Isaiah Revealed The Cause Of Satan’s Fall
Isaiah 14:12-15 is believed to be a symbolic description of the fall of Satan, the Day Star from his exalted place in heaven. We see this again in Ezekiel 28:12-18 where two kings are mentioned, but Satan is the spiritual force behind the kings actions.
Satan actually has many names. He and the other angels were created before God made the earth, before Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve walked in the garden. We see the pride that filled Satans heart with his series of I will statements in Isaiah 14. He was a beautiful angel and Gods anointed cherub, but when he coveted Gods position and led a coup against him, Satan didnt just fallGod cast him out.
An important lesson for us: like the Day Star, we were created to declare the praises of the Lord and reflect His marvelous light. But just as pride and rebellion polluted Gods anointed cherub, these sins can also destroy our worship of God and reflection of His glory.
Alleged External Evidence Against Unity
Recently certain writers have appealed to the author of 2 Chronicles to prove that chapters 40-66 existed as a separate collection in his age. Whitehouse in the New Century Bible , says: “This is clear from 2 Chronicles 36:22ff, in which the passage Isaiah 44:28 is treated as the word of Jeremiah. The so-called ‘Deutero-Isaiah’ must at that time have been regarded as a body of literature standing quite apart from the Isaianic collection or collections which then existed.” But the evidence obtained from this source is so doubtful that it is well nigh valueless. For it is not the prediction concerning Cyrus to which the chronicler points as “the word of Jehovah by the mouth of Jeremiah,” but “the three-score-and-ten years” spoken of in verse 21 of the same context which Jeremiah did predict. Cf. 2 Chronicles 36:21. On the other hand, the order of the prophets among the Jews of antiquity was Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and The Twelve accordingly, any portion of any of these prophecies might be cited as belonging to Jeremiah, because his book stood first.
In any case, to seek for external evidence in behalf of the dissection of the book is indicative!
Who Wrote The Book Of Isaiah
As one of the most referenced books in the Old Testament, the book of Isaiah holds a place of high significance for the Christian faith. Recounting the life and teachings of the prophet Isaiah who lived in the Kingdom of Judah during the 8th century BCE, it is a call to turn back to God and to put our faith in Him. Furthermore, the text sets the stage for Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the coming messiah that Isaiah predicted.
The question “who wrote the book of Isaiah” or “who wrote Isaiah” is a complex one. Well explore some of the most prominent theories held by scholars as to who exactly wrote this Biblical book.
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Isaiah Predicted Israel’s Restoration
Israel, blinded and judged for centuries, will someday be restored as a nation. It will happen at the return of their rejected Messiah, Jesus, and it will result in great worldwide blessing. We see hints of this forgiveness and restoration in Isaiah, and its even clearer in Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
Isaiah notes, It will be said on that day, Behold this is our God we have waited for him, that he might save us let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Isaiah describes the restoration and the healing of the nation in chapter 26. I love verse 15: you have increased the nation, O LORD you are glorified. The wonderful purpose of Israels restoration is that His chosen people will finally bring Him the glory He deserves for sending the Messiah.
Isaiah predicted the gathering of the Jews from around the world to return to their homeland. Someday Israel, restored and healed, will take root blossom and put forth shoots and fill the whole world with fruit.
The History Of Criticism
The critical disintegration of the Book of Isaiah began with Koppe, who in 1780 first doubted the genuineness of Isaiah 50. Nine years later Doederlein suspected the whole of Isaiah 40-66. He was followed by Rosenmueller, who was the first to deny to Isaiah the prophecy against Babylon in Isaiah 13:1-22 14:1-23. Eichhorn, at the beginning of the last century, further eliminated the oracle against Tyre in Isaiah 23, and, with Gesenius and Ewald, also denied the Isaianic origin of Isaiah 24-27. Gesenius also ascribed to some unknown prophet Isaiah 15 and Isaiah 16. Rosenmueller went further, and pronounced against Isaiah 34 and Isaiah 35 and not long afterwards , Ewald questioned Isaiah 12 and Isaiah 33. Thus by the middle of the nineteenth century some thirty-seven or thirty eight chapters were rejected as no part of Isaiah’s actual writings.
In 1879-80, the celebrated Leipzig professor, Franz Delitzsch, who for years previous had defended the genuineness of the entire book, finally yielded to the modern critical position, and in the new edition of his commentary published in 1889, interpreted chapters 40-66, though with considerable hesitation, as coming from the close of the period of Babylonian exile. About the same time , Canon Driver and Dr. George Adam Smith gave popular impetus to similar views in Great Britain.
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Who Really Wrote The Book Of Isaiah
At least parts of Isaiah were written after the prophet had died. The use of different language style is also a telltale clue.
The Book of Isaiah is the first of the three so-called Major Prophets of the Hebrew Bible. It ostensibly records the prophecies of its eponymous hero, Isaiah son of Amoz, of whom we learn very little.
