Isaiah

This book is in process. It had been completed but data was lost in a systems transition.

This opening chaper of Isaiah talks about the rebelliousness of Judah and Jerusalem.  It also talks about the false religion that Judaism had become. God tells them (through Isaiah’s vision) that He isn’t interested in the pomp, pageantry, and ceremony. He wants the relationship that is real. 

Principles: God wants purity of relationship and not fake formality. 

This chapter talks about a future state of the world.  In it, God rules and their is peace in a fallen world.  People still have disagreements and have rejected God but they don’t go to war over it. They also stop worshipping false gods because they are afraid of the true God and run from Him.

Principles: when God rules there is peace even if a fallen situation. 

Isaiah continues sharing weekday God has shown him about the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah. He shares how anything that they have had joy or hope in will be destroyed or taken away. Things will get so desparate that people will look to someone that only have something slightly more to put them in charge. All this because the people have rejected God.

Principles: rejection of God brings dire consequences.

This chapter starts by talking about how bad it will be: to the point that multiple women try to marry the same man to not be scorned as an old maid. Then it moves on to talk about God’s restoration for those that remain faithful to God and survive.  God will provide for those that remain with abundance, a good reputation, and ongoing protection. 

Principles:  God’s people will be taken care of. 

This chapter starts out with a song about God’s vineyard (Israel) and garden (Judah). God expected sweet fruit from them but got bitter fruit.  As a result, He lets them go to weed. In the second section, Isaiah talks about how God will actively bring down Judah. It talks about the sorrow that will be brought by God because of their rejection of Him and sin and His righteousness.

Principles: God wants us to be a sweet fruit but when we are not, He lets our surroundings affect us to turn us around.

Isaiah recounts how he was called by God. He sees God in heaven and realizes before God in His righteousness he is worthy of death. However, an angel brings a coal that cleanses him. Then God asks who He should send to the world and Isaiah “volunteers” and God sends him to share a message with people that they will listen to but not understand. In this way God will purify Israel. 

Principles: God knows the heart of the willing.

In this chapter, the kings of Syria and Israel united to attack Judah. God, however, sends Isaiah to the King of Judah to tell him that it’s already handled and that the attack will never happen. Then God sends another message through Isaiah telling the king to test Him. The king refuses to test God. Isaiah then picks a test for the king which is the prophecy of the Messiah.

Principles: God knows what’s coming and has already planned out what He will do. 

This chapter continues the message of Messiah and the promise of His coming at the beginning.  Despite that message of peace and hope, God tells them that they still won’t repent and that He will judge them. 

Principles: without the redemptive power of Jesus in our hearts, we will not follow God.

Isaiah shares about unjust judges to start with and how when they are punished, they will have no one to help them. Then he shares about God’s judgment of Assyria. God uses Assyria as His tool to judge but because the Assyrian’s and their king think it’s in their own power and are not serving God, God will judge Assyria. God also says that His judgment towards Israel will not be forever and He will return a remnant to Israel. 

Principles: Don’t think your accomplishment is yours in your own strength. Serve God and give Him glory for His accomplishment through you. 

This chapter is more prophecy about Messiah and how it will be like when He returns. It also talks about the return of the remnant that God had kept safe.

Principles: the return of Jesus will restore the world to its original perfection and peace. 

This chapter is a song of praise for what God did in the previous chapter.  

Principles: God is worthy of praise for all that He does for us. 

Isaiah prophesies about Babylon being destroyed. 

Principles: nations that set themselves against God will be destroyed.  God will use other nations to destroy them in singular focus.

This chapter talks about Israel returning from captivity.  It sounds a lot like Israel being re-formed after WW II. It then talks about nations falling (Babylon, Assyria, and Phillistia). However, it also talks about Satan falling from heaven (in connection with the fall of Babylon).

Principles: the principalities that rule in countries are spiritual not just physical.  Thus as Babylon falls, reference is made to Satan falling from heaven. 

This chapter is prophecy of the destruction of Moab. Isaiah shares that even the survivors of the unitial attack will be hunted down by lions. Great sadness will prevail.

Principles: God’s judgment is complete when it comes. 

This chapter continues from 15 about the destruction of Moab. Basically only women will have survived the attack.  They cry out to their gods to no avail.  Their arrogance is gone.  All of it will have happened within 3 years of the prophecy. Isaiah is weeping over their demise. 

Principles: Do not rejoice at the calamity of evil people. 

This prophecy is how Israel and Damascus will fall.  They will be desolate.  Because of this, Israel will turn back to God instead looking to their isold and false gods.

