Literally, these words illustrate a cosmic leveling, where God makes the whole earth flat, straight, and smooth, basically a blank slate. 38:4; Hos. There is still a future element to this, of course. Thomas the Apostle. And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, 61, and He will be the one who creates the New Heavens and New Earth which are predicted by Is. Enter your email address to subscribe to updates and receive notifications of new blog posts by email. 13). The story of Isaiah starts sometime in the late 8th century BC. 40:1-2). It begins with Isaiah, and that’s what we normally hear at Christmas time. 6:8). Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, We see injustice, disorder, and unbelief. Nonetheless, this essay makes a beginning. In what sense did he prepare the way of the Lord, as Isaiah foretold? Although Isaiah could not explain the fullness of what he saw in the year King Uzziah died, we know who the prophet met when he was called to ministry. Tell them that God has come. You might say, “cut out a path in the desert on which God will travel.” John is in a literal desert when he is saying this, but the implication is that Israel is in a spiritual and moral desert. Isaiah is the only prophet who volunteers to serve God. There are more connections between Isaiah and John than the ones presented here. St. Helena, the mother of Constantine I, is believed to have discovered the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified. 26:22). You might recognize Isaiah 9:6 from Handel’s famous oratorio Messiah (yes, another nostalgic tradition of the Christmas season for many Christians). It is fascinating how terminology found in Isaiah is repeated in certain New Testament scriptures that describe the gospel. In fact, Isaiah is one of the most important books in the Old Testament. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching” (Luke 3:2-3). Little is written about Isaiah the man. The main chapters of scripture giving us information on Isaiah are: Isaiah 36-39, 2Kings 14-20, 2Chronicles 26-32; The book written by Isaiah belongs to the latter days of the divided kingdom. Scarcely shall they be planted, And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”. Those familiar with Isaiah’s teachings recognize that the ancient prophet’s remarkable witness of Christ likely helped qualify his writings for this divine endorsement. Jesus’ very name means salvation, and He came to bring salvation through His life, death, and resurrection. JOHN 12:37-41 37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? When Jesus reads from Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1-2) in the synagogue at Nazareth, He amazes many of the Jews by claiming the prophecy is fulfilled in Him (Luke 4:16-21). Esau. Isaiah was also a historian, though none of these works have been preserved. And the rich He has sent away empty. Scarcely shall they be sown, He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. ” Also in John 6:14 we see how the people, impressed by the power of Jesus, said, Now when the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus performed, they began to say to one another, “This is certainly the Prophet who is to come into the world .” Early in his career, which lasted approximately 40 years (740–700 B.C.E. Prayerfully study: 2 Kings 18:1–7—Hezekiah is a righteous king of Judah.. Isaiah 36:1–2, 4, 13–15—King Sennacherib of Assyria conquers many cities of Judah.He sends his servant, Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem to threaten King Hezekiah and the Jews. Having attained the age of maturity, the Prophet Isaiah entered into marriage with a pious prophetess (Is 8:3) and… “Look! Make His paths straight. Prayerfully study: 2 Kings 18:1–7—Hezekiah is a righteous king of Judah. We are not currently waiting in a passive state. 6:5). Advent is about judgment, but that means that Advent must be about evangelism. This is a picture of a world being flattened. Considering what we’ve been through in 2020, it’s the most intimate address in scripture this side of Jesus. Esau. But she was barren, and the miracle is that she gives birth despite this natural impairment, thus placing her in the line of Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah, and other famous women in the line of the covenant. Toss in the fact that John lives in the wilderness and dresses like Elijah (Matt. Isaiah prophesized the coming of the Messiah Jesus Christ. A distinctive feature of Isaiah’s commission is the emphasis on Yahweh’s kingship. He makes the judges of the earth useless. These prophecies predict the restoration of Israel from captivity, but also worldwide judgment and cosmic redemption. The first part of the prophecy tells us to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Back in Isaiah, it’s actually a little longer: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert, a highway for our God” (Is. To teach the children that the prophet Isaiah received revelation for his time and for the latter days. We prepare a way in our hearts by casting out all the works of darkness. Let’s examine each of these. Other men for whom God opened the Heavens to were Daniel, Isaiah, Elisha, Stephen, Paul and John. It would involve violence and dramatic disruption. Is. It’s a verse that brings great comfort to all who hear it. To fully understand this, you should read the larger context. When John preaches in Luke 3:9, “Even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. 