Old Testament

Contents

This book is one of the most famous books of the Old Testament. It is the most quoted book in the New Testament and the book that Christ Jesus used the most. It has also always been of interest to Christians. There are two reasons for its popularity.

1. This book contains the clearest reference of the Old Testament to the gospel of the New Testament. The following topics are found in the book of Isaiah:

  • The sin
  • The hopelessness of the sinner
  • The great love of GOD
  • The Coming of the Redeemer
  • The Call to Repentance
  • The call to faith

That is why Isaiah is called the “first evangelist.”

2. This book is full of phrases that have become common among Christians:

  • Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
  • Behold, the virgin has conceived.
  • For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given….
  • He is called wonderful Counselor…
  • “Roast, comfort My people, says your God.
  • O all thirsty ones, come to the waters.

Isaiah wrote during a period of constant threat to the kingdom of Judah, the former southern part of the kingdom of Israel. The kingdom of Israel had been destroyed by Assyria, and the land of Isaiah seemed to be the next victim.

Isaiah pleaded with King Hezekiah to rely on God for protection, against all human logic. That would spare Judah God. When Hezekiah dared, a plague broke out in the camp of the Assyrians, so that they retreated hastily.

The little kingdom was spared because of their faith in God.

The book of Isaiah paints a picture of those difficult times with its:

  • Groceries,
  • Sermons,
  • Events,
  • Admonitions,
  • Prophecies.

Theological Themes

The book of Isaiah is a high point in the Old Testament. Isaiah especially emphasizes the holiness of God: God is the Holy One of Israel. That was the reason Judah felt safe: God would never do anything unjust. Isaiah pointed out to Judah the covenant that GOD had made with His people. They were His property. If they were taken as captives, some would return to continue where their ancestors had to break off. In His throne GOD would never forget His grace.

An important theme in Isaiah’s message is the coming of the Messiah, the servant of the Lord. Four long psalms or poems deal with the suffering servant of the Lord. The preaching and works of Christ Jesus are foretold. On another level, they also related to Judah, which as a nation was also the servant of GOD (42:1-7; 49:1-7; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12). The servant of the Lord suffers for this world, because:

  • To establish the justice of GOD,
  • To bring redemption to the nations,
  • To be a light to the Gentiles,
  • To proclaim the truth to those who will listen,
  • To make the blind see,
  • To free the captives,
  • To face the weak with compassion and care,
  • Sow the Spirit of GOD,
  • Bear the sins of the world,
  • Intercede for the sinners,
  • Giving the knowledge of GOD to seekers,
  • To ensure peace for all peoples.

All these assignments were done by Christ Jesus.
The book of Isaiah presents the promise of redemption in pictures (1:18; 11:1-9; 35:1-10; 40:1-31; 52:7-10; 55:1-7; 61:1 -11). It is the message of the grace of God presented to all who respond with faith.

Main features

  1. Announcement of Judgment on Judah (1:1-5:30),
  2. Isaiah’s calling as prophet (6:1-13),
  3. Judgment and blessing on Judah (7:1-12:6),
  4. Announcement of judgment on other nations (13:1-23:28),
  5. Judgment on the Earth (24:1-27:13),
  6. Judgment and blessing on Judah, Israel and Assyria (28:1-39:8),
  7. Future comfort and blessing to Judah (40:1-66:24).