Isaiah — Introduction & Outline

The authorship of Isaiah was never questioned until the late eighteenth century when higher criticism led to the theory of Deutero-Isaiah. These critics claim that the author of chapters 1-39 is not the same as the author of chapters 40-66. Denying any supernatural predictive element, they conclude that the context of the Babylonian captivity and mention of the Persian king Cyrus (chs. 44:28-45:1) prove a post-exilic date in contrast to the Assyrian background of chapters 1-39. Differences in theology, language, and style are also used to support this theory.

There is abundant internal evidence to refute the liberal's denial of Isaiah's authorship.

First, there is the reality of the miraculous predictive element in prophecy. If this is denied, God's own argument for sovereignty is eviscerated (41:21-23,26). Also, Palestine is clearly the historic setting of 40-66 because idolatry, condemned in chapters 41, 44, 57, and 65-66, was not a problem after the Babylonian captivity. Actually, Babylon is mentioned more than twice as often in 1-39 as in 40-66 showing that the contexts are the same and that 1-39 anticipates 40-66. The only shift is not in context, but from present to future realities. As to differences between the two parts, it can be shown that similarities are greater than the differences. For example, the term "Holy One of Israel" appears twelve times in 1-39 and fourteen times in 40-66, but rarely in any of the other prophets.There is also consistent use of various themes such as the "highway" motif, the remnant, justice, peace, and joy. Any differences in theology, language, and style can be expected because different subject matter is addressed. Isaiah is named in 1:1 as the author, and there is no convincing evidence that this changes anywhere in the text.

External evidence for Isaiah's authorship includes consistent Jewish and Christian tradition and the testimony of the LXX and the Book of Ecclesiasticus. The priority of Isaiah is also evidenced in the pre-exilic prophetic writings (Nah. 1:15 and Isa. 52:7; Zeph. 2:15 and Isa. 47:8; Jer. 31:35 and Isa. 51:15). Furthermore, New Testament figures cited Isaiah as author of both sections (Matt. 3:3 and Isa. 40:3; John 12:38-41 and Isa. 6:9-10; 53:1; Rom. 9:27-33; 10:20 and Isa. 10:22; 65:1). It is hard to believe that the author of the greatest piece of Old Testament literature would pass into anonymity when other authors are clearly identified.

Isaiah, the son of Amoz, was married to a prophetess and fathered at least two sons (1:1; 7:3; 8:3). He ministered mostly in Jerusalem during the reigns of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (c. 740-680 B.C.). Talmudic tradition and Justin Martyr (A.D. 100-165) claim Isaiah was sawed in half during the reign of evil Manasseh (cf. Heb.

11:37). He was the chief of the prophets whose book is noted for its majestic character and Messianic content.

The book was written sometime during Isaiah's ministry between 740 and 680 B.C. Chapters 40-66 in particular may have been written later in his life under the reign of Manasseh (697-680 B.C.).

Isaiah's ministry lasted about 60 years. It began near the end of Uzziah's reign (790- 739 B.C.) and continued through Hezekiah's (715-686 B.C.). He outlived Hezekiah (who died 686 B.C.) by a few years because he records the death of the Assyrian king Sennacherib in 681

B.C. (37:38). He ministered in Judah at the same time Hosea and Micah ministered in the northern kingdom.

Isaiah saw the rise of Assyrian power led by Tiglath-pileser (745-727 B.C.) and the captivity of the northern kingdom by Sennacherib (705-681 B.C.). It was a time of national deterioration in which both kingdoms allied with foreign nations for help and security.

Spiritually, Judah had seen a time of moral revival under Jotham (739-731 B.C.), but his successor,Ahaz, chose to rely on Assyria instead of God when Judah was threatened by Syria and Israel. This led to subjugation to Assyria and spiritual apostasy. His successor, Hezekiah, brought revival and religious reform to Judah. He took Isaiah's advice to rely on God when Sennacherib attacked in 701 B.C., and God delivered by killing 185,000 Assyrians. Later however, Hezekiah formed alliances with Egypt and Babylon which brought renewed oppression by Assyria against Judah. After the captivity of the northern kingdom by Assyria, Isaiah warned Judah of the coming captivity by the Babylonians, who were gaining world power.

Isaiah was written to remind Judah of a proper covenant relationship with God and of God's program of deliverance for His people. Isaiah knew Judah would be taken captive (Deut. 28:49-50; 64-67) and that God would judge and restore the nation according to the terms of the Mosaic covenant (Deut. 30:1-5). Thus he writes to warn of the impending judgment by Babylon (chs. 1-39) and to comfort those who would be in exile with assurances of restoration and the coming of the Messianic kingdom (chs. 40-66). The theme of deliverance is prominent in the phrase "salvation is of the Lord," used twenty-six times, and by the fact that this is also the meaning of the name "Isaiah".

The first major division of Isaiah (chs.1-39) emphasizes the theme of judgment while the latter (chs. 40-66) reveals God's plan for restoration and the establishment of the kingdom through the Messiah. This first division is better broken down to show the theme of judgment with introductory prophecies, explicit prophecies of judgment on Israel and the nations, a section on God's judgment and rule over the earth, judgment on Samaria and Judah, a concluding prophecy of judgment and glory, and a section forming a historical transition to the second division.