Principles: turn away from the false gods that you think bring you sustenance and protection. 

This prophecy is to Egypt. God will tear down Egypt in an effort to draw them to Himself. There will be war and conflict amongst the Egyptians, city to city, area to area, neighbor to neighbor, brother to brother. God will cause a fierce ruler to come to power. Then He will give the fierce ruler counselors with no wisdom or understanding of the times. The Nile will dry up and ruin the economy. However, from all this whole regions of Egypt will turn to God and serve Him along with portions of Assyria and Israel. There will be commerce among them as a result. 

Principles: God wants to save everyone and He corrects those He loves. 

God gives a prophecy that Isaiah must demonstrate. He tells Isaiah to strip down naked.  Then God says through Isaiah that this is how Egypt and Ethiopia will be taken captive and led away by Assyria. This will cause the Philistines who depended on relationships with Egypt for support to be thrown into turmoil.

Principles: God allows the scales of man to be tipped to discipline and accomplish His purpose.

This is a prophecy from Isaiah about the fall of Babylon, Edom, and Arabia. Babylon’s demise seems more extensive because of all the things it has done to other nations. The “Babylon is fallen, fallen” is quoted later in Revelation.  The phrase from the watchman seems like some sort of phrase that would be said regularly. 

Principles: God sees what happens throughout the world.

The first part of the chapter is a prophecy of Jerusalem falling due to siege. Despite death all around, the people of Jerusalem do not call out to God who provided everything them that is being taken. 

The second prophecy is to a specific person. This person has not honored God in his role and will be replaced by someone who will. 

Principles:  Honor God and rely on Him to carry you through. 

This is a prophecy to Tyre. God’s judgment is coming for them.  They will be done in and be gone 70 years.  Then they will be revived but be the same that they have been.  Their wealth after they’ve been revived will be used for the benefit of Israel’s priests. 

Principles: God has a plan for everything and everyone. 

This prophecy is about the earth and its human systems being largely destroyed.  It paints an apocalyptic picture (think Book of Eli earth). This is due to the sin of people. However, those that serve God rejoice in Him.

Principles: sin destroys but those that love God rejoice in Him 

Isaiah starts by praising God for His greatness and for righting wrongs in the world. He points out that while His judgment was there for those that stood against God, God’s protection and care is there for those that need Him. He speaks of the future when God sets things right for good. He ends noting that Moab will be judged and brought down. 

Principles: God should be praised for His work to purify and correct.  He cares for those who have nothing but Him.  

This chapter is praising God for His victory over the evil that have come against the righteous. 

Principles:  trust God to bring you through the hard times.  Praise Him in the midst of it and when He has brought you through. 

This chapter talks about how God has punished various groups but has come to a place where He has rated from most of His judgment. He will still keep things in line in order to draw Israel to Himself. At the beginning of the chapter, there is reference to Leviathan.

Principles: God’s focus is on drawing people to Himself.

This chapter is a prophecy to Samaria that it will fall in judgment. It notes that is lead by those that are drunks. It also notes the comparison to how farmers handle the processing of various grains, etc. It talks about their being flailed and ground but not totally crushed.

Principles: God knows how to correct at the right level to create repentance.

This prophecy is about Jerusalem and the judgment it will go through. Because it has not followed our recognized God, it will go through judgment. But then God will rescue Jerusalem. Those watching will recognize God’s power and care.

Principles: God’s judgment is meant to turn us to Him.

This prophecy reflects on Judah’s treaty with Egypt. Instead of trusting in God Judah has decided to be Egypt for help. Isaiah shared that despite paying them lots of money, Egypt won’t help them.

Judah only wants to hear positive things and has tried to silence the prophets and seers so that they won’t share the message of judgment from God. Isaiah let’s them know that only resting and trusting in God will bring the piece that they want.

Then Isaiah shares what the blessings of God will look like and that God will have to wait on them to learn it the hard way and return to Him.

Principles: Don’t put your trust in your former captors. Don’t put your trust in riches and physical strength. Don’t count on unreliable people. Put your trust in God and rest in Him.

This chapter continues the derision of putting trust in Egypt, pointing out how puny they are compared to God. Isaiah paints a picture of God as protector of Israel despite its sins. He notes how God will bring Egypt down along with Assyria.

Principles: no one can protect you like God.

This chapter prophesies of a coming King and righteous Prince who will rule in righteousness and peace. Those who live a life of ease and those who are in the public eye that are bad for the country will be shaken out of their roles. Then the country will be set at true peace and ease because of the King and Prince ruling.

