s life would be extended and as a sign the sundial of Ahaz would be turned back ten degrees.

5. Hezekiah wrote a psalm describing his illness and deliverance by the Lord.

Prophecy to Restoration (Babylon); 38-39

1. Hezekiah made the mistake of showing emissaries from Babylon all the treasures of his house.

2. Isaiah told the king the time would come when all those treasures would be carried off to Babylon.

Application

1. Prayer is powerful and can change the course of your life ( and God’s mind).

2. Learn to listen to God. He sees the twists and turns of the future.

3. Trust in the Lord, he is powerful in your life. He will do extraordinary things to encourage use (e.g. overriding the laws of physics)

4. Don’t mess with God. One angel slayed 185,000 soldiers.

5. God can deliver death (e.g. Assyrians) and God can deliver from death (e.g. Hezekiah).

Next Week

The One True God Versus Idols

Chapters 40-48

Presented by


Here Am I: Send Me



Reflection

1. What will be your legacy?2. What do you want to be remembered for?3. What are you doing now to ensure that

you will be remembered the way you wish?

Session 14

The One True God Versus Idols

Chapters 40-48

“Objective”

1. To see how God used Isaiah to comfort to a generation of Israel long after his own death

2. To consider the challenge made to the nations of men and their idols proves the existence and identity of the One True God

3. To note the prophetic references that were fulfilled with the coming of Jesus Christ


Comfort in Captivity

1. We begin today, in the “2nd section” of Isaiah which contains prophecies and proclamations designed to comfort God’s people when they find themselves in captivity.

2. Why were they in captivity?3. Isaiah was not in captivity with them.

How was his words a comfort to them?4. God warns, waits, and then acts.5. Jesus was the ultimate deliverer from

Babylon.

God’s Challenge

1. Sometimes when we hear of God’s “greatness” we are thinking of His “goodness”. We see in the narrative of Isaiah, God’s “GREATNESS”.

2. How did God demonstrate His greatness to idol worshippers (Isa 41)?

3. God’s challenge to Israel; I will not leave you, nor forsake you (Isa 41:14-20).

Deliverance

1. Why were the children of Israel in Babylon?

2. How is this like the story of Joseph?3. Read Isa 43:18-21. What is this about?4. How is a sure way to “forego”

deliverance?

Judgment

1. On the surface, Babylon (and her idols) looked strong and prosperous.

2. Were the Babylonian idols up to the GREAT challenge of God?

3. The prophecy concerning Babylon was humiliation before God.

4. The prophecy concerning Israel was redemption through Messiah.

Conclusion

1. How is Isa 40-48 a powerful argument for the existence of God?

2. Why did God allow the Israelites to suffer in Babylonian captivity.

3. What happened to the Jewish people during the Holocaust?

4. Are there parallels?

Next Week

Salvation Through The Suffering Servant

Chapters 49-53

Presented by


Here Am I: Send Me



Session 15

Salvation Through The Suffering Servant

Chapters 49-53

Objectives

1. To consider the role of the Servant in providing comfort and salvation for Israel

2. To observe that light and salvation would also be extended to the Gentiles

3. To note the remarkable prophecy concerning the Suffering Servant, who would bear the sin of many and make intercession for the transgressors

Reflection

1. The book of Isaiah describes a theological dynamic of sin, judgment, and salvation. Who is the offender / recipient?

2. What was the nature of God’s challenge to the nations and their idols?

3. Last week we examined words of comfort. For whom were they intended?

4. How is it comforting to know when trouble is ahead?

The Commissioning(49)

1. Chapter 49 speaks of the “Suffering Servant”. Who is he / she?

2. The purpose of the Servant from before eternity was to bring salvation to Israel. Somebody else was mentioned (Isa 49:1)

3. Read Isa 49:14. Why would Zion (Judah) say that?

4. How does their experience help us?

Israel’s Hope(50-52)

1. Read Isa 50:2-3. Why was God having to remind the Hebrews of His greatness?

2. What does this have to say about the character and nature of people?

3. Read Isa 51:12-16

Suffering Servant(52-53)

