B101: Lesson 21

Isaiah

The book of Isaiah is one of the most important books of the Old Testament. Isaiah was a prophet whose public ministry lasted more than sixty years and spanned the reigns of four kings of Judah. During this time, the northern kingdom of Israel was overthrown and taken captive by Assyria. Isaiah lived in the southern kingdom of Judah, and was a statesman who was very involved in the political councils of his day. His writing is full of intense language and symbolism as He seeks to speak the mind of God.

It’s fascinating to note that the book of Isaiah is a miniature of the entire Bible. It has 66 chapters, just as the Bible has 66 books. Chapters 1-39 are very stern and carry a message of law and judgment, just as the Old Testament has 39 books and carries that tone. Chapters 40-66 are very consoling, just as the New Testament has 27 books and gives the message of God’s grace. The book of Isaiah also contains the greatest number of Messianic prophecies of any in the Old Testament. Chapter 53 in particular is breathtaking in the clarity with which it looks ahead to the atoning death of Jesus.

Messianic Prophecies in Isaiah

Repentance for the nations
OT References: Is 2:2-4
NT Fulfillment: Luke 24:47

Hearts are hardened
OT References: Is 6:9-10
NT Fulfillment: Matt 13:14-15; John 12:39-40; Acts 2825-27

Born of a virgin
OT References: Is 7:14
NT Fulfillment: Matt 1:22-23; Luke 1:27-35

A rock of offense
OT References: Is 8:14-15
NT Fulfillment: Rom 9:33; 1 Pet 2:8

Light out of darkness
OT References: Is 9:1-2
NT Fulfillment: Matt 4:14-16; Luke 2:32

Immanuel, God with us
OT References: Is 7:14; 8:8,10
NT Fulfillment: Matt. 1:21,23; John 14:8-10; 14:19; Col 2:9

Son to be given
OT References: Is 9:6
NT Fulfillment: John 3:16

Government on His shoulders
OT References: Is 9:6
NT Fulfillment: Matt 28:18; 1 Cor 15:24-25

Spirit of the Lord on Him
OT References: Is 11:2, 42:1
NT Fulfillment: Matt 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32, 3:34

Full of wisdom and power
OT References: Is 11:1-10
NT Fulfillment: Rom. 15:12; 1 Cor 1:30; Eph 1:17; Col 2:3

Reigning in mercy
OT References: Is 16:4-5
NT Fulfillment: Luke 1:31-33

Key of David
OT References: Is 22:21-25
NT Fulfillment: Rev 3:7

Death swallowed up in victory
OT References: Is 25:6-12
NT Fulfillment: 1 Cor 15:54

A stone in Zion
OT References: Is 28:16
NT Fulfillment: Rom 9:33; 1 Pet 2:6

The deaf hear, the blind see
OT References: Is 29:18-19
NT Fulfillment: Heb. 10:5-9

Healing for the needy
OT References: Is 35:4-10
NT Fulfillment: Matt 9:30; 11:5; 12:22; 20:34; 21:14; Mark 7:31-35; John 9:1-7

Make ready the way of the Lord
OT References: Is 40:3-5
NT Fulfillment: Matt 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4-5; John 1:23

The Shepherd tends His sheep
OT References: Is 40:10-11
NT Fulfillment: John 10:11; Heb 13:20; 1 Pet 2:25

The meek servant
OT References: Is 42:1-4
NT Fulfillment: Matt 12:17-21; Phil 2:7

A light to the Gentiles
OT References: Is 49:6
NT Fulfillment: Luke 2:32; Acts 13:47; 26:23

Scourged and spat upon
OT References: Is 50:6
NT Fulfillment: Matt 26:27; 27:26, 30; Mark 14:65; 15:15, 19; Luke 22:63-65; John 19:1

Rejected and insulted
OT References: Is 53:3
NT Fulfillment: Matt 27:1-2, 12-14, 39; Luke 18:31-33; John 1:10-11

Suffered vicariously
OT References: Is 53:4-5
NT Fulfillment: Matt 8:17; Mark 15:3-4, 27-28; Luke 23:1-25, 32-34

Pierced for our transgressions
OT References: Is 53:5
NT Fulfillment: Rom 4:25; 5:6,8; 1 Cor 15:3; 2 Cor 5:21

Lamb slaughtered for us
OT References: Is 53:7
NT Fulfillment: John 1:29,36; Acts 8:28-35; 1 Pet 1:19; Rev 5:6; 13:8

Silent when accused
OT References: Is 53:7
NT Fulfillment: Matt 26:63; 27:12,14; Mark 14:61; 15:5; Luke 23:9; John 19:9

Buried with the rich
OT References: Is 53:9
NT Fulfillment: Matt 27:57-60

Bear iniquities and give forgiveness
OT References: Is 53:11
NT Fulfillment: Acts 10:43; 13:38-39; 1 Cor 15:3; Eph 1:7; 1 Pet 2:21-25; 1 Jn 1:7,9

Crucified with transgressors
OT References: Is 53:12
NT Fulfillment: Mark 15:27-28; Luke 22:37

Calling of gentiles
OT References: Is 55:4-5
NT Fulfillment: Rom 9:25-26; Rev 1:5

Deliverer out of Zion
OT References: Is 59:16-20
NT Fulfillment: Rom 11:26-27

Nations walk in the light
OT References: Is 60:1-3
NT Fulfillment: Luke 2:32

Anointed to preach liberty
OT References: Is 61:1-3
NT Fulfillment: Luke 4:17-19; Acts 10:38

Called by a new name
OT References: Is 62:1-2
NT Fulfillment: Rev 2:17; 3:12

The King cometh
OT References: Is 62:11
NT Fulfillment: Matt 21:5; Rev 22:12

A vesture dipped in blood
OT References: Is 63:1-3
NT Fulfillment: Rev 19:13

Afflicted with the afflicted
OT References: Is 63:8-9
NT Fulfillment: Matt 25:34-40

New heavens and a new earth
OT References: Is 65:17-25
NT Fulfillment: 2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1