The introductory prophecies (1:1-6:13) begin with a formal condemnation of Judah's corruption (1:1-31). Judah and Jerusalem have utterly forsaken and rebelled against God (1:1- 15,21-23) and will experience His judgment (1:24-31) unless they change and become reconciled (1:16-20). Since Isaiah is more convinced of their judgment than their reconciliation with God, he goes on to prophecy of the coming millennial kingdom (2:1-5:30). The glorious kingdom (2:1-4) will be preceded by the Day of the Lord (2:5-4:6) or God's consummate judgment of the world. This Day is prefigured in Judah and Jerusalem's judgment at the hands of another people

(3:1-12). Still, God will faithfully renew Jerusalem through the Messianic "Branch of the Lord" (4:2-6). God also uses a parable about a vineyard to illustrate and pronounce Judah's sin and consequent judgment (5:1-30). Because Judah rejected God's law in the Mosaic covenant (5:24- 25), a distant nation will be used to render judgment (5:26-30). Against this awful background, Isaiah records his divine commission to minister to Judah (6:1-13). His ministry will meet rejection so that God will move to destroy the nation while preserving a faithful remnant.

The next section consists of various prophecies of judgment (7:1-35:10). The first of these predicts the judgment of Israel and the establishment of Messiah's kingdom (7:1-12:6) and comes as a result of the threat against Judah by Israel and Syria during the reign of Ahaz. As Isaiah proclaims the doom of Israel and Syria, he also declares to Ahaz the sign of Immanuel as an assurance of God's immediate and future deliverance (7:1-25). Assyria will destroy not only Syria and Israel, but because Ahaz failed to trust God for deliverance, they will also overrun Judah (7:18-8:22; 9:8-10:4). In the midst of this gloom, Isaiah inserts the hope of the coming kingdom of the Messiah who will govern righteously (9:1-7). God will also destroy Assyria and preserve a remnant of Israel (10:5-34). His faithfulness to the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants is demonstrated by the prophecy of the restoration under the Messiah's kingdom (11:1-12:6).

The coming righteous "Branch" (11:1-16) will be of Davidic lineage (11:2) and will bring blessing to all nations (11:10).

The program of God's ultimate deliverance of His people includes the judgment of many nations (13:1-23:18). In this section there is a series of pronouncements against Judah's enemies and also sinful Judah. The first judgment is against Babylon (13:1-14:23). Their total destruction is described as "the day of the Lord" (13:6) brought on by their pride which is emphasized in the description of the fall of the king of Babylon (14:3-21). The judgments of other nations follows: Assyria (14:24-27), Philistia (14:28-32), Moab (15:1-16:14), Damascus and Syria (17:1-14), Ethiopia (18:1-7), Egypt (19:1-25), Egypt and Ethiopia together (20:1-6),

Babylon again (21:1-10), Edom (21:11-12), Arabia (21:13-17), Jerusalem and Judah (22:1-25, and the city of Tyre (23:1-18). Judgment is a part of God's covenant program because it is the means by which He will ultimately turn the nations to Himself, a fact indicated in several places (14:32; 17:7-8; 18:7; 19:16-25).

The judgment of the nations is next implied in the overall judgment of the whole earth and the reestablishment of God's rule over the earth in His kingdom (24:1-27:13). The rebellion against God's moral laws by all the peoples of the earth is reason for the punishment (24:14-16). The tremendously violent universal judgment will precede God's reestablished rule over the earth in the coming kingdom (25:1-27:13). Israel will praise God in the end for the blessings of the kingdom (25:1-12). Isaiah conveys their song of future salvation and resurrection as a nation (26:1-21) and describes their complete restoration (27:1-13). Again, judgment is the purifying means God uses to bring about the restoration of the world and Israel.

The subject returns to judgment as Isaiah predicts in greater detail the fate of Samaria and Judah (28:1-33:24). Ephraim and Jerusalem are condemned (28:1-29) for their drunkenness and corruption at the leadership level (28:1-8). The nation scorns Isaiah's predictions, so God will send a foreign nation against them (28:9-15). Jerusalem will suffer as they are besieged by the enemy, and the human wisdom that seeks deliverance apart from God will be confounded until they are given divine understanding in the restoration (29:1-24). Judah's alliance with Egypt is the best that human wisdom can do to deliver from the threat of Assyria, but God

condemns this and announces He will deliver Jerusalem from Assyria (30:1-31:9). This deliverance is ultimately realized in the coming King and His kingdom (32:1-20). He will reign in perfect peace and righteousness. In contrast to the restoration to come, the plunderer Assyria will be plundered (33:1-24). Zion will also be plundered (33:10-16), but they are promised an eventual view of the beautiful land of the King (33:17-24).

The section on judgment ends with a concluding prophecy of both judgment and glory (34:1-35:10). God's terrible judgment on the nations is described and its certainty guaranteed (34:1-17). In contrast, Zion will experience a glorious future (35:1-10). This concluding prophecy exemplifies the relationship of the intertwined themes of judgment and restoration seen in the book thus far. God will be faithful to His promises to bless His people and the world, but it will only come after purifying judgment.

The next section is distinct as a historical transition (chs. 36-39) between the two major divisions of the book. The story focuses on events in the reign of Hezekiah. The first major event is the attempt by Sennacherib to lay siege and conquer Jerusalem (36:1-37:38). It is pictured as a direct challenge by Assyria to the ability of God to deliver His people from danger (36:1-22). Isaiah counsels Hezekiah to trust in God for deliverance. Hezekiah trusts God, and God delivers Jerusalem by miraculously slaying 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (37:1-38). The story represents in microcosm God's eschatological deliverance of Israel's faithful remnant from all enemies while showing the necessity of faith to experience God's blessing.

