The Importance of Prophecy: Introduction to a Bible Study of Isaiah
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Prophecy is one of the most compelling and profound aspects of the Bible, offering both immediate relevance and everlasting truths. Among all the prophetic books, Isaiah stands out as a cornerstone, with themes of judgment, redemption, and hope. As we do a detailed study of the Book of Isaiah, it is vital for us to understand the importance of prophecy and its enduring significance for believers today.
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The Role of Prophecy in Scripture
Prophecy serves multiple purposes within the biblical narrative. It’s not only about predicting future events but also about revealing God’s character, will, and purposes. Prophets were messengers chosen by God to deliver His word to His people, calling them to repentance, warning them of consequences, and offering hope for redemption.
Through prophecy, God communicated His expectations, His judgment on sin, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with humanity.
Isaiah, often referred to as the “Prince of Prophets,” ministered during a very tumultuous period in Israel’s history. His prophecies addressed the immediate socio-political issues of his time, including the threats posed by surrounding nations like Assyria and Babylon. Yet, Isaiah’s messages transcend his time, speaking to the universal themes of sin, judgment, salvation, and the coming of God’s kingdom that are relevant for us today.
One of my favorite classes at Seminary was my Tanakh class (Tanakh is the Hebrew Bible) and my favorite books are the prophetic books as well as Revelation. I love to study these and I will share some of what I learned about prophecy with you here and in our study of Isaiah.

Types of Prophets
Prophets in the Bible can generally be categorized into different types based on their roles and the audiences they addressed. Understanding these distinctions can help provide you with deeper insight into the prophetic ministry of Isaiah and, of course, the other prophets.
- Classical Prophets:
- Classical prophets, like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, typically wrote down their prophecies and addressed both the people and their leaders. Many times they spoke to the entire nation, warning of impending judgment and calling for repentance. Their writings form significant portions of the prophetic books in the Bible.
- Isaiah is a classical prophet whose messages are preserved in the Book of Isaiah. He addressed both the people of Judah and their kings, delivering God’s word concerning the nation’s spiritual and moral state, as well as their political affairs.
- Pre-Classical Prophets:
- Pre-classical prophets, such as Elijah and Elisha, primarily delivered their messages orally and often directly to the kings of Israel and Judah. Their stories are usually found within the historical books (e.g., 1 and 2 Kings) rather than in books named for them.
- These prophets were often involved in dramatic events and performing miracles, directly confronting the kings and their idolatry.
- Cultic Prophets:
- Cultic prophets were often associated with the Temple and other religious institutions. They provided guidance during worship and rituals and sometimes served as intermediaries between God and the worshipers.
- These prophets might deliver specific oracles during significant religious events or feasts. Habakkuk is an example of a cultic prophet.
- Apocalyptic Prophets:
- Apocalyptic prophets, such as Daniel and parts of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Zechariah, focus on eschatological themes. They reveal God’s ultimate plan for the end times, often through visions and symbolic imagery.
- These prophecies provide hope and assurance of God’s ultimate victory and justice.
Isaiah as a Classical Prophet
Isaiah is considered a classical prophet because his ministry included written prophecies addressing both the people of Judah and their kings. He delivered messages from God that dealt with the spiritual, social, and political issues of his time. Isaiah’s prophecies can be divided into three major periods, each addressing different audiences and contexts:
- Messages to the Kings:
- Isaiah served as a prophet during the reigns of four kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. He had direct interactions with these kings, providing counsel and delivering God’s warnings and promises.
- For instance, in Isaiah 7, he delivers a message to King Ahaz during a time of political crisis, offering the famous prophecy of Immanuel (“God with us”).
- Messages to the People:
- Isaiah’s prophecies also addressed the people of Judah, calling them to repentance and warning them of the consequences of their sins. He condemned idolatry, social injustice, and empty religious practices.
- Throughout his ministry, Isaiah looked to turn the hearts of the people back to God, emphasizing the need for genuine worship and ethical behavior.
- Messages of Future Hope:
- In addition to addressing immediate concerns, Isaiah also delivered prophecies that looked forward to a future time of restoration and hope. These messages include the famous “Suffering Servant” passages and visions of a new heaven and a new earth.
- These prophecies have significant Messianic implications, offering hope to both the exiled community of Israel and future generations.
Overview of the Book of Isaiah
The Book of Isaiah is traditionally divided into three main sections, each with distinct historical contexts and themes:
- First Isaiah (Chapters 1-39): This section, attributed to Isaiah ben Amoz, spans the reigns of four Judean kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. It addresses the immediate threats from the Assyrian Empire and calls for repentance and trust in God. It also contains early Messianic prophecies, foreshadowing the coming of a righteous king from David’s line.
