Aspect Details
Authorship Isaiah, son of Amoz, is traditionally considered the author. Some scholars suggest multiple authors over different periods (Proto-Isaiah, Deutero-Isaiah, Trito-Isaiah).
Time Period Approximately 740-686 BCE. The book spans the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
Political Context
  • The height of the Assyrian Empire's power.
  • Threats from neighboring empires and internal conflicts within Judah.
  • Events such as the Syro-Ephraimite War and the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem.
Religious Context
  • Widespread idolatry and social injustice within Judah.
  • Calls for repentance and return to Yahweh.
  • Prophesies about the coming of a messianic figure and the restoration of Israel.
Main Themes
  • Judgment and Hope.
  • The sovereignty of God.
  • Salvation and Redemption.
  • Messianic predictions and the future kingdom of peace.
Literary Structure
  • Proto-Isaiah (Chapters 1-39): Focuses on judgment and prophecies during Isaiah's lifetime.
  • Deutero-Isaiah (Chapters 40-55): Foresees the end of the Babylonian exile and restoration.
  • Trito-Isaiah (Chapters 56-66): Addresses post-exilic themes and the future glory of Zion.
Key Events and Prophecies
  • Isaiah's commission and vision of God (Isaiah 6).
  • Immanuel Prophecy (Isaiah 7:14).
  • The Suffering Servant songs (Isaiah 52:13-53:12).
  • The promise of a new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 65-66).
Historical Impact
  • Influence on Jewish and Christian eschatology and messianism.
  • Quoted frequently in the New Testament as prophetic validation of Jesus Christ.
  • Continues to be a foundational text for theological study, liturgy, and moral exhortation.


Chapter Range Section Description
Chapters 1-12 Prophecies Against Judah and Jerusalem - Introduction, vision of Judah's sinfulness, calls for repentance, prophecies of the coming judgment and redemption.
Chapters 13-23 Oracles Against the Nations - Prophecies regarding the fate of surrounding nations including Babylon, Moab, Damascus, Egypt, and others.
Chapters 24-27 The Apocalypse of Isaiah - Descriptions of the ultimate judgment and the coming of God's kingdom, sometimes referred to as the "Little Apocalypse."
Chapters 28-35 Woes and Promises - Warnings to Judah and prophecies of destruction for those who resist God, and assurances of salvation for the faithful.
Chapters 36-39 Historical Interlude - Historical narrative about King Hezekiah, including the Assyrian invasion and Hezekiah's illness.
Chapters 40-48 Comfort for God's People - Messages of consolation and reassurance to the people of Judah, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the coming deliverance.
Chapters 49-57 The Servant of the LORD - Prophecies about the Lord's servant, often seen as Messianic, focusing on the suffering servant who will bring salvation.
Chapters 58-66 The Future Glory of Zion - Final exhortations, promises of restoration, and visions of the new heavens and new earth.