The historical section relates another event in the recovery of Hezekiah from his illness (38:1-22). Isaiah informs Hezekiah that he will die, but Hezekiah petitions God for his life. God then promises him fifteen more years during which he will see another deliverance from Assyria. In spite of God's goodness, another event relates Hezekiah's sin against God in allowing the Babylonian envoy to inspect the treasures of Judah (39:1-8). Hezekiah's pride prompts a rebuke through Isaiah and a prediction of Judah's captivity to Babylon. This historical section illustrates the importance of faith and obedience to God under the Mosaic covenant in order to receive God's blessings. Conversely, unbelief results in divine judgment. These last words predicting the doom of Judah also anticipate in some way the words of comfort found in the next major section of the book.

The prophesies of consolation (chs. 40-66) form the second major division of the book. The emphasis here turns from judgment to restoration and the hope of the Messianic kingdom. This half of the book is to be understood from the viewpoint of God's judgment having been accomplished with Judah and Israel (40:2) thus preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah and His kingdom. It would thus provide encouragement to Israel in exile in Babylon.

The prophecies of consolation begin with promises of Israel's restoration (40:1- 48:22). God's sovereignty over the earth (40:1-31) is proclaimed and seen in the announcement of deliverance which is to follow Israel's punishment (40:1-5). Deliverance consists of the coming of the Lord Himself (40:3-5). A major theme of these prophecies of consolation is the assurance that God will do all that He promises (40:6-8). God's sovereignty over the earth is then extolled (40:12-31) to show he is able to deliver His people and to show Himself as the only One worthy of Israel's devotion. The polemic against idolatry that appears here is another theme that recurs in this last half of the book.

The polemic against idolatry serves as a major emphasis of God's assurance of help for Israel (41:1-29). God confronts the nations declaring Himself the One who controls world events and ridiculing the nations' trust in feeble idols (41:1-7). He then assures Israel of His protection because the nation is His chosen servant (40:8-20). God's knowledge of the future is another argument against idols (41:21-29).

The theme of the Servant of the Lord is introduced at this point (42:1-25). The Servant takes the role of God's Messiah in light of the fact that the blind servant Israel has failed to accomplish God's will (42:18-25). This chosen Servant will bring God's justice and light to the world (42:1-9) and cause the world to praise God (42:10-17).

The eschatological Servant, however, does not mean that Israel is forsaken as God's servant (43:1-44:23). The nation will be regathered from Babylon (43:1-21) and blessed abundantly (44:1-5). Again, God declares His uniqueness, exhibited in Israel's future redemption, as a refutation of impotent idols (44:6-20). The instrument of Israel's immediate deliverance will be God's chosen servant, Cyrus (44:24-45:25). Cyrus, the future Persian king, is amazingly mentioned by name, a fact which emphasizes God's sovereignty over history (44:24- 28). Cyrus' deliverance of Israel foreshadows the ultimate deliverance of the Servant of the Lord which will also bring the Gentiles to God (45:14-25).

With the mention of Cyrus, God has indicated His overthrow of the Babylonian power. He proclaims His superiority over Babylon (46:1-47:15) by mocking the inability of their gods to deliver (46:1-13). God also guarantees the destruction of Babylon (47:1-15). The judgment of Babylon in an important event that prepares the way for the restoration of Israel.

Thus God next exhorts Judah to remember His prophecies, recognize His sovereignty, and flee Babylon (48:1-22). The fulfillment of prophecy is a crucial argument God uses to establish His right to rule (48:3-5).

Having assured Israel of their restoration, God now goes into more detail about the role of the eschatological Servant. He describes the salvation that will come through the suffering Servant (49:1-55:13). The Servant's mission (49:1-26) is to bring salvation to all the earth (49:1-7) and to restore the remnant of Israel (49:8-26). Unlike disobedient Israel, the Servant will be submissive to God and is worthy of Israel's trust (50:1-11). The obedience of the Servant guarantees the restoration of Zion (51:1-52:12). The remnant is comforted with God's assurance of coming righteousness and protection (51:1-16). Jerusalem is also comforted with the announcement of the removal of God's judgment and the arrival of salvation (51:17-52:10).

Judah's deliverance will not come through their own suffering, but the suffering and subsequent triumph of God's Servant (52:13-53:12). Though the Servant will suffer and die at the hands of men, He will triumph over death which assures Israel of her own restoration (54:1- 17). Because of the Servant's work God will be able to prosper Israel, care for her as a husband, bring peace, and establish righteousness. Also, since Israel's sin is vicariously punished in the Servant, God can invite all to accept His salvation (55:1-56:8). This salvation is seen as a fulfillment of His covenant promises to David (55:3-5) and a testimony to the sureness of His Word to come to fulfillment (55:8-11). Gentiles will also be included in the covenant blessings (56:1-8) according to the promise to Abraham to bless all nations.

At this point the sin that keeps Israel from receiving God's blessings comes into focus. God rebukes Israel for her present sins of idolatry and neglect of the covenant (56:9- 57:21). Still, God will forgive backsliders who come to Him in humility (57:14-21).