- Second Isaiah (Chapters 40-55): Also known as Deutero-Isaiah, this section is believed to have been written during the Babylonian exile. It offers messages of comfort and hope to the exiled Jewish people, assuring them of God’s plan for their deliverance and return to Jerusalem. The Servant Songs, which describe a suffering servant who will bring justice and redemption, are central to this section.
- Third Isaiah (Chapters 56-66): Known as Trito-Isaiah, this section likely emerged in the post-exilic period, addressing the challenges of rebuilding Jerusalem and restoring the community. It emphasizes true worship, social justice, and the inclusive nature of God’s salvation.

Why Study Isaiah?
Studying the Book of Isaiah is essential for several reasons. First, Isaiah provides us with profound insights into the nature of God and His relationship with His people. Through Isaiah’s visions and messages, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s holiness, justice, mercy, and His plan for redemption. The call to repentance, the warnings of judgment, and the promises of salvation found in Isaiah are timeless and speak directly to our own spiritual journeys.
Second, Isaiah’s prophecies have significant Messianic implications, particularly for believers in Yeshua. Many of Isaiah’s prophecies are seen as foretelling the coming of Yeshua. The imagery of the suffering servant, the promise of a child born to bring peace, and the vision of a new heavens and a new earth are foundational to Christian/Messianic Jewish theology. Studying Isaiah helps us appreciate the continuity between the Old (Tanakh) and New Testaments and the fulfillment of God’s promises in Messiah Yeshua.
Third, Isaiah addresses social justice and ethical behavior, themes that are highly relevant today. The prophet’s condemnation of idolatry, oppression, and empty religious practice challenges us to examine our own lives and communities. Isaiah calls us to genuine worship and righteousness, emphasizing the importance of caring for the marginalized and upholding justice.
The Importance of Prophecy
What is the importance of prophecy? Well, prophecy plays a vital role in the life of faith for several reasons. First, it reminds us that God is sovereign over history. Prophecies often address specific historical situations but also point to a larger divine plan that transcends time. This dual focus reassures us that God is in control, guiding the course of history towards His ultimate purposes.
Second, prophecy calls us to accountability. Yes, accountability! Prophets like Isaiah confronted the people with their sins and called them to repentance. This is still relevant today, urging us to reflect on our own actions and align our lives with God’s will. Prophecy exposes our shortcomings but also offers a path to redemption.
Third, prophecy provides us with hope and encouragement. While prophets often delivered harsh messages of judgment, they also gave messages of God’s promises of restoration and salvation. Isaiah’s visions of a new creation, a peaceful kingdom, and a suffering servant who redeems humanity offer us great hope. This hope is not just for the distant future but also for the present, assuring us of God’s presence and faithfulness in our lives.
Introducing Our Study of Isaiah
Our study of Isaiah will look at each section of the book, exploring its historical context, themes, and their theological significance. We’ll examine key passages, such as Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness in chapter 6, the Messianic prophecy in chapter 9, the suffering servant in chapter 53, and the vision of a new creation in chapter 65.
Through commentary (including learning some of the Hebrew words), study questions, devotionals, and prayers, we’ll look to uncover the fullness of Isaiah’s message and its relevance for today.
We’ll also incorporate some insights from Jewish sages like Rashi and Ibn Ezra, who offer extremely valuable interpretations of Isaiah’s prophecies. Also, we’ll explore connections to Jewish prayer and liturgy, in an effort to deepen your understanding of how Isaiah’s words have been integrated into Jewish worship and tradition.
As we go through the Book of Isaiah, I invite you to engage with the text deeply, reflect on its messages, and consider how its timeless truths apply to your own life. Whether you are encountering Isaiah for the first time or revisiting familiar verses, this study looks to inspire and challenge you, drawing you closer to the heart of God and His redemptive purposes for the world.
The study includes Bible Study sheets, places for notes and prayer. It includes a sheet to do a SOAP study of each section. If you need to learn how to do a SOAP study, you can find that information here in our blog post.
The Book of Isaiah is a testament to the power of prophecy and its eternal relevance. Through Isaiah, we encounter a God who is both holy and compassionate, who judges sin but also offers us redemption.
As we study Isaiah, we’re invited into a deeper relationship with God, to obey His calls for justice and righteousness, and to embrace the hope of His promised salvation.
Join me on this journey through Isaiah, and let the words of this ancient prophet speak into your life and faith today.