Discussions on Main Sections of Isaiah

Discussions on the Ten Sections of the

Book of Isaiah

Isaiah has two main sections:

Chapters 1- 39 (7 subsections)

Chapters 40-66 (3 subsections)

In the first 39 chapters we see a very convincing portrayal of the adulterous Israel running off and making alliances with Assyria, Egypt and Babylonia. God kept calling them to trust Him, but they resisted. God could not use His own kings to do His will. So God instead showed how He would in spite of themselves find an Israelite, a servant, who would do all of His will. This is the long promised Messiah.

Through the first 39 chapters, we do then find bursts of light brightening the otherwise dark scenes, but the numerous reminders of the coming destruction of the wicked humble the otherwise hopeful hearts.

Chapters 40-66 set out on a whole different pace with messages of salvation, hope and utopia beautifully coloring each of these sections. This unexpected closing message confirms God is not so preoccupied with saving the righteous that He has forgotten the judgment of the wicked. Isaiah dashes the modernists’ approach of letting bygones be bygones. Isaiah wants the contrite to fully enjoy their salvation, but the wicked need to be warned!. Check out a closer look at the structure of this part of Isaiah.

ISAIAH'S CAP

Below is an abbreviated discussion of each of these selections. More thorough discussions can be found below by clicking the Introduction to Isaiah 1-6.

Introduction to Isaiah 1-6 Chapters 1-6

Instruction for renewal by Isaiah in a wicked age

Chapters 1-6 preface the massive volume of 66 chapters with a call to repentance. Although very willing to acknowledge the Israelites as His people, Yahweh sets a standard of judgment against them. They must repent from their sins or prepare for the storm of God’s wrath. And although the threats are severe, His merciful calls to return to Him are moving. An affirmative response to God’s call is exemplified by Isaiah’s humbling of heart in chapter 6.

 Picture of Isaiah: Judgment leads to Redemption

Introduction to Isaiah 7-12 Chapters 7-12

Switch of leaders purges evil King Ahaz

In chapters 7-12 we are instantly confronted with King Ahaz’s reign. These chapters are somewhat connected with the first six chapters, but the approach is different. King Ahaz’s person and response to the Lord are contrasted with Isaiah’s. God revealed Himself to King Ahaz just as to Isaiah, but the response was one of a skeptic rather than a believer. He was going to trust in Assyria to rid the northern kingdom of its threat. God counters Ahaz’s false trust by establishing His own king.

Introduction to Isaiah 13-23 Chapters 13-23

Accounts are settled of all nations before God

Clearly turning away from a single focus on the inferior rule of Israel, God turns His eye to all the nations in chapters 13-23.

Each section has to do with a certain nation or capital and is set apart with the words, “the oracle of”. God undermines any trust in any nation no matter how powerful or influential. He has His own purpose for each nation. Sometimes in His mercy He chooses to work some good within that nation.

The unrighteous and lawbreakers fully deserve the wrath of God, but instead they arise and curse God as unjust. Although the godly are suffering because of their rebellious countrymen, their hearts are full of joy (Isaiah 24:14-16).

Introduction to Isaiah 24-27 Chapters 24-27

Indictment of the world brings hope to God’s people.

Chapters 24-27 crown the former chapters as it breaks away from the treatment of individual nations and deals with the whole world in judgment. God’s people are not to fear of the world's judgment no matter how close it comes, but they are to hope in God’s sure salvation.

Introduction to Isaiah 28-33 Chapters 28-33

Acceptance of God’s case against His people

In chapters 28-33 the Lord interjects with an update on the southern kingdom’s response to God. One would hope if they didn't learn from the judgment of the other nations, they would learn from the fate of the northern kingdom, Israel. But no. Instead of trusting in Assyria, Hezekiah leans on Egypt and his supposedly innovated foreign policy. God exposes their foolish plans to trust in another besides Himself and graciously provides His redemptive plan and message.

Introduction to Isaiah 34-35 Chapters 34-35

Holiness follows judgment as time meets eternity.

Chapters 34 and 35 with their strong apocalyptic character bring us to face two great culminating paths. The intensity of destruction characterizes the first. The beauty of God’s gracious redeeming work radiates in the second. They both are almost wholly lifted from history and time and instead portray the final scenarios for mankind. The historical names are more symbolic whether it be Edom representing the enemies of God’s people, or the usage of wilderness to paint the despairing scene around His godly ones.

Introduction to Isaiah 33-39 Chapters 36-39

Scenes from Hezekiah’s life to understand the coming judgment

Chapters 36-39 jump back into time and revolve around themes of growing hardships: war, death and the pain of pride. Isaiah is trying to bring his people to understand their situation. Judgment against Judah was certain. However, because of all the former promises, the unsettling way in which this section ends forms the basis for the following section in chapters 40-66: the humble hearts which anticipate God’s redeeming work .

Introduction to Isaiah 40-66 Chapters 40-48 God’s gracious dealings with man

Caring for man

This section enables the exiles to see their whole life, including their capture, in light of their relationship with their God. Isaiah identifies the places that they do not trust and obey their covenant God Yahweh. He exposes what their sin really is. By stressing God's greatness and faithfulness, they are not only humbled by God's grace, but they maintain hope in their exiled state.

Introduction to Isaiah 40-66 Chapters 49-57 God’s gracious provision of redemption

Atonement provided

The Servant serves as the focus of hope in chapters 49-57 and serves as clear assurance that God has not altogether forsaken them even while in exile. His work is not easy but finds strength in the Lord God. It would be easy to arrange for their passage back to their homeland as the first section about Cyrus shows, but to bring them back to Himself is not easy. The prized Servant must suffer a horrible death.

God patiently taught the Jews about His plan to incorporate people from all around the world. The 'everyone' of 55:1 is inclusive. Chapter 56 speaks of the foreigners. God is intent on providing spiritual freedom to those from every tongue and race. How great and immeasurable is God's grace! Chapter 57, though, brings us right back to the operating table where He spreads their evil before their eyes so that they might seek Him and find His healing.

Introduction to Isaiah 40-66 Chapters 58-66 God’s gracious promises of hope

Promises of Hope

Isaiah’s strong message of hope shines out from these reminders to the wicked. God demands contrite hearts, reformed lives, and personal faith in Him from those desiring salvation. If one gets easily turned off by God's reminders to put away sin, then that one will probably never be able to read on to the hope that is so beautifully spread out in the later passages. Within the last section (chapters 58-66), reform and repentance is mentioned much less, while the theme of hope in God's salvation pulsates much stronger.
Book of Isaiah: Plan and Outline

Overview of the Book of Isaiah
Discussion on Ten Sections of Isaiah
Outline of Isaiah

Graphical Redemptive Chart of Isaiah
Light & Dark Illustrative Diagram

Background of the Book of Isaiah

A Historical Timeline of Isaiah

Isaiah and Judah's Chronology
Assyria's Relationship with Israel/Judah

Section Introduction & Background


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