The final section of the book is a wonderful elaboration of Israel's future glory (58:1- 66:24). Israel's sins have separated them from God and the experience of this glory (58:1-59:21). They are guilty of empty ritualism in their fasts (58:1-14) which is evidence of their spiritual depravity (59:1-15a). Israel's sin is so severe only God will be able to save them through His Redeemer (59:15b-21).

The restoration of Israel under the Messiah (60:1-63:6) is first viewed from the perspective of the Gentiles who will bless Israel and pay homage to her in Israel (60:1-22). Next, Israel's restoration is seen as the work of the coming Messiah who will rebuild the nation (61:1-11). God assures Israel that He will bring their salvation to pass, therefore they should prepare for His coming (62:1-12). God's coming will bring this salvation, but also judgment (63:1-6).

At this point God's salvation becomes the subject of a prayer by the remnant of Israel which brings God's response (63:7-65:25). The remnant reviews God's past deliverances and ask for a fresh deliverance from enemies (63:7-64:12). God's answer (65:1-25) reveals His program for Israel from judgment for their sin and the sparing of a remnant to the new world He will create for them.

The consummation of God's promises (66:1-24) is prefaced with God's declared desire for pure worship (66:1-6). He then assures Israel of her final sudden restoration and the destruction of all enemies (66:7-17). In the "new heavens and the new earth" God will enjoy the perpetual worship of all nations as a climax to His program for the world (66:18-24).

The assurances of restoration in the last half of the book are as strong as the assurances of judgment in the first half. Both are in God's sovereign plan for Israel as He works to fulfill his covenant promises in and through them. Isaiah shows how the purifying judgment of captivity is preparatory to the ultimate work of God's Servant, the Messiah, who will redeem His people and bring the world into submissive worship. These words are the basis of comfort to a nation on the brink of national captivity.

1. Introductory Prophesies 1:1-6:13

   1. God's formal condemnation of Judah's corruption 1:1-31

      1. The corruption of Judah 1:1-15

         1. God charges Judah with corruption. 1:1-4
         2. God describes the extent of Judah's corruption. 1:5-6
         3. God describes the result of Judah's corruption. 1:7-9
         4. God is weary of empty religious ritualism. 1:10-15
      2. The plea for reconciliation 1:16-20
      3. The unfaithfulness of Jerusalem 1:21-31

         1. God cites Jerusalem's sins. 1:21-23
         2. God announces Jerusalem's purging. 1:24-31
   2. The millennial Kingdom which comes after judgment 2:1-5:30

      1. The glory of the millennial kingdom 2:1-4
      2. The preceding Day of the Lord 2:5-4:6

         1. The announcement of that Day 2:5-22

            1. Judah's sins bring this judgment 2:5-9
            2. Man's pride is humbled by this judgment 2:10-18
            3. Man attempts to hide from this judgment 2:19-22
         2. The judgment on Judah and Jerusalem 3:1-12

            1. God will cause social upheaval. 3:1-9
            2. God bemoans Judah's fate. 3:10-12
         3. The condemnation of oppression and luxury 3:13-4:1

            1. God rebukes the leaders for oppression. 3:13-15
            2. God rebukes the women for extravagance. 3:16-4:1
         4. The renewal of Jerusalem 4:2-6
      3. The parable of the vineyard as reason for judgment 5:1-30

         1. The failure of the vineyard 5:1-7

            1. God's care results in wild grapes. 5:1-4
            2. God announces destruction of the vineyard. 5:5-6
            3. The vineyard is interpreted as Israel. 5:7
         2. Woes upon the wicked of Israel 5:8-23

            1. Woe to materialists and pleasure seekers 5:8-12
            2. God's justice against wickedness 5:13-17
            3. Woe to blatant sinners 5:18-23
         3. A summary of God's judgments 5:24-30

            1. God is angry over rejection of the Law. 5:24-25
            2. God uses a distant nation in judgment. 5:26-30
   3. Isaiah's commission to minister 6:1-13

      1. Isaiah's cleansing before a Holy God 6:1-7
      2. Isaiah's answer to God's call to go 6:8
      3. Isaiah's ministry outlined 6:9-13

         1. People will not repent. 6:9-10
         2. God will destroy. 6:11-12
         3. A remnant will remain. 6:13
2. Prophesies of Judgment 7-35

   1. The Messiah's kingdom and Israel's judgment 7:1-12:6

      1. The destruction of Israel by Assyria 7:1-10:4

         1. The sign of Immanuel 7:1-25

            1. Israel and Syria threaten Judah. 7:1-2
            2. Isaiah is sent to proclaim their doom. 7:3-9
            3. God gives Ahaz the sign of Immanuel. 7:10-17
            4. Assyria will bring great desolation. 7:18-25
         2. The sign of Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz 8:1-22

            1. Isaiah gives the sign of Assyria's coming. 8:1-4
            2. Assyria will overflow and shatter. 8:5-10
            3. Isaiah is encouraged to fear God alone. 8:11-18
            4. The people will not seek God. 8:19-22
         3. Prophecy of the Messiah's coming kingdom 9:1-7

            1. The people will rejoice in the light. 9:1-5
            2. The Messiah will establish His government. 9:6-7
         4. Prophecy of judgment on the Kingdom of Israel 9:8-10:4

            1. Arrogant Samaria will be devoured. 9:8-12
            2. God judges because of evil leaders. 9:13-17
            3. The wicked will destroy each other. 9:18-21
            4. Woe is upon those who abuse the poor. 10:1-4
      2. The destruction of Assyria by God 10:5-34

