One Page Bible Summary
Isaiah ministers under the reign of four kings during the Assyrian domination. Chapter 139 is probably written in the middle of his ministry about 700 BC when he is 60-years
while 40-66 at the end about 680 BC. The entire book is by Isaiah for the NT quoted all
passages as written by him. Extra biblical sources such as Josephus also affirm his single
authorship and among the Dead Sea Scrolls it is bounded as one book. The theme is that
God will judge Judah for her sins but He has also prepared for them an ultimate salvation
by grace. Theme: God’s judgments and His redemptive salvation. KV 12:1-3
Isaiah 1: The indictment against Judah. KV21
Chapter 1-35 are prophetic condemnations starting mainly with Judah in chapters 1-12.
1. God’s denunciation of Judah. 1-9
After an introduction of Isaiah and his background (1), a clear indictment is made against
Judah (2-4). Calling on heavens and earth is how a legal indictment is made in those
days. Israel has lost her natural inclination to follow God. It is expected, as of an ox or a
donkey that they will follow their master. In v4, all that is natural in them, namely as a
nation, a people, offsprings and as sons, should have worked in favor for them as God’s
covenant people to follow Him. Instead they revolted against God (2), abandoned Him
and are filled with iniquity (4). Furthermore no steps are taken to rectify the situation.
This is the meaning of v5-6 stating that their entire being is sick but nothing is done for
the wounds. On the positive side, note that all the ailments mentioned in v6 is treatable if
they will only tend to it. Finally v7-9 shows the desolate state of Judah. All cities are
being devoured and only Zion which is Jerusalem is left but it is besieged. Jerusalem is
besieged only once in Isaiah’s lifetime and it is during Sennacherib’s attack. Thus this
chapter is probably written around that occasion which is in chapter 35-37. It is by God’s
grace that they survive the attack and not totally eliminated like Sodom and Gomorrah.
2. The need for repentance and change. 10-20
Like Sodom and Gomorrah the people are heading for destruction for they are not dealing
with their sins the right way (10-15). They increase religiosity by multiplying sacrifices
and trampling of His courts which is going to the temple. But God cannot endure piety
with unresolved sins. Their hands are covered with blood, namely the sins of injustice
and exploitations of the weak (15-17). They must change and remove their evil deeds. It
can be difficult but God expects them to learn and do what is good and to seek justice.
With obedience they will eat the best of the land or be devoured in rebellion (18-20).
They are promised in v18 that they can be as white as snow which must be looking
forward to our salvation in Christ. Salvation thus is not for the rebellious but for those
willing to repent and change. Saved by His grace, they are then made as white as snow.
3. The restoration of the city of Jerusalem. 21-31
The city is full of injustice (21-23) and to restore it, God must remove all evil elements
(24-27). His restoration of new leaders in v27 will occur only in the millennium after
transgressors and sinners are crushed (28-31). Another horrid sin is evident here. The
oaks and gardens are where they worship idols and idolaters too will be removed (31).
Lesson to Ponder: Evil must cease but one must also learn to actively do good (16-17).
©2012 Dr. Seto Wing Hong