11:14). Jesus said that John the Baptist was the greatest of Prophets (Matt. https://www.biography.com/religious-figure/isaiah. And the rough ways smooth (Luke 3:5; Is. He brings the princes to nothing; John answered by quoting the prophet Isaiah: "I am 'the voice of someone shouting in the desert: Make a straight path for the Lord to travel!'" And he called him into the presence of Isaiah the son of Amoz the prophet; and into the presence of Josab the son of Isaiah. Isaiah, prophet after whom the biblical Book of Isaiah is named, a significant contributor to Jewish and Christian traditions. For people looking and hoping for the Messiah, these names describe what they can expect him to be like. And having received forgiveness, he immediately volunteered to spread God’s message. Everything has changed. Preparation. Isaiah's calling as a prophet was primarily to the nation of Judah (the southern kingdom) and to Jerusalem, urging the people to repent from their sins and return to God. 42-53, He will be the restorer of Israel from Is. To teach the children that the prophet Isaiah received revelation for his time and for the latter days. Jesus didn’t come and do “part” of Isaiah’s prophecy in the first century and then leave, putting things on pause. This parallels language used about Jeremiah, Isaiah, Hosea, and other Old Testament prophets (Jer. John said, “I am the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said. Thirdly, Isaiah’s prophecy in Luke 3 states that “all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” When we go back and read it directly from the Old Testament, we see it rendered as, “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Is. (Luke 1:51-53). The Hebrew Bible relates that Saul ruled as the first king of Israel in the 11th century BCE. A Judean Prophet, Isaiah is believed to have indulged in the act of prophesizing, for forty-four years of his life. 3:1; Matt. The gospel levels mountains by breaking stony hearts, and it raises valleys by resurrecting the faithful through the power of the Holy Spirit even now. The style of writing of epigrams, metaphors, interrogation, dialogue, hyperbole and parables “characterize[s] Isaiah’s book as the great masterpiec… In Isaiah 53, the prophet writes again of the coming Messiah (and is quoted again in John 12:38) and he gives great detail about Christ’s sacrificial work of atonement. Isaiah lived about 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. The prophet was conscious of his name and realised that he did not bear it accidentally. The hills would fall down, and the crooked places would be straightened out, by pulling and stretching and breaking and cutting. Jesus will complete this putting down and raising up very literally in His second coming, when He judges all mankind. Both translations are accurate. 11. as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: The crooked places shall be made straight, And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”, Out of You Shall Come the Ruler of Israel, https://christchurchlakeland.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/12-20-15.mp3, https://christchurchlakeland.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2-18-18.mp3. We know that he is the son of a priest (Luke 1:5). And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. And so now, in conclusion, we find ourselves living in the in-between time. “The word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 40:3). Luke 3 introduces John the Baptist in his prophetic ministry. The language actually implies a road. ‘Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned’” (Is. Jeremiah. The Book of Isaiah is one of the most important books of the Old Testament. He is Emmanuel, God with us, and in the words of John’s prologue, He is, “the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, Born in Jerusalem, Israel, he was said to have found his calling as a prophet when he saw a vision in the year of King Uzziah’s death. Finally, God will show “salvation” to all mankind. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:15-17). He is best known as the judge of Jesus' trial. An Old Testament prophet named Isaiah foretold many things about Jesus’ life and His Second Coming. Tell them that God is coming. The next section shows us what God will do when He arrives. One of the Twelve Apostles, Saint Thomas or “Doubting Thomas” was initially skeptical about Jesus’ resurrection, but later proclaimed Jesus, “My Lord and My God.”. 5 In some ways this is a preliminary study because there is enough to be said And every mountain and hill brought low; Ultimately, though, John is pointing to Jesus as the one who will bring salvation. We know and believe that Jesus was the fulfillment of Isaiah 40 and that He did do these things on Earth. The birth of John was spoken of by an angel of the Lord. II, p. 885). The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia states, “For versatility of expression and brilliance of imagery Isaiah had no superior, not even a rival. He is one of the main figures in the Biblical Book of Isaiah and is sometimes considered as its author also. Isaiah is quoted more frequently in the New Testament than any other prophet. And every mountain and hill brought low; After all, a great deal of miraculous activity was supposed to take place. Isaiah was a preacher and prophet, mainly to the smaller kingdom of Judah, the capital of which was Jerusalem, also called Zion. Everything will be changed. JOHN 12:37-41 37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? In