         1. Assyria judged for her arrogance 10:5-19

            1. God announces judgment by another nation. 10:5-11
            2. The king boasts of his power. 10:12-14
            3. God mocks and answers this boasting. 10:15-19
         2. The preservation of a remnant of Israel 10:20-34

            1. The remnant will return to God. 10:20-23
            2. Assyria's oppression will cease. 10:24-27
            3. God will destroy Assyria in the land. 10:28-34
      3. The restoration of the Messiah's kingdom 11:1-12:6

         1. The coming righteous Branch 11:1-16

            1. He will be annointed to rule righteously. 11:1-5
            2. Creatures of the earth will live in peace. 11:6-9
            3. He will be sought by the Gentiles. 11:10
            4. He will gather the remnant from enemies. 11:11-16
         2. Israel's future praise to the Lord 12:1-6

            1. God is praised for His salvation. 12:1-3
            2. God is praised for His great deeds. 12:4-6
   2. Judgments against the nations 13:1-23:18

      1. Against Babylon 13:1-14:23

         1. The announcement of Babylon's destruction 13:1-22

            1. God assembles a destroying army. 13:1-5
            2. The terrible day of the Lord is coming. 13:6-10
            3. God will punish the world for its evil. 13:11-16
            4. The Medes will make Babylon desolate. 13:17-22
         2. God's mercy on Israel 14:1-2
         3. The fall of the king of Babylon 14:3-21

            1. The king's destruction brings world peace. 14:1-8
            2. The king is welcomed in Hell. 14:9-11
            3. Lucifer is fallen from heaven to Sheol. 14:12-17
            4. The king is dishonored in death. 14:18-21
         4. God's utter destruction of Babylon 14:22-23
      2. Against Assyria 14:24-27
      3. Against Philistia 14:28-32
      4. Against Moab 15:1-16:14

         1. Mourning for Moab's destruction 15:1-9
         2. Moab's oppression turned to righteousness 16:1-5
         3. Moab's pride and vain lamentation 16:6-12
         4. Moab's few survivors 16:13-14
      5. Against Damascus 17:1-14

         1. The end of Damascus announced 17:1-3
         2. Jacob's waning glory 17:4-6
         3. Results of future judgment announced 17:7-11

            1. Men will respect God. 17:7-8
            2. There will be desolation. 17:9-11
         4. God's rebuke of the nations 17:12-14
      6. Against Ethiopia 18:1-7
      7. Against Egypt 19:1-25

         1. The judgment of present Egypt 19:1-15

            1. God brings civil war and subjugation. 19:1-4
            2. Drought causes hardships. 19:5-10
            3. Wise men are confounded. 19:11-15
         2. The condition of future Egypt 19:16-25

            1. They will fear Judah. 19:16-17
            2. Cities will swear allegiance to the Lord. 19:18
            3. They will turn to God and worship Him. 19:19-22
            4. They will worship with Assyria. 19:23-25
      8. Against Egypt and Ethiopia 20:1-6

         1. Isaiah's depiction of their fate 20:1-2
         2. Isaiah's pronouncememt of their fate 20:3-6
      9. Against Babylon 21:1-10

         1. Isaiah's vision of Babylon's revolt 21:1-5
         2. Isaiah's placement of a watchman 21:6-10
      10. Against Edom 21:11-12
      11. Against Arabia 21:13-17
      12. Against Jerusalem 22:1-25

          1. The judgment on Jerusalem 22:1-14

             1. Isaiah mourns for their destruction. 22:1-4
             2. Isaiah announces a day of trouble. 22:4-8a
             3. The people do not turn to God for help. 22:8b-11
             4. Instead of mourning they feast. 22:12-14
          2. The judgment on Shebna 22:15-25

             1. He will die in a foreign country. 22:15-19
             2. He will be replaced by Eliakim. 22:20-25
      13. Against Tyre 23:1-18

          1. Tyre's fall 23:1-14

             1. God afflicts them with economic loss. 23:1-9
             2. Other nations mourn over her. 23:10-14
          2. Tyre's future 23:15-18
   3. God's judgment and rule over the earth 24:1-27:13

      1. God's punishment of the whole earth 24:1-23

         1. The plundering of the whole earth 24:1-6

            1. All earth's distinctions are emptied. 24:1-3
            2. This is because they broke God's laws. 24:4-6
         2. The cessation of merry-making 24:7-13
         3. The responses of the righteous and wicked 24:14-16
         4. The violence of the judgment 24:17-23

            1. It is like being caught in a trap. 24:17-18
            2. The earth is like a reeling drunkard. 24:19-20
            3. It is like imprisonment. 24:21-23
      2. God's rule over the earth in the kingdom 25:1-27:13

         1. Israel's praise for kingdom blessings 25:1-12

            1. God has subjected enemies to Himself. 25:1-5
            2. God will remove death. 25:6-8
            3. God will save. 25:9
            4. God will humble His enemies. 25:10-12
         2. Israel's kingdom song of salvation 26:1-21

            1. An appeal to trust in the Lord 26:1-6
            2. An appeal for justice 26:7-11
            3. Israel's peace 26:12-15
            4. Israel's travail and resurrection 26:16-19
            5. A warning of God's coming judgment 26:20-21
         3. Israel's restoration in the kingdom 27:1-13

