Isaiah was one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament, called to prophesy to Judah during a time of political unrest and spiritual decline. His call came through a powerful vision of the Lord seated on His throne. Isaiah 6:1 says, “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up.” Overwhelmed by God’s holiness, Isaiah responded, “Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. He called the nation to repentance, warned of judgment, and proclaimed the coming of salvation through the Messiah. His prophecies were not only for his time but pointed forward to the redemptive work of Christ.
Isaiah foretold the virgin birth of Jesus, saying, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). He spoke of the Messiah’s deity and reign: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given… and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
His most profound prophecy concerns the suffering servant, a clear picture of Christ’s atoning work. Isaiah 53:5 declares, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.” This chapter reveals the depth of the Messiah’s suffering and the purpose of redemption.
Isaiah also saw the glory of the future kingdom. He spoke of a time when nations would beat their swords into plowshares and learn war no more (Isaiah 2:4), and of a new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17).
His name means “The Lord is salvation,” and his message carries the hope of that truth. Isaiah stands as a voice of both warning and hope, proclaiming judgment and the coming glory of Christ.