1. Read Isa 53– His Destiny– His Life– His Suffering– His Submission– His Reward

2. One of the great passages in scripture and Christian theology (last of 4 songs)– 1st – Isa 42:1-4– 2nd – Isa 49:1-6– 3rd – Isa 50:4-9– 4th – Isa 53

Next Week

The Future Glory For God’s People

Chapters 54-66

Presented by


Here Am I: Send Me



Session 16

The Future Glory For God’s People

Chapters 54-66

Objectives

• To conclude our study of Isaiah with a look at the future glory promised for God’s people

• To note the inclusion of Gentiles in the fulfillment of this promise

• To consider how this promise relates to the first coming of Christ, with the inauguration of the Messianic age, but also how it may look forward to when the Lord’s reign is culminated at the end of time (following His second coming, the resurrection of the dead, and the Day of Judgment)

Intro

• The last words of Isaiah contains more words of comfort, designed especially for the Babylonian captives who would experience God’s judgment foretold in the 1st half of the book.

• The principal focus is on The Future Glory For God’s People.

• There is also a reminder that their present shame (i.e. captivity) was due to their own wickedness.

Future Splendor of Zion(54:1 – 56:8)

• The condition of captivity is likened to a barren woman. Why?

• Isaiah compels the Israelites to look to the future, not dwell on the present. Why?

• An invitation is extended to “all who are thirsty” (55).

• What is pictured is a two-part exercise; i.e. God invites – we respond.

• Read Isa 55:6-7. Is this consistent with the gospel invitation from our era?

A Reminder(56:9 – 59:21)

• Causes of the downfall:– Watchmen (i.e. religious leaders) failed in

their duties.– Idolatry– Treatment of the downtrodden

• Why did Isaiah dredge up the troubled past?

• Is it our job to remind people of past sins?

Glory to Come(60-66)

• Isaiah delivers a vision of a new Jerusalem (new heaven and new earth).

• To the Babylonians, when they had their freedom restored, they rebuilt Jerusalem. Is this the new Jerusalem?

• Some believe that much of this prophecy was fulfilled in the coming of Messiah.

• Read 2 Peter 3:13-14 and see the vision of John in Rev. 21-22.

• What is the new Jerusalem.

Conclusion

• Our study of the book of Isaiah was subtitled; “Here Am I Send me!”

• Why new appreciation have you learned about Isaiah.

• How is our purpose / calling like Isaiah?• How is our purpose / calling not like

Isaiah?• What are some new things about God that

you’ve learned as a result of this study?

Next Week

Here Am I; Send Me

A final lookA final look

An IntroAn Intro

Presented by


Here Am I: Send Me



The Gospel According to Java Bistro

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.” Gal. 5:23-25

Reflections on Isaiah

• Our study of the book of Isaiah was subtitled; “Here Am I Send me!”

• Did examining the mission of Isaiah change the way that you think about your mission?– How is our purpose / calling like Isaiah?– How is our purpose / calling not like Isaiah?

• What new insights about God did you learn as a result of this study?

“Key Themes”

• The great announcement in Isaiah is: Jesus is Coming!”

• And in the pronouncement of His coming, is the great question is, “Who will join Me in spreading the news?”

• The great challenge to us is to respond as Isaiah, even in spite of the tremendous challenges; “Here am I, Send me!”

“Key Learnings”

1. When we encounter a Holy God, it can be both exhilarating and frightening.

2. When our sin and inadequacy is revealed, we can either deal with it or deny it.

3. What God saves, he’s commissions.4. What God commissions, he prepares.5. What God prepares, he supports on the

mission.

Presented by




Conversations of Jesus

• Where did Jesus invest his time?• Who did Jesus hang out with?– How did he interact with people?– What did he talk about?– What was accomplished?

• Over the next few weeks, we are going to examine these questions through the biblical record of the conversations of Jesus.

Conversations of Jesus

• Zacchaeus (Luke 19)• Samaritan Woman (John 4)• Demon Possessed Man (Luke 8 / Mark 5)• The Invalid at the Pool (John 5)• Nicodemus (John 3)• The Adulterous Woman (John 8)• The Family of Lazarus (John 11)• Levi (Mark 2)

Jesus Friend of Sinners

Next Week

Zacchaeus(Luke 19)

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