Principles: God’s kingdom will put all things right.

This prophecy is a statement against Assyria proclaiming that they would be betrayed like they have betrayed others. Israel is feeling the pain of Assyria but God will stand up for Israel.

Principles: putting your trust in people instead of God leads to pain and grief. Let God be your defender.

This chapter talks about judgment against the world in general and then Edom specifically. The Lord will allow the land to go back to being in ruins with birds of prey in control.

Principles: turning from God leads to ruin.

This chapter talks about a time of God’s deliverance and provision. It shows that God’s people are the only ones that will enjoy these blessings.

Principles: God’s provision is there for His people.

In this chapter we see Hezekiah, King of Judah, praying for deliverance and asking Isaiah to pray for their deliverance from the Assyrians. Isaiah assures Hezekiah off God’s deliverance. Then the Assyrian king threatens them again and returns home and is killed by two of his sons as God said.

Principles: trusting that God will deliver His people and that He is intimately aware of everything happening is what you should do.

Hezekiah gets very sick and is told by God through Isaiah that he should put his affairs in order because he is going to die. Hezekiah prays that God will let him live because he has been faithful to God. God replies that He has heard his prayers and will give him an additional 15 years. Then Hezekiak writes a poem about the prospect of losing his life and getting it back again. Isaiah tells the kings servant what to do to heal Hezekiah.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, at mei dolore tritani repudiandae. In his nemore temporibus consequuntur, vim ad prima vivendum consetetur. Viderer feugiat at pro, mea aperiam

Principles: God hears our prayers and answers.

The king of Babylon sent people to visit Hezekiah with gifts because he’d heard that Hezekiah had been sick. Hezekiah showed the visitors everything in his kingdom including the royal treasures stored up. Isaiah questioned Hezekiah about what he’d shown the visitors. Hezekiah told him “everything.” Isaiah prophesied that one day the Babylonians would take away everything into captivity including some of his own sons. Hezekiah replied that it was a good word because at least there would be peace during his time.

So many principles: just because someone gives you a gift doesn’t mean that their intentions are pure. Just because someone is your “friend” now doesn’t mean they will remain your friend. Peace at all costs is too heavy of a price. What others think is an acceptable amount of loss because it doesn’t hurt them doesn’t mean it will be acceptable to you (his sons would be taken and made eunuchs). Leadership can trend to delusion.

This chapter is the prophecy used to talk about John the Baptist. It also talks about the greatness, glory, and majesty of God.

Principles: There is nothing that we can teach God or advise Him on to inform Him.t them doesn’t mean it will be acceptable to you (his sons would be taken and made eunuchs). Leadership can trend to delusion.

This chapter is one of calling out the false gods around the world. They are called to account and have nothing to show for their power. It also talks about God caring for His people and the poor.

Principles: God is the only real one.

This chapter talks about Jesus and how He carries out God’s plan and does so in perfect alignment with God’s character. The next section is a section of praise to God. The final section talks about how Israel has been shown the truth but doesn’t follow it.

Principles: God has told us His plan. We have to listen and obey.

This chapter talks about how God has treated Israel as special among all the nations. He has let other nations fall by the wayside in order to save Israel. Despite all that, they haven’t followed Him. That’s why He had allowed them to experience hardship.

Principles: God loves His children without end but our actions separate us from Him.

This chapter starts by comforting Israel giving them hope. It then goes on to talk about those who worship idols and how meaningless it is. In the third section it takes about how Jerusalem will be restored through Cyrus. God will use him to restore Jerusalem and the temple.

Principles: worshipping something handmade is not logical and is foolish. God used people to accomplish His plan.

In this chapter, Isaiah talks about how God has used Cyrus for the benefit of Israel. He chose Cyrus to conquer.

Principles: God uses people and resources of His choosing that may or may not be “Christian” to accomplish His purpose.

Isaiah shares how do many are deceived by false gods (of Babylon in this particular instance). Those gods can’t protect the people and the people can’t protect the gods. Yet the one and only true God has been there for them for their entire history. God is ready to move on behalf of His people and He’s telling them to get ready.

Principles: we can’t put our trust in things that are inanimate.

This chapter talks about the fall of Babylon. God allowed His people to be taken captive by Babylon because they had rebelled against Him. However, Babylon was harsh to them and had committed its own atrocities. So God was going to take them out.

Principles: just because you are used by God does not give you permission to ignore His ways and rules.

The subtitle of the chapter intro is God’s stubborn people. It talks about how the Israelites were stubborn in submitting to God. However, God told them what He was going to so that they couldn’t credit their idols for doing it. He was rescuing them for His namesake. In the second section, it talks about their rescue from Babylon through God’s using Cyrus.