The book itself is mostly made up of prophecies written in obtuse compact poetic Hebrew, and was likely almost as enigmatic at the time of its writing as it is today. Yet these verses include some of the most celebrated in the entire Bible, such as, they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more . But who wrote it?
The King Hezekiah theory
According to tradition first appearing in the Talmud, a compendium of Jewish law redacted in Babylonia at about 500 CE , the Book of Isaiah was written by King Hezekiah, who reigned from 715 to 686 BCE, and his aides.
How the Jewish sages came to this conclusion is clear. The first verse of the book says that the prophet prophesied during the reigns of four Judean monarchs, the last of whom was Hezekiah. It would make sense that it was the king and his scribes who put together the compilation of Isaiah’s prophecies after his death.
Isaiah the Younger?
Apocalypse very soon
Diversity Of Bible Writers
Those who wrote the Bible lived at different times, some separated by hundreds of years. In many cases they were complete strangers to one another. Some Bible writers were businessmen or traders others were shepherds, fishermen, soldiers, physicians, preachers, kingshuman beings from all walks of life. They served under different governments and lived within contrasting cultures and systems of philosophy.
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Isaiah Testified To God’s Mercy And Grace
Though judgment and blindness would surely come, Isaiah also recognized Gods compassion in repeatedly rescuing Israel. In the days of Isaiah, Judah was threatened with destruction by Egypt and Assyria, yet God in His mercy spared Israel.
Some of the descriptions of Gods mercy and grace in Isaiah include the phrases: a highway for the remnant, the LORD will have compassion, and a refuge from the storm. One of my favorite statements from God to Israel is in Isaiah 41:14: Do not be afraid little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you, declares the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
Our God is a compassionate God. Compassion comes from the words to suffer with. Though the righteous Judge must judge sin, He is also heartbroken over the way His children struggle with it. Isaiah 30:18 says, Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. His compassioncompels Him to guide, lead and comfort his people. Though tough circumstances were ahead for Israel, Gods unfailing love would not be shaken, and His covenant of peace with them would not be removed. He truly is a compassionate and kind God!
What Did Isaiah Do In The Torah
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Isaiah was one of the major prophets of the Hebrew Bible. He was a contemporary of Amos, Hosea, and Micah. Isaiah lived in the southern kingdom of Judah during the 8th century BCE. He was married and had at least two sons. Isaiahs call to be a prophet came during the reign of King Uzziah. Isaiahs message was that Judah was sinful and would be punished, but that if they repented, they would be forgiven. Isaiahs prophecies were not always popular, and he was persecuted for his views. Isaiah is best known for his book, which is the second part of the Hebrew Bible. The book of Isaiah contains many of his prophecies, as well as his vision of the Messiah. Isaiah is also important in the New Testament, as his prophecies are quoted by both Matthew and Luke.
During Israels first Jewish commonwealth, the prophet Isaiah was a leading figure among them. He is well-known throughout the Talmud and Midrashic texts for his prophetic words in the Book of Isaiah, which contain 66 chapters. Sages believe that Isaiah was given the most sublime level of prophecy. The prophecies in the Book of Isaiah demonstrate G*ds message of hope and deliverance throughout the world. Isaiah is regarded as a complete work by the Talmud. According to the sages, his prophecies were sufficient to offset Jeremiahs prophetic prophecy about the Temples destruction. As a punishment for the Jewish peoples sins, God promised to send an invader.
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What Are Some Distinctive Features Of This Book
âIsaiah is the most quoted of all the prophets, being more frequently quoted by Jesus, Paul, Peter, and John than any other Old Testament prophet. Likewise the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants quote from Isaiah more than from any other prophetâ .
Isaiahâs prophecies often have multiple meanings and fulfillments. Concerning Isaiahâs prophecies, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: âThe book of Isaiah contains numerous prophecies that seem to have multiple fulfillments. One seems to involve the people of Isaiahâs day or the circumstances of the next generation. Another meaning, often symbolic, seems to refer to events in the meridian of time, when Jerusalem was destroyed and her people scattered after the crucifixion of the Son of God. Still another meaning or fulfillment of the same prophecy seems to relate to the events attending the Second Coming of the Savior. The fact that many of these prophecies can have multiple meanings underscores the importance of our seeking revelation from the Holy Ghost to help us interpret them. As Nephi says, the words of Isaiah âare plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecyâ â . In Isaiah 29, there is a prophecy of the Restoration that describes the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, including an exchange between Martin Harris and Professor Charles Anthon .
So Who Really Wrote Isaiah
While scholars disagree about exactly how to interpret the signs of multiple authors, theres a common thread: the prophet Isaiah wrote the book of Isaiahwith help. Its possible that it is simply a collection of his written and spoken words. Its also possible that his original writings were expanded on by later priests living during and after the exile.
