Book of Isaiah Overview and Bible Studies
The Book of Isaiah
An Overview of Isaiah
The Bible Teacher's Commentary
Introductory Remarks on Isaiah
The prophet Isaiah’s passion and literary flair shape this majestic book. Isaiah’s list of places and names can make events confusing, and the numerous chapters of judgment upon foreign nations might seem repetitive. Still, after Isaiah’s startling call in chapter 6, the Book of Isaiah thrills the reader with magnificent passages such as Isaiah 7—the virgin birth; Isaiah 9—the Wonderful Counselor; and the suffering Servant in chapter 53, along with an endless number of encouraging verses.
A purposeful, unfolding progression of increasing promises and pictures reveals hope for a nation that has gone astray. Isaiah decreasingly mentions judgment and repentance as he moves into the book’s latter half, replacing those themes with a strong, pulsating emphasis on salvation. The redemptive message shines increasingly brightly in Isaiah 40–66.
Isaiah challenges everyone to trust God, their Maker, for their well-being. God exposes His people’s unfaithfulness and winsomely calls them to enter His tremendous redemptive plan, a plan that neither man nor nation can impede. Redemptive hope begins to take shape from the beginning of Isaiah and grows into a beautiful masterpiece that intertwines kingdoms and individuals, the rich and the poor, the proud and the humble.
Overview of Isaiah's 66 Chapters
Isaiah chapters 1–39 and 40–66 compose the two major sections of Isaiah. The narratives in chapters 36–39 conclude the first 39 chapters and transition into the latter section. The book naturally divides into two main divisions, with seven subsections in the first and three in the second.
The first division reveals the people’s sins while the latter boldly proclaims the redemption of God’s people. The first declares condemnation, and the latter offers salvation. Even so, seeds of hope and redemption are scattered throughout the first half of Isaiah.
The second main division, Isaiah 40–66, consists of three nine-chapter sections: 40–48, 49–57, and 58–66. These chapters describe God’s mighty redemptive acts and repeatedly turn discouraged or fearful readers back to God’s glorious presence and His sure purposes.
| Main Sections of Isaiah |
Brief | Long Discussion |
Isaiah 1- 6 |
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Isaiah 7-12 |
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Isaiah 13-23 |
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Isaiah 24-27 |
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Isaiah 28-33 |
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Isaiah 34-35 |
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Isaiah 36-39 |
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Isaiah 40-66 |
Isaiah Studies
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Isaiah 6:1-12 Four Steps to Righteous Living
How do we live righteous lives?
Examine Isaiah's calling to see the pattern of following the Lord.
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Isaiah 9:6-7 The Government and Names of Yahweh
Each name reveals the glorious way the Lord rules His kingdom.
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Isaiah 11:1-5 Spirit Dependent Living
Isaiah 11:1-5 shares the three keys needed in drawing close to God. Seven special 'Spirit' qualities are shared with practical insights. (Study Questions included)
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Isaiah 11:6-16 Christ's Rule
Isaiah 11:6-16 is supposed to give us faith today! Learn five arguments why the 'wolf will lie down with the lamb' is for today. (Study Questions included)
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Isaiah 29-32 Waiting and Planning
Eight principles on how to make good plans that resolve the tension between self-reliance and trusting God. (Study Questions included)
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Isaiah 38 Steps to Waiting upon God
Three key principles are found in this passage to shape our own decision making process during crisis times. (Study Questions included)
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Isaiah 40:1-5 Understanding Discipleship
Feel frustrated with your Christian growth? At a plateau? Learn the key ways the Lord builds effective disciples! (Study Questions included)
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Isaiah 50:4-5 The Heart of True Discipleship
Be introduced to discipleship here! Included in this study is the training, purpose, disciplines and needed attentiveness of the disciple.
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Isaiah 53 (52:13-53:12) The Making of a Godly Leader
This is the famous prophetic passage speaking to the Messiah's death and resurrection and defines for us the characteristics of a godly leader. He makes himself available to God.
Isaiah 53 (52:13-53:12) Study questions on the Suffering Servant
Study the famous passage on the Suffering Servant. See why many Jews have come to know the Lord through seeing Jesus as the Christ. Outline included!
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Isaiah 60:1-5 A Shining Light
How do we allow God's light to shine in us so that we become effective lights in this dark world? What does it mean to be light? (Study Questions included)
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Isaiah 66:18-22 Declare His Glory Among the Nations
God has a mission which He is going to fulfill. God is determined (18), able (19) and has a plan (20-22). The more we align our lives with Him, the more our lives are fulfilled. (Study Questions included)
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