John 12:36b–43, the Apostle comments that Jesus’ ministry fulfills Isaiah 6:9–10 and that the prophet had … (Is. The disciple Matthew notes that Jesus’ activity fulfills “what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet.” (Matthew 12:17) What prophecy is Jesus here fulfilling? Muhammad is the prophet and founder of Islam. Go out and prophesy to this Earth! Those wicked men who have enjoyed success in this life will have it taken from them and will be punished and put to open shame. The first “half” predicts events which are “near” or just about to happen. There are three main components of this section of Isaiah 40. "use strict";(function(){var insertion=document.getElementById("citation-access-date");var date=new Date().toLocaleDateString(undefined,{month:"long",day:"numeric",year:"numeric"});insertion.parentElement.replaceChild(document.createTextNode(date),insertion)})(); Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives. But what’s important to know about the book of Isaiah is that it basically has two halves. A Judean Prophet, Isaiah is believed to have indulged in the act of prophesizing, for forty-four years of his life. Jeremiah. The birth of John was spoken of by an angel of the Lord. There are more connections between Isaiah and John than the ones presented here. This chapter, often referred to as the “hall of faith,” presents an extraordinary list of Old Testament champions of faith, including a description of several anonymous martyrs and persecuted saints. Last Sunday night as we were driving home from the Psalm Roar, the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah came on the radio. John The Baptist. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire,” he is delivering a message about the Final Judgment of all things. Send me’” (Is. It is Jesus who brings about the judgment, blessings, and salvation predicted by Isaiah. In fact, Handel’s Messiah is one of my favorite pieces of music of all time. His mother was also from a priestly family. The Hebrew word hai means “expressly”, and is this word is used in Jeremiah and Ezekiel to describe the reception of God’s Word given uniquely to that prophet. If Isaiah had inhabited the streets of the first century along with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, he couldn’t have been more truly aligned with their portrait of Jesus. Now, beyond merely having a second prophet who speaks from the wilderness, we need to ask whether Luke was correct to say that Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled. He confessed His sins, proclaiming, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Saint Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ who was martyred in the 1st century AD. Chapter 1 has already told us about his miraculous birth. We see references to these records: “Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write” (2 Chr. John is telling them to get ready, and one way to get ready is to do away with all barriers and impediments, namely idolatry and pride. John. It may well be that he did so ignorantly. He was believed to have written chapters 1-39 in The Book of Isaiah with the balance of the book authored by several other prophets. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. The main chapters of scripture giving us information on Isaiah are: Isaiah 36-39, 2Kings 14-20, 2Chronicles 26-32; The book written by Isaiah belongs to the latter days of the divided kingdom. When He will also blow on them, Isaiah was a Hebrew prophet who was believed to have lived about 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. Here in chapter 3, John the Baptist is said to be fulfilling Isaiah 40, as he is the voice crying out in the wilderness. Here in chapter 3, John the Baptist is said to be fulfilling Isaiah 40, as he is the voice crying out in the wilderness. And yet we see aspects that are still incomplete. They will rule with Jesus in the New Jerusalem. GOD'S WORD® Translation John said, "I'm a voice crying out in the desert, 'Make the way for the Lord straight,' as the prophet Isaiah said." Isaiah 36:1–2, 4, 13–15—King Sennacherib of Assyria conquers many cities of JudahHe sends his servant, Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem to threaten King Hezekiah and the Jews. Did Jesus actually do those things? So we look forward to the Second Advent, when Jesus will complete His work of putting all things to right. Jesus did all of this in a few different ways. Isaiah was best known as the Hebrew prophet who predicted the coming of Jesus Christ to salvage mankind from sin. No, Jesus began a work which is ongoing. Purpose. Early in his career, which lasted approximately 40 years (740–700 B.C.E. We know that he is the son of a priest (Luke 1:5). I wish we could go back to the one with the trumpets.” I’ve never been more proud as a father. Of course, I think this section is also metaphorical. The gospels tells us that these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and what’s really exciting is that the gospels tells that they were fulfilled in Jesus’ first coming. It shows how God will remove all obstacles in order to bring about His wishes, and it also shows the nature of His judgment. It was originally given just prior to the fall of Israel and the Babylonian Captivity. All flesh shall see the salvation of God. And the whirlwind will take them away like stubble. Within the text of the Book of Isaiah, Isaiah himself is referred to as "the prophet", but the exact relationship between the Book of Isaiah and any such historical Isaiah is complicated. And the rough ways smooth; 56; Heb. While this might sound nice to a casual Christian audience, it would actually be a cataclysmic experience. Much of the hope and comfort that emanates from Isaiah 9:6 comes from the names or titles the prophet gives to the anticipated Messiah: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Ultimately, though, John is pointing to Jesus as the one who will bring salvation. To answer these questions, we need to take a look at the content of the prophecy in a little more detail. 