The Book of Isaiah is one of the most powerful and poetic books in the Old Testament. It contains prophecy, history, and messages of both judgment and hope. Written hundreds of years before the coming of Christ, it speaks about God’s holiness, the need for repentance, and the promise of salvation through the Messiah.
1. Isaiah’s Name Means “The Lord is Salvation”
The name Isaiah in Hebrew is Yeshayahu, meaning “The Lord is salvation.” This is a fitting name, since the theme of salvation runs throughout the entire book.
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
— Isaiah 12:2
2. Written During a Time of National Crisis
Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah—four kings of Judah (Isaiah 1:1). His ministry took place when the Assyrian Empire threatened God’s people.
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.”
— Isaiah 6:1
3. Isaiah Had a Vision of God’s Throne Room
One of the most famous passages in Isaiah describes his vision of the Lord in the temple. This moment marked the beginning of his prophetic calling.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
— Isaiah 6:8
4. Contains One of the Clearest Messianic Prophecies
Isaiah foretells the virgin birth of the Messiah, a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
— Isaiah 7:14
5. Known as the “Fifth Gospel”
Because of its many prophecies about Jesus, some scholars call Isaiah the “Fifth Gospel.” Passages like Isaiah 53 describe Christ’s suffering in great detail, centuries before His birth.
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
— Isaiah 53:5
6. A Book of Both Judgment and Comfort
Isaiah warns of God’s judgment against sin but also offers hope and comfort to His people.
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem...”
— Isaiah 40:1–2
7. Isaiah Walked Barefoot as a Sign to the Nations
God commanded Isaiah to walk stripped and barefoot for three years as a sign against Egypt and Cush, symbolizing the shame of their future defeat.
“At that time the Lord spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz. He said, ‘Go, take off the sackcloth from your body and the sandals from your feet.’ And he did so, going around stripped and barefoot.”
— Isaiah 20:2
8. Predicts the Fall of Babylon
Long before it happened, Isaiah prophesied that Babylon would fall, showing that God rules over all nations.
“Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the pride and glory of the Babylonians, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.”
— Isaiah 13:19
9. Isaiah Lived During the Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Isaiah was present when the Assyrian army surrounded Jerusalem. Through his prophecy, he encouraged King Hezekiah to trust in God’s deliverance.
“Therefore this is what the Lord says concerning the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here… By the way that he came he will return; he will not enter this city,’ declares the Lord.”
— Isaiah 37:33–34
10. Points to the New Heavens and New Earth
The book ends with a vision of God’s ultimate restoration—eternal peace in a renewed creation.
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.”
— Isaiah 65:17
