Isaiah

1. Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

The book of Isaiah is a compilation of oracles, prophesies and reports written by the prophet Isaiah (1:1) during the reigns of several kings- Uzziah (1:1-5:30), Jotham (6:1-13), Ahaz (7:1-12:6), and Hezekiah (13:1-66:24). The book was written about both nations- Israel and Judah (1:1). It would have been written to the future generations to show what the people did, what they were like, which patterns of the world they fell to and what happened to them because of it. He uses the idea of a grapevine a lot to show the lack of fruit that the nation is producing (5:1-7, 10), and about the injustice to the poor (26:6, 3:15, 10:2, 32:7), the worship and detesting of idols (44:10, 2:8, 42:8, 44:9, 42:17) and even makes fun of them in 40:19 and 57:17. Isaiah shows the need to trust God and make Him Lord (26:4, 26:3, 12:2).

2. What does this book show you about the character and nature of God?
   
   
   In Isaiah we see a lot about the character of God He is judge and ruler over all. He judges according to sin and lack of repentance (2:11-12, 3:12-14, 13:11-13, 17:10). He acts as a refuge and shelter (25:4-5) and protects those who are being wrongly treated, He is merciful and keeps true to His plan (14:1-2), He's faithful to those who have sinned and stays with them to teach them of His ways (30:20). He is the first and the last, the only God (44:6), He is forgiving and cleanses (4:4, 43:25). And He's big! THIS is my God- 40:26-31)

3. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

The most common and prominent book that speaks about God's redemptive plan is Isaiah 53. It's a complete foreshadowing of Jesus and talks about where He came from, his blameless and perfect life, how He was “pierced for our rebellion and crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” (53:5) And another foreshadowing of Jesus in 9:6, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” And also in chapter 11.

But we also see God's plan of redemption from the very beginning in Chapter 1:18-20, “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow... If only you will obey Me, you will have plenty to eat.” and in verse 25, “I will raise my fist against you. I will melt you down and skim off your slag. I will remove all your impurities. Then I will give you good judges again and wise counselors like you used to have. Then Jerusalem will again be called the Home of Justice and the Faithful City.”

Other verse references- 12:3, 14:1-2, 19:19-22, 25:7-8, 26:19, 28:16-19, 30:15-18, 35:5, 43:1-8)