            1. God will punish Leviathon. 27:1
            2. God's vineyard will be fruitful. 27:2-6
            3. God will purify Israel. 27:7-11
            4. God will regather Israel. 27:12-13
   4. Judgments against Samaria and Judah 28:1-33:24

      1. Woe to Ephraim and Jerusalem 28:1-29

         1. Judgment on the drunkards 28:1-8

            1. Drunkards will be trampled under foot. 28:1-4
            2. The Lord will bless the remnant. 28:5-6
            3. Drunk prophets and priests are removed. 28:7-8
         2. Judgment on the scorners 28:9-15

            1. Scorners mock Isaiah's warning. 28:9-10
            2. A foreign nation will come against them. 28:11-13
            3. They made a covenant with death. 28:14-15
         3. The cornerstone in Zion 28:16-22

            1. God's cornerstone brings justice. 28:16-19
            2. God's destruction is certain. 28:20-22
         4. A lesson from God 28:23-29

            1. God teaches how to sow cummin. 28:23-26
            2. God teaches how to thresh cummin. 28:27-29
      2. Woe to Ariel (Jerusalem) 29:1-24

         1. The judgment upon Ariel 1-8

            1. They will be beseiged. 29:1-4
            2. Many nations will come against her. 29:5-8
         2. The blindness of disobedience 29:9-16

            1. They are blinded by God. 29:9-10
            2. They are as those unable to read. 29:11-12
            3. God will confound the wisdom of men. 29:13-16
         3. The future recovery of reverence for God 29:17-24

            1. Blindness will be removed. 29:17-21
            2. Understanding will return. 29:22-24
      3. Woes concerning the Egyptian alliance 30:1-31:9

         1. The first woe upon those who trust in Egypt 30:1-33

            1. Egypt will not be able to help them. 30:1-7
            2. Their rejection of God brings disaster. 30:8-17
            3. The Lord will be gracious and merciful. 30:18-26
            4. The Lord will judge Assyria. 30:27-33
         2. The second woe upon those who trust in Egypt 31:1-9

            1. Woe for trusting in Egypt not God. 31:1-3
            2. God will deliver Jerusalem. 31:4-5
            3. Israel will repent and Assyria will fall. 31:6-9
      4. The coming King and His kingdom 32:1-20

         1. The King's reign of righteousness 32:1-8

            1. He will restore justice and understanding. 32:1-4
            2. The foolish man will be exposed. 32:5-8
         2. Consequences for the women's complacency 32:9-15

            1. The complacent women are warned. 32:9-11
            2. The people will mourn. 32:12-15
         3. The peacefulness of the kingdom 32:16-20
      5. Woe to the plunderer (Assyria) 33:1-24

         1. The plunderer to be plundered 33:1-9

            1. The woe is pronounced on the plunderer. 33:1
            2. The Lord is petitioned for deliverance. 33:2-4
            3. The Lord is exalted for His deliverance. 33:5-6
            4. The plunderers are judged. 33:7-9
         2. The impending judgment on Zion 33:10-16

            1. God's time for judgment has arrived. 33:10-13
            2. Sinners fear but the upright escape. 33:14-16
         3. The land of the majestic King 33:17-24

            1. There will be no enemies. 33:17-19
            2. There will be peace and forgiveness. 33:20-24
   5. Concluding prophecy of judgment and glory 34:1-35:10

      1. Judgment on the nations 34:1-17

         1. God will slay the nations in anger. 34:1-4
         2. There will be great bloodshed. 34:5-7
         3. Their lands will be burned and wasted. 34:8-10
         4. Wild animals will inhabit their lands. 34:11-15
         5. This judgment is certain. 34:16-17
      2. The future glory of Zion 35:1-10

         1. The redeemed of Zion will rejoice. 35:1-2
         2. The weak are encouraged with God's salvation. 35:3-4
         3. There will be healing and restoration. 35:5-7
         4. There will be a highway for the redeemed. 35:8-10
3. Historical Transition 36-39

   1. Sennacherib's attempted seige of Jerusalem 36:1-37:38

      1. Assyria challenges Judah and her God. 36:1-22

         1. Sennacherib sends an army to Jerusalem. 36:1-3
         2. The Rabshakeh talks to Hezekiah's men. 36:4-20

            1. He ridicules their trust in Egypt and God. 36:4-6
            2. They argue about his use of Hebrew. 36:11-12
            3. He tells the people to ignore Hezekiah. 36:13-20
         3. Hezekiah's men report back in distress. 36:21-22
      2. God delivers Judah by destroying Assyria. 37:1-38

         1. Isaiah's assurance of deliverance. 37:1-7

            1. Hezekiah sends a prayer request to Isaiah. 37:1-4
            2. Isaiah assures Hezekiah of delivrerance. 37:5-7
         2. Sennacheriib's threat and Hezekiah's prayer. 37:8-20

            1. Sennacherib sends another threat. 37:8-13
            2. Hezekiah prays for God's deliverance. 37:14-20
         3. God's answer to Hezekiah through Isaiah. 37:21-35

            1. Jerusalem will mock Assyria's pride. 37:21-25
            2. God had ordained Assyria's conquests. 37:26-27
            3. God will defeat Assyria. 37:28-29
            4. God gives a sign to Assyria. 37:30-32
            5. God will save Jerusalem from Assyria. 37:33-35
         4. Sennacherib's defeat and death 37:36-38
   2. Hezekiah's recovery from illness 38:1-22

