The Fifth Gospel
Overview
A journey through Judgment (1-39) and Comfort (40-66). Explore the most quoted prophet in the New Testament.
740 BC - 681 BC
Isaiah served during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. He saw the nation drift from God amidst the rise of the Assyrian Empire.
Israel (North) and Judah (South) were divided. Assyria was conquering everything. The Kings faced a choice: Trust alliances or trust Yahweh?
Reflection
"When our world feels unstable politically or socially, where do we first look for security?"
Chapter 6: The Throne Room
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!"
Isaiah 6:3
Reflection
"Isaiah could only say 'Send me' AFTER he was cleansed. What burdens do you need to give to God before serving?"
Chapter 7: The Promise in Crisis
King Ahaz is terrified of invading armies. God tells him to ask for a sign. Ahaz refuses (feigning piety, but actually unbelief).
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
— Isaiah 7:14
Reflection
"God is with us in the messy middle of history. How does 'God with us' change your view of your current problem?"
Chapter 9: The Government
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given..." (Is 9:6). Note the four royal titles:
Perfect Wisdom
Divine Power
Eternal Care
Wholeness (Shalom)
Reflection
"Which of these four aspects of God do you need most right now? Wisdom, Power, Fatherly care, or Peace?"
Chapter 40: Comfort
Chapters 1-39: Judgment
Chapters 40-66: Comfort & Hope
"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem..."
Isaiah 40:1-2
After predicting the Babylonian exile, God speaks into the future captivity, promising a "Voice in the wilderness" (John the Baptist) to prepare the way for the Lord.
Reflection
"God speaks 'tenderly' to His people after discipline. Do you view God as harsh, or as a loving Father who restores?"
Chapter 53: The Atonement
The "Servant Songs" depict a Messiah who conquers not by sword, but by suffering.
"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities... and by his wounds we are healed."
Isaiah 53:5
Reflection
"This was written 700 years before Christ. How does this detail impact your faith in the Bible's reliability?"
Chapter 55: Free Grace
"Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters!"
He who has no money, come, buy and eat.
Isaiah 55 presents the gospel clearly: Salvation is a gift. It cannot be bought; it must be received by those who admit they are "thirsty" and "broke."
Reflection
"Are you trying to 'buy' God's favor with good works, or are you coming freely to drink?"
Chapter 60: Arise, Shine
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you."
This points to the future restoration of Zion, but also the church. Nations will come to the light. It is a reversal of the darkness in the earlier chapters.
Reflection
"In a dark world, we are called to reflect God's light. Who needs to see God's light through you this week?"
Chapter 65-66: The End
"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind."
Isaiah 65:17
The book ends not just with Israel returning to the land, but with a cosmic recreation where the "wolf and the lamb shall graze together."
Isaiah takes us from a corrupt Jerusalem (Ch 1) to a New Jerusalem (Ch 66). It is the story of the Bible in miniature.
Reflection
"How does the promise of a restored world affect your hope today?"
Tap to mark prophecies as "Fulfilled" in your heart.