Principles: The description of God’s stubborn people is not limited to the Israelites. God uses who He pleases to accomplish His plan.

Isaiah talks about his calling from God. Then he talks about how God will rescue Israel.

Principles: even when it seems like God isn’t around, He has a plan and He’s caring for you.

This chapter notes that Israel has been put into bondage because of their sin comparing them to a child and mother put into slavery because of their sins. God was not responsible for putting them there. He has the power to free them and do much greater things. The chapter also talks about how V Isaiah is the obedient servant of God.

Principles: we put ourselves in tough places. God is our rescuer.

This chapter goes back and forth between the voice of God speaking and Isaiah speaking. It starts out with God reminding them of their origins in Abraham and how He made them a great nation. Then there is confirmation by Isaiah. Then back to God speaking about His care and protection. Then back to Isaiah calling for God’s protection. Then it talks about how God will turn the trials they’ve been going through on their persecutors.

Principles: God understand what we are going through and will turn our trials against those who are persecuting us.

This chapter is calling the Israelites to freedom from their captivity. It is a joyous perspective and one where the people are told to come back to God’s favor. The end of the chapter points to the suffering of Jesus for the world’s benefit.

Principles: There is joy in returning to God. He will fully care for us.

This is a prophecy about Jesus and His sacrifice. It tells of some of the things He would go through including His rejection, death, and burial.

Principles: when God is for you no one can stand against you.

This prophecy is one of encouragement to Israel that God is calling them back from captivity. He is saying that He will make them bountiful and that they will not experience this again. No weapon formed against them will prosper.

Principles: when God is for you no one can stand against you.

This prophecy is one of encouragement to Israel that God is calling them back from captivity. He is saying that He will make them bountiful and that they will not experience this again. No weapon formed against them will prosper.

Principles: when God is for you no one can stand against you.

This chapter talks about showing love to foreigners who seek to follow God…not just those that are from the same country. It also says to treat eunuchs well. God says He will care for both the foreigner and the eunuch beyond what they could expect. God condemns sinful leaders who are focused on pleasures instead of doing what is right and required.

Principles: treat all those around you with God’s love

This chapter covers God responding to this that have been worshiping false gods condemning them for their idolatry and rejection of God.

Principles: God rejects those who worship false gods but sustains those that are humble before Him.

In this chapter there is a comparison between true worship and “lip service.” We can “do” church/go through the motions but not really live it.

Principles: God wants true worship and relationship.

This chapter notes that God is able to hear us and save us but we are too often separated from Him by our sin. It has been so rampant that God has intervened against the sin to save those that are unjustly affected by sin. In the end of the chapter, God makes a covenant for His Spirit to be with those who He has rescued and for His Word to remain with them.

Principles: Our sin gets in the way of our relationship with God. However, God in His living grace makes a way for us despite our sin.

This chapter talks about how God will restore Israel and Jerusalem. God will remove them from their state of punishment and make them prosperous to glorify Himself. God will be the center of their community.

Principles: the focus of everything is on the glory of God and our relationship to Him.

This is the prophecy that Jesus quotes in the synagogue announcing his ministry. It tells how He has come to change the fortunes of the people of Israel and the world at large.

Principles: Jesus, our redeemer, changed everything for our good.

In this chapter Isaiah speaks of his prayer for Jerusalem to return to righteousness before God. He determines to pray continuously for Jerusalem until it does and is known for being holy before the Lord.

Principles: God puts things on our hearts to pray for.

This chapter reflects how God is judging those that have been enemies of His people. He is champion to those that need rescuing. Then the chapter transition to praise to God for His work for us

Principles: God is our rescuer and strength. He deserves our praise for His care and conquering our enemies.

In this chapter, Isaiah wishes that God would “burst” through the heavens and come to their rescue, making their oppressors shake in fear. However, he recognizes that due to their sin, God has allowed them to go through the results of their sin and rejection of God.

Principles: God is able to come to our rescue but sometimes our rejection of that rescue gets in the way.

This is God speaking to Israel saying He called out to them but no one was listening. He tried to help but no one wanted His help. He said He wold destroy all of Israel for their sin but there are still some that are faithful. Then He talks of a promised future of redemption for His people.

Principles: God always has a remnant of His people. God loves His remnant.

This chapter speaks of rejecting those that have chosen to worship false gods and the restoration of those that serve the true God and the remnant of Israel.

Principles: God saves a remnant. God rejects those who worship false gods.