Either way, the book has been preserved in this form since ancient times, and both Jewish and Christian traditions accept it as the inspired Word of God.
Learn more in John N. Oswalt’s course on Isaiah.
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Higher Criticism Of Isaiah
Higher criticism deals with the date, authorship, and integrity of the book, as opposed to lower criticism which focuses on textual variations in the manuscripts.
The Title
Is the title in Isaiah 1:1 the title of chapter 1, or chapters 1-12, or chapters 1-66? This, of course, will be the involved discussion on the next several pages. But several considerations here lead to the conclusion that the title was meant to be the heading for the entire collection:6
1. The title verse mentions all the kings under whom Isaiah prophesied. It is similar to Micah 1:1, Hosea 1:1, and other superscriptions of prophetic collections. They all name the kings in fullapparently for the whole book. The contemporary Micah was addressed to Judah and Samaria but Isaiah was addressed only to Judah. Hosea, another contemporary, was addressed to the reign of Jeroboam II .
2. The heading is parallel to the way that other prophetic books are written.
3. Ezekiel 1:1 is a contrast to the pattern Isaiah 2:1 is written for a small section of the prophecy.
4. A major objection is that parts of the book are not written to or about Judah or Jerusalem . But these other oracles are recorded as they pertain to Jerusalem and Judah. Otherwise they would not be there.
5. Chapter 1 is a prologue for the whole book, and not the chronological beginning of the oracles. It sets forth the major themes that will be heard throughout the collection. Ewald called it the grand arraignment.
Isaiah Described Israel’s Blindness
Paul speaks of Israel being blind in part in Romans 11:25: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in This was described in Isaiah when God saidHis disobedient people Keep on hearing, but do not understand keep on seeing, but do not perceive.
There will come a time when those eyes will be opened. God will lift the veil of blindness in Israel. Theologian Dr. Harry Ironside states, When the LORD Himself appears in glory, this blindness will pass away, not only from the eyes of Israel who are now unable to understand their own scriptures because of the veil that is upon their hearts, but from the eyes of the Gentiles as well.
This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. The glorious truth is this: Gods sheepfold will be full and the Old and New Testament saints will follow one Shepherd.
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The Outline Of The Book
The following outline of the contents of the book will enable us to gain a quick overview and see how the different parts fit together.
I. The Book Of Judgment
The Message of Rebuke and Promise
Israels ungrateful rebellion and the LORDs gracious invitation .
Israels prospect of glory through Messiah after the chastening for sin that will make them holy .
Israels swift and complete judgment in exile .
Isaiahs cleansing of unholiness and calling to the ministry to the unholy nation that faces desolation .
The Message of Immanuel
The sign of the birth of Immanuel and the judgment to come by Assyria .
The judgment on the nation and the deliverance by the birth and reign of the Son .
The doom of Samaria for its perversion of justice .
The destruction of the pride of Assyria to Israels satisfaction and the ushering in of Messiahs great kingdom of peace through the Branch of the root of Jesse .
The Burden upon the Nations
Babylon will be made desolate .
Philistia will howl over its calamity .
Moab is lamented for her doom .
Damascus and Samaria will be plagued .
Ethiopia will be destroyed but left an access to God .
Egypt will be confounded but in the future will be part of the covenant with access .
Babylons fall is reiterated .
Edom is threatened .
Arabia has a set time for calamity .
Jerusalem will be invaded .
Tyre will be overthrown .
The Message of Judgment and Promise, the Little Apocalypse
Woes upon Unbelievers in Israel
Further Messages of Judgment and Promise
Who Wrote The Book Of Isaiah 53
The Book of Isaiah, according to tradition, was written by King Hezekiah, who reigned from 715 to 686 BCE, and his aides at around 500 CE .
In the Hebrew Bible, there are three major Prophets: Isaiah, Daniel, and Nebuchadnezzar. Isaiah, the son of Amoz, is said to be the author of these prophecies. In a compact poetic Hebrew, the book is largely comprised of prophecies. In Isaiahs strange prophecies, there is an element of another kind: it is difficult to imagine what practical purpose royal scribes would serve by keeping them. They must have been written by a person who lived after Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 BCE. Furthermore, the last ten chapters of the book appear to have been written by another prophet who lived after the Babylonian Exile. In fact, in the Book of Isaiah, there are no prophecies, but rather account of Isaiahs life.
Chapters 24 through 27 are thought to be apocalyptic in nature, and they state that the end of the world is near. In fact, this ideology has little to do with Jewish literature in the Hellenistic period. Isaiahs composition differs significantly from what is commonly thought of as the Book of Exodus. Many of the characters in this book were written much later, during the Babylonian Exile and Second Temple periods. At the moment, it appears to have achieved something close to its current form from the 2nd century BCE.
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