Isaiah signifies "Salvation of the Lord," and is to some extent descriptive of the character of this "the most sublime and elegant of the prophets of the Old Testament." Of the Prophet's personal history we know nothing; it is the mission and not the man; the work and not the servant we contemplate in these sublime and grandly comprehensive prophecies, which, in their range and extent are unequaled amongst the many magnificent prophecies which adorn the blessed pages of inspiration. It is, we judge, because of this book holding the first place in extent, in breadth, and completeness of its subjects, that it heads the arrangement of the prophetic writings in all Hebrew and English Bibles. Isaiah is also termed the "Evangelical Prophet," as his predictions of Christ are more full and abundant than in any portion of the Old Testament, and the quotations from his prophecy more numerous in the New Testament than from any book in the former revelation, save the book of Psalms, which in this latter respect exceedeth even Isaiah.
Israel's future in millennial glory and blessing, Jerusalem being the metropolitan city of the redeemed earth; the judgment of the nations and their blessing afterward, but in subordination to Judah; this by the introduction of and knowledge and presence of the Messiah, are in the main the subjects of the book. This grand prophecy is divided into two great parts. First, Isaiah 1-35, in which God's dealings with Judah, Israel, and the nations in the latter days are revealed; there is not much detail here, the subject being largely and comprehensively dealt with. Then follows four chapters of past historical matter (Isaiah 36-39.) needful for the linking up of the history with the prophecy. The second main division consists of Isaiah 40-66, in which the two grounds of judgment upon Israel—Judah especially—are discussed at length; these are the turning to idolatry and the rejection of the Messiah.
We add, from one now with the Lord, the following list of subjects:-"Citations from each of them will be found in the New Testament:"
2.-The day of the Lord, -
4.-The throne of judicial glory, -
5.-The confederacy; or, Emmanuel and the children,
7.-The threshing of the nations, -
9.-The historic interlude, -
11.-Jesus and Jerusalem, -
12.-The risen Jesus and the remnant, -
13. -The cross and its virtues, -
14.-The remnant manifested, -
15.-Israel trained for the kingdom, -
17.-Israel's prayer and Messiah's answer, -
GENERAL DIVISIONS.
1.-The Assyrian, the great northern invader of Judah, and the first and last enemy of Israel, will be punished after God has dealt with the conscience of and in judgment with His people, this will close the Lord's indignation against "His own." Christ will then stand as an "Ensign" to the peoples and nations and to Him the center of rest and glory—all will gather (Isa. 11:10). Saved Israel in her magnificent song, sung in the days of her gladness and redemption from her sins and enemies (Isa. 12.), ascribes salvation and strength to Jehovah. Isa. 1.-12.
2.-In this division all the powers that had to do with Israel are judged; thus the "burden of Babylon," the "burden of Moab," the "burden of Damascus," the "burden of Egypt," etc„ etc.; then the world, the kings of the earth, and the "host of the high ones on high," i.e., wicked spirits in heavenly places (Eph. 6:12, margin). Israel will be gathered individually and celebrate her full deliverance, not in song, as in Isa. 12., but in worship. Isa. 13.-27.
3.-In this section we are at once transported into the scenes of the closing days connected with Israel, Jerusalem being prominent. Every power opposed to the counsels of Jehovah and the blessing of His people (Idumea especially) will, consequent upon the Lord's descent from heaven be utterly and immediately destroyed. The blessing at the close is grandly expressed. The land, the people, and the waste places share largely in the joy and blessing which God will bestow in rich and glorious fullness in that day. "And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." Isa. 28-35.
4.-The importance of this distinctly historical section is easily perceived, its main subjects forming the historical basis of the prophetic future. These are:-The captivity in Babylon, the Assyrian invasion, and the raising up from death of David's son—thus figuring Christ. Isa. 36-39.
5.-God in controversy with His people because of idolatry; closing with the words, "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked." Isa. 40.-48.
6.-God in controversy with His people because of their rejection of Messiah—the Servant of Jehovah in life and death; also closing with the words, "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." Isa. 49.-57.
7.-The return of the Messiah to Zion; all the people righteous. Jerusalem magnificently adorned, and the wealth and homage of the Gentiles and their kings paid to it. Judgment, too, ever to be remembered (Isa. 66:24), as glory will feast the eyes of Israel and the nations forever. Isa. 58.-66.
NOTE.
It will be observed that Israel is spoken of as outcast and Judah as dispersed (Isa. 11:10). Notice, too, that the first three divisions end with a bright millennial scene, and the last three divisions with a dark millennial picture.
CORRECTIONS IN THE TEXT OF Isa. 53
ENGLISH TEXT. CORRECTED TEXT.
Isa. 53:8. Who shall declare His generation? His manner of life who would declare?
(The question was alone answered by the dying robber who justified Christ, saying, "This man hath done nothing amiss." Luke 23:14
Isa. 53:9. He made His grave with the wicked. His grave was apptointed with the wicked.
(Man's appointment to lay the holy One of God in the same grave with the wicked was divinely overruled, for God had determined otherwise. John 19:38-42.)
Isa. 53:11. By His knowledge shall my right- By His knowledge shall My righetous Servant
eous Servant justify many, for He instruct many (i.e., in practical righteousness),
shall bear their iniquities. and He shall bear their iniquities.
(In this verse we have the life work of the blessed Lord, and also His death-work. He instructed His disciples (Matt. 5-7) during his life. He bore the iniquities of sinners in His death.