UNDERSTANDING ISAIAH | BLUEPRINT

0. Introduction

a) The Bible Book Introductions are divided into 4 parts (Overview, Vital Statistics, Blueprint, Mega-themes) for easy-to-understand.

1. Blueprint 

@1. Words of judgment (1:1-39:8)

i) The sins of Israel and Judah.

ii) Judgment against heathen nations.

iii) God's purpose in judgment.

iv) Jerusalem's true and false hopes.

v) Events during the reign of Hezekiah.

a) The 39 chapters in the first half of Isaiah generally carry the message of judgment to Judah, Israel, and the surrounding heathen nations. Judah had a form of godliness, but in their hearts they were corrupt. Isaiah's warnings were intended to purify the people by helping them understand God's true nature and message. However, they ignored the repeated warnings that Isaiah brought. We need not repeat their error; rather, we should heed the prophetic voice.

@2. Words of comfort (40:1-66:24)

i) Israel's release from captivity.

ii) The future Redeemer.

iii) The future kingdom.

a) The 27 chapters in the second half of Isaiah generally bring a message of forgiveness, comfort, and hope. This message of hope looks forward to the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah speaks more about the Messiah than does any other Old Testament prophet. He describes the Messiah as both a suffering servant and a sovereign Lord. The fact that the Messiah was to be both a suffering servant and a sovereign Lord could not be understood clearly until New Testament times. Based on what Jesus Christ has done, God freely offers forgiveness to all who turn to him in faith. This is God's message of comfort to us because those who heed it find eternal peace and fellowship with him.