      1. Isaiah tells Hezekiah he will die. 38:1
      2. Hezekiah prays to God. 38:2-3
      3. God promises fifteen more years. 38:4-8
      4. Hezekiah writes of his illness. 38:9-20

         1. His mourning for his death 38:10-14
         2. His recognition of Gods' healing 38:15-19
         3. His vow to praise God 38:20
      5. Isaiah tells Hezekiah how to be healed. 38:21-22
   3. Hezekiah's sin with the Babylonian envoy 39:1-8

      1. Hezekiah shows the envoy all of his treasures. 39:1-2
      2. Isaiah interrogates Hezekiah about what he did. 39:3-4
      3. Isaiah predicts total devastation. 39:5-7
      4. Isaiah is relieved that he will miss it. 39:8
4. Prophecies of Consolation 40-66

   1. Promises of Israel's restoration 40:1-48:22

      1. God's sovereignty over the earth 40:1-31

         1. Comfort through a word of deliverance 40:1-11

            1. Israel's punishment is over. 40:1-2
            2. The Lord's coming is announced. 40:3-5
            3. The word of God is certain. 40:6-8
            4. Zion is told to announce God's appearing. 40:9-11
         2. God's sovereignty over the earth extolled 40:12-31

            1. He is vastly greater than the nations. 40:12-17
            2. He is incomparable to idols. 40:18-24
            3. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all. 40:25-31
      2. God's assurance of help to Israel 41:1-29

         1. God's confrontation of the nations 41:1-7

            1. He tells them he controls history. 41:1-4
            2. He ridicules their trust in idols. 41:5-7
         2. God's assurance of protection for Israel 41:8-20

            1. God chose Israel to be His servant. 41:8-10
            2. Israel's enemies shall be destroyed. 41:11-13
            3. Israel herself will defeat her enemies. 41:14-16
            4. God will provide for the needy. 41:17-20
         3. God's knowledge of the future 41:21-29

            1. He taunts the idols to show the future. 41:21-24
            2. God foretells a strong leader. 41:25-29
      3. The righteous Servant of the Lord 42:1-25

         1. The servant's work 42:1-9

            1. He is chosen by God to bring justice. 42:1-4
            2. He will bring light to all people. 42:5-9
         2. A song of praise to the Lord 42:10-17

            1. The whole earth will praise the Lord. 42:10-13
            2. God will help the blind. 42:14-17
         3. Israel's present obstinate condition 42:18-25

            1. They are a blind servant. 42:18-20
            2. They suffer the Law's punishment. 42:21-25
      4. Israel as God's servant 43:1-44:23

         1. The promise of regathering 43:1-21

            1. Israel is encouraged not to fear. 43:1-7
            2. Israel is to be God's witness. 43:8-13
            3. Israel will be delivered from Babylon. 43:14-21
            4. God pleads with Israel to repent. 43:22-28
         2. The promise of abundant blessing 44:1-5
         3. The uniqueness of God over idols 44:6-20

            1. God declares His uniqueness. 44:6-8
            2. God mocks those who make idols. 44:9-14
            3. God mocks the material nature of idols. 44:15-20
         4. The accomplishment of God's redemption 44:21-23
      5. Cyrus as God's servant 44:24-45:25

         1. God controls Israel's history. 44:24-28
         2. Cyrus will conquer nations for Israel's sake. 45:1-7

            1. God will make him victorious. 45:1-4
            2. God declares His uniqueness. 45:5-7
         3. God is sovereign over all creation. 45:8-13

            1. Woe to him who strives with God. 45:8-10
            2. God directs the future of His creation. 45:11-13
         4. Gentiles will submit to God. 45:14-19

            1. Gentiles will worship Israel's God. 45:14-17
            2. God declares His sovereignty. 45:18-19
         5. God appeals to the Gentiles to be saved. 45:20-25

            1. He invites them to present their case. 45:20-21
            2. He urges them to acknowledge Him. 45:22-25
      6. God's superiority over Babylon 46:1-47:15

         1. God's superiority over Babylon's gods 46:1-13

            1. Their gods do not deliver as Israel's God. 46:1-4
            2. Their gods do not predict as Israel's God. 46:5-11
            3. God announces His salvation of Israel. 46:12-13
         2. God's assurance of Babylon's fall 47:1-15

            1. They will be humbled. 47:1-4
            2. They will no longer be chief of nations. 47:5-7
            3. They will be made as a widow in one day. 47:8-11
            4. Their sorcerers will not save them. 47:12-15
      7. An exhortation for Judah 48:1-22

         1. To remember God's prophecies 48:1-11

            1. Israel is hypocritical. 48:1-2
            2. He prophesied so they would credit Him. 48:3-5
            3. He will give them new prophecies. 48:6-8
            4. He will delay His judgment of them. 48:9-11
         2. To recognize God's sovereignty 48:12-19

            1. He declares His sovereignty. 48:12-16
            2. He teaches Israel. 48:17-19
         3. To flee Babylon 48:20-22
   2. Salvation through God's suffering Servant 49:1-55:13

      1. The Servant's mission 49:1-26

         1. His salvation for all the earth 49:1-7

            1. God has appointed Him. 49:1-4
            2. God gives Him for Israel and Gentiles. 49:5-7
         2. His restoration of the remnant 49:8-26

            1. Israel will be restored. 49:8-13
            2. Israel will not be forgotten by God. 49:14-21
            3. Israel will be honored by the Gentiles. 49:22-23
            4. Israel's captives will be rescued. 49:24-26
      2. The Servant's obedience 50:1-11

