[:en]Introduction:
Isaiah is also called a “little Bible”. The Bible has 66 books and Isaiah has also 66 chapters. The first 39 chapters (representing 39 books in the Old Testament) talked about the message of judgment for sin. The second 27 chapters (representing 27 books in the New Testament) brought the message of forgiveness, comfort and hope.
Isaiah spoke about the coming of the Messiah as a suffering Seervant and a Sovereign Lord. His theme centered on God’s Holiness, Punishment, Salvation, Messiah and Hope.
Isaiah means “the salvation of Jehovah”. He was considered the great preacher who had an active service for 60 years during the reign of King Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. According to tradition, Isaiah was martyred by sawing him into half under Manasseh, the wicked son of King Hezekiah about 680 BC.
Chapter 1
Isaiah was concerned with the spiritual condition of the nation. Outwardly, the nation seemed prosperous and religious. But inwardly, the people were rebellious and lower than animals (vs. 1-3). They were evil doers and sick with sin like lepers (vs. 4-6), And their country had become like Sodom and Gomorrah (vs. 7-8. They made sacrifices and offerings to the Lord but their incense were detestable to Him. Their assemblies and festival were futile because God would not listen to their prayers (vs. 10-15). He told them to make themselves clean, to take evil deeds away, to do right, seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the cause of the fatherless and plead the cause of the widow (vs. 16-17). He asked them to repent (vs. 18-20). He described them as a harlot (v. 21), their treausres were cheap (v. 23), and their garden was destined to be destroyed by fire (vs. 28-31). But God offered His forgiveness if they were willing listen and to be obedient (vs. 18-19)[:]