Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thanks for joining our study, especially if it's for the first time. Today, we discuss “Isaiah’s Greatest Hits.” Recently, that title has been on my mind, so finally, I am unleashing the topic to free up some brain space.
Famous composers have been known to “hear” their unwritten songs or symphonies before putting pen to paper. Similarly, the prophet Isaiah heard the Word of God speaking to him, and for centuries, his verses have appeared in the “Bible’s hit parade.”
Isaiah, who prophesied in the 8th century BC, is among the most influential major prophets in the Hebrew Bible. (“Major” relates to the length of his writings.) Isaiah’s name means "The Lord is salvation," a prominent message throughout his prophecies.
God spoke to Isaiah about “judgment,” recorded in Chapters 1-39. More specifically, God’s judgment was to be levied against Israel and other nations for engaging in various sins such as injustice, idolatry, moral and spiritual failings contrary to His Commandments. However, coupled with those warnings, Isaiah writes about hope and a righteous king who is to come.
His verses give comfort to exiled people in Chapters 40 – 55. Most famously, Chapter 53 records the most profound Messianic prophecy about the obedient “suffering servant” who will redeem Israel. (See Vol. 3. This topic is important to me, and why it was my third Bible study on Feb. 16, 2020.)
Prophecies about restoration and glory, the coming of a new heaven and earth, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom are recorded in Chapters 56 – 66.
Since Jesus was Isaiah’s number one VIP fan, his prophecies live in the Gospels. Therefore, if you are an Isaiah fan who loves Jesus, read “Jesus Quotes Isaiah” Part 1 - Vol. 222 and Part 2 - Vol. 223 for extra credit and maybe qualify for a larger mansion in heaven, but no promises.
Due to space considerations, only a select number of “Isaiah’s greatest hits” are included in this study. So, if I failed to include a verse you consider worthy, please mention the verse in the comment section.
We begin with one of my favorite Isaiah verses, which I wrote in Vol. 11. This verse is always at the top of my mind as I write this weekly study and work with a ministry to promote Shroud of Turin education. The verse reads:
“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). For context, this verse is part of “Isaiah’s Commission.” If interested, read Isaiah 6:1-8.
Isaiah’s mission was to warn the Israelites about the judgment that would befall them — the consequences of rebellion against the Lord, as written in the remainder of 6: 8-13.
Indeed, that inspiring action verse, “Here am I, send me!” has lifted the spirits of untold millions of believers worldwide who are motivated to do God’s will and waiting on Him to direct their path. Are you engaged in an ongoing process needing His guidance to complete a task or life mission? Pray that God will “send you.”
Furthermore, the verses indicate that upon Isaiah were bestowed words about His willingness to forgive and cleanse those who turn to him, which Jesus put into action. The next verse begins with a common phrase that many people are unaware originated in the Bible:
“‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord: ‘though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool’” (Isaiah 1:18).
As mentioned, many of Isaiah’s writings permeate our language and music. This next verse motivates us when we need strength to persevere during challenging times, so God issued a promise for those who trust in Him:
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
Isaiah’s writing has significantly influenced faith and culture, especially when we hear the lyrics to Handel's Messiah. (See Vol. 194.) Isaiah’s Christmas prophecies are especially powerful since they were recorded 800 years before the birth of Christ. "Immanuel" means "God with us." We read and sing:
“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).
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Isaiah not only prophesied about the pre-birth and life of Jesus, but also recorded specific details about what he endured on the cross for our sake as the Suffering Servant. Read Isaiah 53 if you are “called.” It only has 12 verses. Below are two:
“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).
“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).
We now turn to Luke 4:21, where Jesus said, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." He referred to a passage from Isaiah 61:1-2, which Jesus had just read in the synagogue. This declaration signifies that the prophecy about the Messiah's arrival and ministry was happening in real time with Jesus's presence, actions, and teachings.
Next is a familiar Isaiah verse spoken by Jesus, cited in Mark 11:17 and Matthew 21:13:
“And He said to them, It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a den of thieves.”
The context was Jesus’s anger over the money changers and animal sellers doing a bustling business in God’s house, leading up to Passover in Jerusalem. Jesus caused a disturbance that provided the Jewish authorities with more reasons to turn him over to the Romans. Here is the entire Isaiah passage:
“Even them I will bring to My holy mountain And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations" (Isaiah 56:7).
We close with a message from God to Isaiah to give you hope for whatever is ailing or challenging you today:
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Amen to that! And I hope this Isaiah study has inspired you to spend more time with him and Him.
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible," reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit, dedicated to building a future permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C. Join our effort! Click to attend a major Shroud conference July 31- August 2 in St. Louis. Contact: <MyraAdams01@gmail.com>