         1. God divorces Israel. 50:1-3
         2. The Servant submits to abuse. 50:4-6
         3. The Servant trusts in God's vindication. 50:7-9
         4. Isaiah encourages trust in the Lord. 50:10-11
      3. The restoration of Zion 51:1-52:12

         1. God's comfort of the remnant 51:1-16

            1. He reminds of the origin of His promise. 51:1-3
            2. He will establish righteousness. 51:4-8
            3. He will answer the plea for deliverance. 51:9-11
            4. He will protect the remnant. 51:12-16
         2. God's comfort of Jerusalem 51:17-52:10

            1. He awakens them after judgment. 51:17-20
            2. He moves judgment to her enemy. 51:21-23
            3. He awakens them to redemption. 52:1-6
            4. His salvation is announced. 52:7-10
         3. God's exhortation to depart 52:11-12
      4. The Servant's suffering and triumph 52:13-53:12

         1. The reaction of the nations to the Servant 52:13-15
         2. The suffering and death of the Servant 53:1-9

            1. He was rejected by men. 53:1-3
            2. He suffered as a substitute for sin. 53:4-6
            3. He submitted unto death. 53:7-9
         3. The triumph of the Servant through death 53:10-12
      5. The assurance of Israel's restoration 54:1-17

         1. Israel experiences fruitful growth. 54:1-3
         2. God will care for Israel as a husband. 54:4-8
         3. God promises perpetual peace and security. 54:9-10
         4. God establishes Israel in righteousness. 54:11-17
      6. The invitation to God's salvation 55:1-56:8

         1. The free offer of salvation to all 55:1-13

            1. God invites all to partake of salvation. 55:1-3a
            2. God make's a covenant with those who come. 55:3b-5
            3. God calls the wicked to repentance. 55:6-7
            4. God assures that His Word is effectual. 55:8-11
            5. Creation will rejoice at God's salvation. 55:12-13
         2. The Gentiles' inclusion in covenant blessings 56:1-8

            1. God commands justice and righteousness. 56:1-2
            2. Believing foreigners will be blessed. 56:3-8
      7. The rebuke of the wicked 56:9-57:21

         1. Gentiles are called to destroy Israel. 56:9-12
         2. No one cares that the righteous perish. 57:1-2
         3. Israel is given over to idolatry. 57:3-13

            1. Their idolatrous practices 57:3-10
            2. Their forgetfulness of God 57:11-13
         4. God promises forgiveness to backsliders. 57:14-21
   3. Israel's future glory 58:1-66:24

      1. Israel's sins that separate them from God 58:1-59:21

         1. Their fasting without obedience 58:1-14

            1. They are not innocent when they fast. 58:1-3a
            2. They do as they please when fasting. 58:3b-5
            3. God desires obedient acts of mercy. 58:6-12
            4. God desires honoring of the Sabbath. 58:13-14
         2. Their spiritual depravity 59:1-15a

            1. They are thoroughly corrupt. 59:1-8
            2. They recognize their sinfulness. 59:9-15a
         3. God's promise to help helpless Israel 59:15b-21

            1. He saves them because no one else can. 59:15b-19
            2. His redemption is eternal. 59:20-21
      2. Israel's restoration under the Messiah. 60:1-63:6

         1. The blessing of the Gentiles upon Israel 60:1-22

            1. God glorifies Israel before the world. 60:1-3
            2. Gentiles will flock to Israel. 60:4-9
            3. Gentiles will minister to Israel. 60:10-14
            4. Gentiles will provide wealth for Israel. 60:15-18
            5. God will give Israel His glory. 60:19-22
         2. The coming of the Messiah 61:1-11

            1. God's Spirit is upon Him to preach. 61:1-3
            2. Israel will be rebuilt and honored. 61:4-9
            3. The remnant rejoices in the Lord. 61:10-11
         3. The assurance of Israel's salvation 62:1-12

            1. God will surely delight in Zion. 62:1-5
            2. God sets watchmen over Jerusalem. 62:6-9
            3. They are to prepare for God's coming. 62:10-12
         4. The coming of the Lord in judgment 63:1-6

            1. God is asked about His garments. 63:1-2
            2. God answers that He has judged. 63:3-6
      3. The remnant's prayer and God's response 63:7-65:25

         1. The prayer of the remnant 63:7-64:12

            1. They remember God's past deliverance. 63:7-14
            2. They ask God to remember them again. 63:15-19
            3. They ask for deliverance from enemies. 64:1-7
            4. They call attention to Jerusalem's ruin. 64:8-12
         2. The response of the Lord 65:1-25

            1. He has punished because of Israel's sin. 65:1-7
            2. He will spare a remnant. 65:8-12
            3. He will bless the remnant with plenty. 65:13-16
            4. He will make a new world. 65:17-25
      4. The consummation of God's promises 66:1-24

         1. He will esteem the humble. 66:1-2
         2. He will judge hypocritical worshipers. 66:3-6
         3. He will restore Israel. 66:7-17

            1. He will restore her suddenly. 66:7-11
            2. He will comfort those in Jerusalem. 66:12-13
            3. He will consume all enemies. 66:14-17
         4. He will cause all nations to worship Him. 66:18-24

            1. They will come from far off. 66:18-21
            2. They will worship perpetually. 66:22-23
            3. They will view the bodies of sinners. 66:24