Bible character overview - Isaiah
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Time to read 5 min
Introduction:
Welcome to an insightful character overview of Isaiah. Here you'll learn about who Isaiah was, what he did, and his strengths and weaknesses. Also, we have provided questions related to the story of Isaiah to provoke thought. They can also be used for personal/small-group studies.
Who was Isaiah from the Bible?
Key facts
- When: roughly around 800 B.C
- Where: Jerusalem
- Name meaning: ‘Salvation of the Lord’
Glimpse:
Isaiah, a major prophet in the Old Testament, prophesied during the 8th century B.C in Judah. His book is renowned for its vivid visions and powerful messages of judgment and hope. Isaiah warned of impending judgment against Judah and other nations due to their sin but also spoke of God’s promise of redemption and the coming of a Messiah. He is known for his prophecies about the suffering servant (Isaiah 53) and the eventual establishment of God's kingdom. Isaiah’s writings are pivotal in understanding the themes of justice, mercy, and salvation in the Bible.
Isaiah's vision
Isaiah was a prophet sent to a nation that had turned away from God. He is introduced to us in Isaiah 1, where he has a vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem, revealing the judgment they would face due to their evil and wicked ways.
In Isaiah 6, we read about Isaiah's vision of the Lord on His throne. He describes the experience with these words: "I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above Him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.' At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke."
Questions
→ What does this passage in Isaiah 6 tell you about God?
→ Have you ever experienced a vision or dream from God?
"You, Lord, have abandoned your people, the descendants of Jacob. They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and embrace pagan customs."
Calling
The holiness of what Isaiah witnesses brings him to his knees as he realizes his depravity and sinful nature. An angel flies down to him, touching his mouth with a burning coal and saying, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Then the Lord asks, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" Isaiah responds with the famous words, "Here I am. Send me."
Isaiah is then called to be a voice to the nation of Israel. He delivers many prophecies regarding judgment, as well as messages of hope and encouragement. Isaiah 53 is especially notable for prophesying the coming of the Messiah, a prophecy that was fulfilled in the life of Jesus.
Questions
→ Why do you think Isaiah fell to his knees?
→ What happens to us the closer we get to God? Do we become more aware of our sinful nature?
"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit''
The book of Isaiah
The book of Isaiah mirrors the structure of the Bible, being split into the Old and New Testaments. It concludes with hope and a promise for all who believe in the God of Israel, the God of the Bible.
Isaiah 55:1-5:
"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a ruler and commander of the peoples. Surely you will summon nations you do not know, and nations that do not know you will come running to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor."
Questions
→ What's your identity in Christ? Do you feel like a child of the King and if not, why not?
→ What stands out to you in Isaiah's story?
“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted”
Strengths:
- Obedient: Isaiah was used mightily by God because of his obedience and lack of fear of man
- Called: Isaiah was very clearly called and equipped to be a herald and prophet of Israel, calling them into repentance
- Eyes to see: Isaiah saw things that we could barely comprehend because he was positioned to do so with the correct heart
Weaknesses:
- N/A
Conclusion
Isaiah's story teaches us that when we align ourselves with the calling of God on our lives, we will see, hear, and do amazing things that we couldn't have ever dreamed of. We must, however, be obedient through all of this and place our faith and trust in God as He leads us along the path He has placed before us.
''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life''
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