64. 40:3). He humbled powerful people quite literally in specific instances in the gospels. Several of them are actually fulfilled in the reign of Hezekiah. © 2021 Biography and the Biography logo are registered trademarks of A&E Television Networks, LLC. This morning we will continue seeing how the End-Times-prophecies began to be fulfilled in the 1st Century by seeing how Jesus fulfilled Isaiah 40 and beyond, and we will see what that means for us today. We cry out in the wilderness, just as John did before us. Purpose. Isaiah son of Amoz was a prophet during one of the most turbulent periods in Judah’s history. Clearly, John the Baptist was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus as all four quotes above demonstrate. I will put my spirit upon him, and what justice is he will make clear to the nations. Bringing the mountains low means that God will take those powers and people who are currently high and mighty and humble them. In Matthew 11:9 Jesus says that while He does not look that much like an Old-Testament prophet, John certainly does, and then He goes on to proclaim that John the Baptist is the promised “Elijah who is to come” (Matt. There’s a renowned verse in Isaiah 9 that brings great comfort to all who hear it. Scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, But the second “half,” starting with chapter 40 and continuing to the end of the book, speak of the end of the world. He also “disarmed principalities and powers, [and] made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them” in His death on the Cross, as we are told in Colossians 1:15. In fact, Isaiah is one of the most important books in the Old Testament. Isaiah is told to tell people that he is commissioned to make it hard for them to listen. 40 begins with those famous words, “’Comfort, yes, comfort My people!’ says your God. Luke 1:13-15...But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for … Answer: The Bible does not disclose how the prophet Isaiah died, but Hebrews 11 may offer a clue. He continues it through the power of His Spirit, the Spirit who shares His whole divine nature, and He works that Spirit in and through His people, the Church. John literally preached in the wilderness (Mark 1:4), the wilderness of Judea (Matthew 3:1). We show the world how it will be, and we live the life we expect to see at the end of history now, by walking in the light of God’s word. Finally, we do see the glory of the Lord through His salvation, and we proclaim that same glory to others in Christ Jesus. His style marks the climax of Hebrew literary art” (“Isaiah,” vol. Now, this prophecy of Isaiah’s came many centuries earlier than when John was preaching. For all the con-nections between John and Isaiah that I have located, see the chart at the end of this study, !Connections to Isaiah in John." There was, according to these writings, no hope in anything that was made by people. Billy Graham was an evangelist at revival meetings, and on radio and television for over 40 years. It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, The people still offered sacrifices on the high places, but only to the Lord (33:14-17). And he is also the glory of God revealed to mankind. This is a total equilibrium. The Prophet Isaiah. Every valley shall be filled This prophecy foreshadowed the life of John the Baptist, who played an important role in … John. The language used when he appears in chapter 3 is also the language used of prophets. For all the con-nections between John and Isaiah that I have located, see the chart at the end of this study, !Connections to Isaiah in John." It is also interesting to note that the Gospels quote more from Isaiah’s writings than from any other of the Old Testament prophets. This prophecy foreshadowed the life of John the Baptist, who played an important role in … while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! The Lord's will had been so neglected that this generation was unfamiliar with much of the Law of God. Isaiah’s first appearance as a prophet is the story of when he addresses the actions of King Ahaz of Judah (who reigned 743-733 BC) in response to an invasion threat by Israel and Aram. This too has a future element to is, as only the eyes of faith could behold this divine glory at Christ’s first coming. Have you not heard? John’s work was one of preparation, helping to get ready the soil, that is, the hearts of the Jewish people, who were waiting and looking for the Messiah. Isaiah lived about 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. Pontius Pilate was a Roman governor under the emperor of Tiberius in the 1st century. Even though they are fully “at home” in their land, they are not right with God, and in that sense they are sill exiled in the wilderness. Seven centuries before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah spoke of “the voice of one that crieth,” indeed, of him who would “prepare in the wilderness the way of Jehovah,” and “make level in the desert a highway for our God” (Isa. In verse 6 the prophet Isaiah foretells the coming of the Messiah, the one in whom the gospel message centers. Everything is put back in its proper place. Those trumpets are pretty cool, but I really like the way the lyrics too. Having said this, however, it is very important to note that these are not actually two separate actions. The Holy Prophet Isaiah lived 700 years before the birth of Christ, and was of royal lineage. 