Lesson No. 22—Read the Scriptures in Class Out of Your Own Bible.

LESSON THEME:—ISAIAH

Isaiah 9:2-7.

• KEY WORD—”MESSIAH.”

• KEYVERSE—Isaiah 9:6.

• KEY PHRASE—”SALVATION THROUGH JUDGEMENTS AND GRACE.”

Home Readings.

If possible read the whole of Isaiah. It not then:—

• Sunday—The case against Judah,—Isaiah 1:1-18.

• Monday—Isaiah’s vision,—Isaiah 6:1-8.

• Tuesday—Christ-child is Israel’s hope,—Isaiah 9:1-7.

• Wednesday—The coming kingdom,—Isaiah 11:1-9.

• Thursday—Hezekiah’s sickness,—Isaiah 38:1-8.

• Friday—Christ our sacrifice,—Isaiah 53:1-12.

• Saturday—Everlasting salvation,—Isaiah 55:1-13.

NOTE ON THE PROPHETS—We now come to the 17 prophecies of the Old Testament. The prophets in their message uttered great truths that applied to their own times, but just as truly to the times of Christ. To the time of His first and of His second coming. The burdens of their messages was, that God would bless His covenant people with both temporal and spiritual blessings if they were true to Him. But if unfaithful then judgement should come upon them until they would repent, when they should be restored to God’s favour and to their own land.

NAME—Isaiah means “salvation of Jehovah,” which is significant, as he was the great prophet of salvation in the Old Testament. Christ and the apostles quoted him more than any other prophet. Events cover 62 years, 760-698 B. C.

PURPOSE—To prophesy Israel’s captivity, repentance and restoration, and the glories of the Messianic age.

THE TIMES OF ISAIAH—Isaiah lived 780 B. C.—690 B. C. in the southern kingdom of Judah at Jerusalem. When he was twelve years of age the Assyrians invaded the land and had to be bought off with a large indemnity. 2 Kings 15:19. About twenty years later the northern kingdom (Israel) was taken into captivity. This exposed Judah to the same fate, but Judah’s king, having declared himself to be the vassal of Assyria. the evil day was put off. When Hezekiah came to the throne of Judah, 727 B. C., he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and was supported by Isaiah. who exhorted his countrymen not to be afraid of the Assyrians, Isaiah 10:24, but to depend wholly upon Jehovah. Worldly advisers. however, persuaded Hezekiah to make an alliance with Egypt against Assyria, but it was of no avail. Hezekiah was defeated and paid a heavy indemnity out of the Temple treasury. After a brief interval, Assyria again threatened Israel, hut this time acting under the advice of Isaiah, Hezekiah “spread the matter before the Lord,” Isaiah 37:14, and God’s decree went forth for the destruction of the Assyrian (701 B. C.) Sennacherib, their king, never recovered from this disaster, and he made no more expeditions against Palestine.

Isaiah lived under the reigns of four icings of Judah—Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. Morally and spiritually, the country was full of corruption, vice and irreligion. The rich lived in oriental luxury, the poor were oppressed. It was against these evils that Isaiah lifted up his voice.

GREAT FACTS:—

1. Accusations.

2. Nations.

3. Hezekiah.

4. Release.

5. Messiah.

6. Kingdom.

Great Fact I. Accusations Against Judah and Israel.

Isaiah 1; Isaiah 2; Isaiah 3; Isaiah 4; Isaiah 5; Isaiah 6; Isaiah 7;
Isaiah 8; Isaiah 9; Isaiah 10; Isaiah 11; Isaiah 12.

In this section Isaiah accuses the nation of ingratitude, folly, and stubborn rebellion, Isaiah 1:2-9. They have withdrawn themselves from God’s favour by their commercial greed, heathen alliances, luxury and idolatry, Isaiah 2:6-9, The rulers of the people answer the charge by stating that they keep up all the outward ordinances of religion required by the law, therefore art blameless. Isaiah indignantly denounced such hypocrisy, Isaiah 1:15. Assures them of forgiveness if they repent. Isaiah 1-18, but if they continue their rebellion then the sword would devour them, Isaiah 1:20. In Isaiah 1, there is a prediction of the Assyrian invasion. In Isaiah 9, the prophet sees that Israel’s troubles shall end through the birth of the Christ-child, who shall rule over the full kingdom of David in justice and in righteousness forever.

LESSON—Israel was increased from the family to a nation, divinely raised out of bondage to a commanding position, and given a land flowing with milk and honey. Each step in their progress should hart drawn from them their gratitude, love an obedience. Israel. however, acknowledge, none of these obligations, but refused to know God or have Him in their thoughts Multitudes of Christians have followed suit. No wonder Isaiah scathingly denounces such evil doings!

In Isaiah 1:18 God condescends to reason will us. He offers salvation, not only from punishment, hut from sin itself in all his forms, all its depths, all its degrees! He bids us turn from the empty ceremonies, that Israel was making so much of, to the Fountain filled with blood. He assures us that although we may be dyed scarlet, or double-dyed in crimson with sin, we may be “as white as snow!” No wonder the book of Isaiah is called “The Gospel of the Old Testament!”

Great Fact II. Prophecies Concerning Foreign Nations.

Isaiah 12; Isaiah; Isaiah 13; Isaiah 14; Isaiah 15; Isaiah 16; Isaiah 17; Isaiah 18; Isaiah 19;
Isaiah 20; Isaiah 21; Isaiah 22; Isaiah 23; Isaiah 24; Isaiah 25; Isaiah 26; Isaiah 27; Isaiah 28;
Isaiah 29; Isaiah 30; Isaiah 31; Isaiah 32; Isaiah 33; Isaiah 34; Isaiah 35.

