The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah is the great prophet of both judgment and hope, pointing forward to the coming Messiah and the suffering servant. Quoted more often in the New Testament than any other Old Testament book.
- Testament
- Old (66 chapters)
- Type
- Major Prophet
- Author
- Traditionally the prophet Isaiah (8th c. BC). Modern scholarship often distinguishes chapters 1-39 (Isaiah of Jerusalem), 40-55 (an exilic prophet) and 56-66 (postexilic) — though all are part of one unified canonical book.
- Date
- Isaiah ministered roughly 740-700 BC; later material reflects the exile and return.
The Holy One of Israel
Isaiah's title for God — 'the Holy One of Israel' — is the book's heartbeat. His vision of God in chapter 6 ('Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts') shapes Christian worship to this day.
The Suffering Servant
Chapters 40-55 contain the great Servant Songs — most famously Isaiah 53 ('He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities... and with his stripes we are healed'). The New Testament reads them as Jesus' own portrait.
Key verses (KJV)
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” — Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
How to read Isaiah
Read chapters 6 (Isaiah's call), 9 and 11 (the coming king), 40 (comfort), and 52:13-53:12 (the Suffering Servant) first. They are some of the highest peaks in the Bible. Then read the rest at your own pace.
Read Isaiah on your iPhone
Read the full book of Isaiah in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.
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