Isaiah was a prophet who lived in the eighth century BC, during the reigns of the kings of Judah:
Uzziah,
Jotham,
Ahaz, and
Hezekiah.
The prophet Isaiah is traditionally recognized as the author of the biblical book of Isaiah.
He was the son of Amoz (Isaiah 1:1) and may have been related to King Amaziah. He grew up in Jerusalem and likely received a good education. He understood people well and became an important political and religious adviser to the nation.
Isaiah had direct access to the kings of Judah. He also appears to have served as a royal historian, recording events during the reigns of several kings (2 Chronicles 26:22; 32:32).
Isaiah's wife is called a prophetess (Isaiah 8:3). They had at least two sons, Shear-jashub (7:3) and Maher-shalal-hash-baz (8:3).
Isaiah's Ministry
Isaiah usually wore clothing associated with prophets, including sandals and a garment made of goat's hair or sackcloth, a rough, coarse fabric. At one point during his ministry, the Lord commanded him to go barefoot and without his usual outer clothing for three years, possibly wearing only a loincloth (Isaiah 20:2–6). This would have been humiliating in a society where clothing was an important sign of a person's social position.
Isaiah worked to correct problems in society and government. He spoke against wrongdoing, even among the most powerful people. He condemned those who claimed to predict the future and criticized wealthy and influential people who failed to use their positions responsibly.
Isaiah urged the people to obey God rather than ignore his covenant (the binding agreement between God and his people). He also rebuked kings for acting according to their own wishes and failing to care for others.
Isaiah's writings show his deep respect for God's greatness and holiness. He spoke against the worship of false gods among the Canaanites. He also criticized his own people for taking part in religious ceremonies without sincere faith in God (Isaiah 1:10–17; 29:13).
Isaiah warned the people of Judah that God would judge them for worshiping false gods. He declared that only a small group of people who remained faithful to God would survive (6:13).
Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah, God's promised Savior and King. He described the Messiah as a ruler who would bring peace and reign over God's kingdom (Isaiah 11:1–11; compare 9:6–7). He also described the Messiah as a servant who would obey God and suffer (53:3–12).
Isaiah was one of the most gifted prophets in his use of language. His writings contain many powerful and memorable images and figures of speech that help us understand his message.
Isaiah was a prophet during the final 30 years of the northern kingdom of Israel. Because he lived in Jerusalem, in the southern kingdom of Judah, he spoke less often about Israel. When Israel fell to Assyria, Judah became more vulnerable to an Assyrian attack.
Isaiah urged King Ahaz of Judah to avoid alliances with foreign nations and trust God to protect his people. But Ahaz ignored Isaiah's advice and made an alliance with Assyria.
Hezekiah, the faithful son of Ahaz, tried to free Judah from this dangerous situation. When the Assyrian army, led by King Sennacherib, approached Jerusalem, Isaiah encouraged Hezekiah and the people of Judah to trust the Lord to protect the city. According to Isaiah 37:36–38, the angel of the Lord destroyed much of the Assyrian army. This gave Hezekiah and the people of Judah a short period of peace.
Isaiah is widely regarded as one of the greatest Hebrew prophets. He was highly respected in both Old Testament and New Testament times. One sign of his importance is the collection of writings associated with his name that were not included in the Bible. These are known as apocryphal writings.
See also Book of Isaiah; History of Israel; Prophecy; Prophet, Prophetess.