40:5). He also foretold the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of the Lord. Think of His encounters with Zacchaeus, Nicodemus, or the Rich Young Ruler. When Isaiah saw the Lord, he fell on His knees. 40:21-24). The Prophet Isaiah. While little is known of the personal life of the prophet, he is considered to be one of the greatest of them all.The book is a collection of oracles, prophecies, and reports; but the common theme is the message of salvation. John The Baptist. John is the new Isaiah proclaiming the same prophecy, and Jesus is the manifestation of God, come to earth to save His people. Here again with the prophet Isaiah (and echoed by the other prophets) we get the consistent message concerning the coming Savior. The visions came solely to him. 5 In some ways this is a preliminary study because there is enough to be said Listen to what else Isaiah says there: Have you not known? We dethrone the idols of every human heart, starting with our own but then preaching the gospel others in order to tear down the strongholds of the whole world. John was foreknown by the determinate council of God. This is what we must do today. He is one of the main figures in the Biblical Book of Isaiah and is sometimes considered as its author also. 1:1-2; 11:18-20; 13:3; Is. This is important to understand because John is saying that Jesus is the fulfillment of all of these prophecies of Isaiah. When Isaiah was first written, many of these prophecies sounded like “end of the world” prophecies. Luke 3 introduces John the Baptist in his prophetic ministry. Every valley shall be filled “He [John the Baptist] said, ‘I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’ as Isaiah the prophet said,'” (John 1:23). This was still contrary to the Law, so Manasseh did not make a complete break from disobedience. Isaiah son of Amoz was a prophet during one of the most turbulent periods in Judah’s history. “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Ezekiel was a biblical prophet and priest of ancient Israel who was the subject and in part the author of an Old Testament book that bears his name. This is why we worship Him, and this is why we tell others about Him. You see, Messiah is all about how Jesus Christ fulfills the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. Question: "How did Isaiah die?" Bible passage: Isaiah 40:1-5,9 Prophet: Isaiah Written: Between 701-681 BC. In Isaiah 40:3, the prophet writes about a person in the desert who prepares the way for the Lord. He has filled the hungry with good things, This commission marks the beginning of Isaiah’s ministry. 3:4), and the picture is complete. Answer: The Bible does not disclose how the prophet Isaiah died, but Hebrews 11 may offer a clue. 40:4). 1:1). Luke 1:13-15...But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for … At the second, all flesh, whether in heaven, on earth, or under the earth, will see and know that Jesus Christ is God and Lord. Roland spoke up from the back seat, “I love this song.” The next song was some mushy contemporary-Christian holiday song, and Roland said, “I don’t like this one. Question: "How did Isaiah die?" Jesus will make the crooked things straight, but He will also be the suffering servant of Is. And those who have suffered unjustly in this life will be healed, restored, and rewarded with blessings, riches, and authority. My servant whom I chose, my beloved, whom I have approved! Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene. Isaiah’s Prophecy of John the Baptist. We are told that John will be a prophet at his birth announcement: He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. We’ve been talking about eschatology, that is the study of the End Times, and we have been showing how many of the passages that people associated with Jesus’ second coming really about His first. This chapter, often referred to as the “hall of faith,” presents an extraordinary list of Old Testament champions of faith, including a description of several anonymous martyrs and persecuted saints. The Book of Isaiah, remember, is also known as the fifth gospel. Thomas the Apostle. Bible passage: Isaiah 40:1-5,9 Prophet: Isaiah Written: Between 701-681 BC. And exalted the lowly. Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? This repeats what Mary said in her Magnificat: He has shown strength with His arm; Isaiah was best known as the Hebrew prophet who predicted the coming of Jesus Christ to salvage mankind from sin. We strive for accuracy and fairness. It goes on to say that the Lord will come to Earth to judge the nations and restore righteousness. Text: Micah 4:6-5:5 “In that day,” says the Lord, “I will assemble the lame, I will…, Text: Luke 3:7-17 Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized…, Luke 21:20-33 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation…, Isaiah, John the Baptist, and the Coming of the Lord. Jesus applies Isaiah’s statement about his strange commission to his use of parables.