Bible Overview is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in Bible study. Each month we feature a book of the Bible (in order) by Bible scholar and lecturer, Mary Jane Chapin Chaignot. This month's entry is the Book of Isaiah, which is the first of the latter prophets, along with Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the Twelve Minor Prophets. They are all found in the second division, known as The Prophets. All of these books relate in some way to the fall of the northern and southern kingdoms. It is an interpretation of history through the lens that God is always in control of everything. If you want to read some of the history previous to this selection, you can find the earlier books in our archives. The Bible Time-Line is another quick reference for locating individuals or specific books. We encourage readers to share their Bible Study success stories on this site. Email us at overview@biblewise.com to be included on next month's site.

Bible Overview should be a wonderful help to all of you whether you are starting or continuing your Bible study. Bible Overview features an examination of a different book of the Bible each month (in order) by Bible scholar and lecturer, Mary Jane Chapin Chaignot. The only exceptions to this pattern are Christmas and Easter. This month in Bible Overview Isaiah is covered. In Living with the Bible we discuss The Nativity Story and Did You Know information about Elisabeth, Anna, and Mary.

Isaiah

The title of the book is derived from its opening words: the vision of Isaiah, son of Amoz which he saw…." Four kings are mentioned, suggesting a time of 25 years. And while most scholars accept the historicity of a person named Isaiah, they are also in agreement that the material in the book covers a much longer span. It is almost universally agreed that chapters 1-39 describe events in Isaiah's own lifetime, roughly 739-701 BCE. Chapters 40-55 reflect the period of exile (605-539BCE), and chapters 56-66 the return, approximately 539-500BCE. Scholars often identify these three distinct historical periods as First, Second (Deutero/DI), and Third (Trito/TI) Isaiah. It makes for interesting arguments over the unity of the book.

Most scholars deal with this by making a distinction between Isaiah, the prophet, and Isaiah, the book. Some argue that the latter periods are simply the prophecy of the historical Isaiah. Others argue for three distinct authors, in sync with the one overarching message throughout the book: God is in control of historical events and is using them to achieve His divine goals for His people. Isaiah began his prophetic ministry at the very time when Israel began to feel the heavy hand of Assyria. It is the Assyrian threat, then, that is behind the oracles of doom that dot the first twelve chapters. This is followed by a period of prophetic silence because the King (Ahaz, at this point) made an alliance with Assyria. Upon the death of Ahaz, Isaiah returned to his ministry. He began to look beyond his times and called for faith in Yahweh, all the while continuing to denounce the intrigues of the political leaders. During his later years, the kings worked on an alliance with Egypt, which Isaiah labeled as a "covenant with death." Indeed, the Assyrians were quick to put down the rebellion engineered by the alliance and picked off the Judean cities one by one, eventually holding Hezekiah under siege in Jerusalem. Hezekiah's submission and agreement to pay tribute staved off total destruction for the city. Although Isaiah saw the Assyrian king to be the instrument of God's chastisement for Judea, he also knew that the conquerors would be humbled after they had fulfilled God's purposes. He was, therefore, convinced that Jerusalem would survive.

It did survive, but its inhabitants were taken into exile in 567BCE - the background for chapters 40-55. In contrast to the earlier prophecies of doom and gloom, these verses sparkle with a message of hope and joy to come, a prosperity that would never end. In the events that had occurred, this author saw the fulfillment of God's plan. Judah had been punished for her sins, but a new day was at hand. God had a new plan, a new beginning in store for his people. Within these sixteen chapters are some of the most dramatic verses in the Bible. Themes of creation, history, and redemption all highlight God's work in the world, leading the author to exultant praise. Included in these passages are the Servant Songs, poems that portray the Servant and his function in the purpose of God. In these poems the Servant suffers, not for his own sins, but for the sins of others. But through his suffering and death, he affects God's saving purpose. In its time, the Hebrew people thought the Servant to be Israel or the prophet. Since the days of the New Testament, however, the verses have typically been interpreted as pointing to Christ.

The final chapters 56-66 deal with encouraging and supporting those who returned to Jerusalem, where things were very different from when they had left. Although the return was seen as fulfillment of Deutero-Isaiah's prophecy, the reality fell far short from a triumphant return. They were only granted a small portion of their land, which did include the city of Jerusalem. They had to interface with people who had stayed behind as well as with those who had moved in to occupy the desolate land. It was a time of disappointments, disillusions, and divisions among those who returned. They surely needed a prophetic word.

All three sections of Isaiah emphasize God's special relationship with his people. The main themes are promise and fulfillment in an ongoing pattern. When God's promises are fulfilled, there are additional promises leading to further fulfillment. The final chapters explore issues of salvation and judgment, with the Servant involved in both aspects.

The book itself was known by the time of Chronicles, roughly around 400 BCE. There were never any issues regarding its canonicity. The book has always been highly regarded both before and after the New Testament period. This is evidenced by the many quotes and allusions from Isaiah found throughout the New Testament and on the lips of Jesus and Paul.

In addition to the three main divisions, there are several subdivisions. I -- Chapters 1-39: Threats against the people (1-12), Threats against foreign peoples (13-23), and Promises to God's people (24-39). II -- Chapters 40-55: Living under the Babylonians (40-48), A light to the nations: return to Palestine (49-55). III -- Chapters 56-66: The restored community.