Bible Figure
Isaiah
biblical character
Isaiah was a prophet of Judah whose ministry extended through the reigns of several kings during a period dominated by the growing power of Assyria. Called through a majestic vision of the Lord, Isaiah proclaimed God's holiness, Judah's sin, coming judgment, and the necessity of trusting God rather than political alliances. He also announced extraordinary promises of restoration and future salvation. The book bearing his name contains some of the Old Testament's clearest expectations of a coming Davidic ruler and a suffering servant through whom God's saving purpose would reach the nations. Isaiah is quoted frequently in the New Testament, where his prophecies are repeatedly connected with Jesus Christ.
Biography
Isaiah identifies himself as the son of Amoz and places his prophetic ministry during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. His ministry therefore unfolded during the eighth century BC, when the Neo-Assyrian Empire posed an increasing threat to Israel and Judah.
Isaiah's call is described in Isaiah 6. In a vision he saw the Lord enthroned in holiness while seraphim proclaimed God's glory. Confronted with his own uncleanness, Isaiah was cleansed and responded to God's call with the words, "Here am I; send me."
During the Syro-Ephraimite crisis, Isaiah urged King Ahaz to trust the Lord rather than fear the coalition threatening Jerusalem. Ahaz refused the offered sign, and Isaiah announced the sign of Immanuel. Later, Isaiah strongly opposed reliance upon Egypt and other political strategies as substitutes for faith in God.
Isaiah was also active during Hezekiah's reign. When the Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded Judah and threatened Jerusalem, Isaiah assured Hezekiah that the city would not fall to the Assyrians. The biblical account records the dramatic destruction of the Assyrian force and Sennacherib's withdrawal.
Isaiah's message combines warnings of judgment with sweeping promises of hope. He speaks of a child and king associated with David's throne, a peaceful kingdom, a remnant preserved by God, comfort after judgment, the Lord's servant, and the future glory of Zion. Later Jewish and Christian tradition contains accounts of Isaiah's martyrdom, but Scripture itself does not describe his death.
Biblical Significance
Isaiah's message brings together God's absolute holiness, human sinfulness, judgment, faith, redemption, and future hope. His prophecies are especially important to Christian understanding of Jesus. The New Testament applies Isaiah's language to Christ's birth and ministry, John the Baptist's preparation of the way, the response to Jesus' teaching, and the meaning of His suffering and death. Isaiah 53's portrait of the suffering servant has been particularly important in Christian interpretation of the atonement. At the same time, Isaiah's historical ministry teaches that God's people must trust the Lord rather than human power. His vision ultimately extends from Judah's immediate crises to God's saving purpose for the nations.