ProphetsIsaiah

Isaiah, the Prophet Isaiah, is one of the major prophets of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. Traditionally identified as Isaiah son of Amoz, he is associated with prophetic activity in Judah in the late 8th century BCE. Modern scholarship generally views the Book of Isaiah as the work of multiple authors over centuries, though the figure of Isaiah remains central to the tradition. The book is commonly divided into three parts: First Isaiah (chapters 1–39), Second Isaiah (40–55), and Third Isaiah (56–66).

Content and themes: The prophetic message combines judgments against injustice and idolatry with visions of deliverance and restoration. Isaiah emphasizes holiness and trust in the one God, the sovereignty of Yahweh, and the need for social righteousness. It includes notable passages such as the Immanuel prophecy (7:14) and the Servant Songs (44:1-53:12) that describe a suffering servant and a future kingdom. The book also envisions a messianic ideal and a future era of peace and universal knowledge of God.

Historical context and influence: Early chapters engage the threat of Assyria during Hezekiah’s reign; later sections reflect exile in Babylon and the return from exile. In Judaism and Christianity, Isaiah has been a foundational text for theology of judgment and redemption, messianism, and eschatology. It figures prominently in liturgy and is frequently cited in the New Testament and early Christian writings.

Authorship and scholarship: Scholarly views vary on the unity of the text, with many scholars proposing multiple authors or redactors. Despite debates about authorship, Isaiah remains a central and influential prophetic book, widely studied for its literary artistry, historical insights, and theological themes.