INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH

Discussion Results

• Isaiah likely prophesied from 740 to 680 BC
• Reigns: Uzziah (791-740); Jotham (750-736); Ahaz (736-716); and Hezekiah (716-687)
• Three key events: 1) Syrian-Ephraim coalition (2 Kings 16); 2) Fall of Samaria/Israel (2 Kings 17); Sennacherib lays siege to Jerusalem (2 Kings 19)
• What we're looking for: Judah's behavior/attitude and God's responses
• Our worship response: Glory (qavod, doxa)
  

Prep Inputs

• A storyline/timeline for the four kings under whose reign Isaiah prophesied (Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah [click king's name for OT refs]; Isaiah 1:1).
• Introductory/historical material for Isaiah.

Recommended Resources
Isaiah Shepherds Notes

• 101 pages
• About $6
• Description from the publisher:

Enjoy the ease of understanding the Bible like never before, book by book. Shepherd's notes helps reader's learn about the inspired authors of the Bible books and when and where they were first penned. Each Bible book is revealed in simple understandable steps that outline and underscore the focal points and personalities of the biblical text. You'll look to these unique books for their use in Bible studies, teaching, personal devotions and even in sermon preparation! Christian and home schools will find Shepherd's Notes an invaluable resource.

Isaiah (NIV Application Commentary)

• 736 pages
• About $22
• Description from the back cover via amazon:

A unique commentary that explores each passage from three vital perspectives: original meaning, bridging context, contemporary significance.

Isaiah wrestles with the realities of people who are not convicted by the truth but actually hardened by it, and with a God whose actions sometimes seem unintelligible, or even worse, appears to be absent. Yet Isaiah penetrates beyond these experiences to an even greater reality. Isaiah sees God's rule over history and his capacity to take the worst of human actions and use it for good. He declares the truth that even in the darkest hours, the Holy One of Israel is infinitely trustworthy.

ESV Literary Bible (limited free access online)

• About $20 for online access without owning a paper copy

Prep for August 19

• Chunk work in Isaiah 1-5
• Read section in Shepherd's Notes