Assyria. Egypt, Babylon, Damascus and Tyre are mentioned. and judgements upon them definitely prophesised, all of which came to pass. Babylon fell 200 years after this prophecy. This reminds us that other judgements predicted to come upon the whole world will just as surely come to Pass. These prophesies have a near and far view. They were literally fulfilled in the destructions of these nations. They will be spiritually fulfilled when judgement comes upon corrupt world-power, and corrupt religion, Revelation 6; Revelation 7; Revelation 8; Revelation 9; Revelation 10; Revelation 11; Revelation 12; Revelation 13.

Isaiah 14:12-17 refers to Satan. After the prophet denounces the enemies of Israel and he brings his message to a grand climax by outlining the final triumph of God’s people.

LESSON—The history of the world is a history of nations whom God has punished for their sins by final destruction. Think of Egypt, Babylon, Carthage, Rome and Greece. The punishment of individuals, too, is final. Korah for gainsaying went quickly into the pit, Numbers 16:30. Uzzah died for irreverence, 2 Samuel 6-7. Ananias fell dead for lying, Acts 5:5. God must punish in wherever He finds it.

Great Fact III. History of Hezekiah.

Isaiah 38; Isaiah 39.

This history is given also in 2 Kings 18:20, and tells how Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came against Judah. How Hezekiah and consulted Isaiah, who foretold the disaster that should come upon the Assyrian army. Next we have the sickness of Hezekiah. and how, in answer to prayer, his life was spared for fifteen years. Then we have Hezekiah’s folly in showing of his treasurers to the ambassador of the king of Babylon. and Isaiah’s Prophecy that in process of time these same treasures would be carried off to Babylon.

LESSON—Hezekiah was a great king. and that largely because he sought the counsel of Isaiah, and became his disciple. The rich and the great need the wisdom “that cometh down from above.” It is true wisdom to take all our affairs to the Lord, to keep no difficulties hack, to hide no faults. God will then make good His promises, help us over all difficulties and abase our enemies. Not always at once but always eventually. Therefore, put you confidence in the Lord God.

Great Facts IV. Coming Restoration Prophesied.

Isaiah 39; Isaiah 40; Isaiah 41; Isaiah 42; Isaiah 43;
Isaiah 44; Isaiah 45; Isaiah 46; Isaiah 47; Isaiah 48.

This section is sometimes called the “Book of Comfort,” because the prophet tells in glowing terms of the restoration of Judah, and the coming of Jehovah’s Ideal Servant to be the Messianic King.

LESSON—The word “Comfort” in the Bible means to strengthen. So when God says “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people,” He means strengthen them, arouse them, nerve them. So we must dare to do right, dare to be true, dare to be brave! Sorrows may be bitter, evils may be deeply in trenched, but if we faint not, but fight on, tomorrow will come the song!

Great Pact V. The Messiah Promised.

Isaiah 49; Isaiah 50; Isaiah 51; Isaiah 52; Isaiah 53;
Isaiah 54; Isaiah 55; Isaiah 56; Isaiah 57; Isaiah 58.

Dr. J. M. Grey points out how the portrait of the Messiah becomes very clear in Isaiah. In Genesis the seed of the woman became the seed of Abraham, and the line of Judah.

Deuteronomy spoke of Him as a Prophet like unto Moses; Samuel described Him as King sitting on the throne of His father, David; and now Isaiah pictures Him in many ways. He prophesies His virgin birth, Isaiah 7:14. His divine and human nature. His mission to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. His many names, Isaiah 9:6. His humiliation as well as His glory, Isaiah 53. These things were all written 700 years before they came to pass, and therefore impress us with their divine origin. If all these things were fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth, and in Him only, then He indeed it is who is the Son of God and God the Son!

VI. A Glorious Kingdom to be Set Up.

Isaiah 59; Isaiah 60; Isaiah 61; Isaiah 62; Isaiah 63;
Isaiah 64; Isaiah 65; Isaiah 66; Isaiah 67; Isaiah 68.

This section tells of Israel’s final restoration to their land, of their increased prosperity and of the divine blessing resting on them forever. The Gentiles shall aid them in their return, Isaiah 49:22. This is being fulfilled at the present moment. The land will be too small for them, Isaiah 49:18-21. They shall be served by other nations, Isaiah 60:12. They shall inherit the land forever, Isaiah 60:21. God will rejoice in their national happiness, Isaiah 65:19.

These promises have not yet been fulfilled, but will be when Israel is regathered, and Jerusalem is made the centre of Christ’s glorious kingdom. All the prophets speak of its glory and blessedness. Revelation 20; tells us it will be for 1000 years. Romans 8:21; says the earth shall then be delivered from physical corruption. The wilderness shall blossom as the rose, Isaiah 35:1. The glory of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9. The savage nature of beasts will be banished and a little child shall lead them, Isaiah 11:6. The government shall be on Christ’s shoulders and of the increase of righteousness and peace there shall be no end. Isaiah 9:6. Nations shall beat their swords into ploughshares and learn war is no more, Isaiah 2:4.

LESSON—Those who suffer with Christ shall reign with Him. Those who are faithful to the suffering Messiah, shall be rewarded by the exalted Messiah. In Sparta only those who had won victories were allowed to sit beside the king. Let us look for and hasten the coming of the golden Kingdom-age!

Questions on the Lesson.

1. How many prophesies in the Old Testament?

2. Give the burden of their messages.

3. What the meaning of name?

4. What the purpose?

5. How were the Assyrians finally driven from Israel?

6. Against what evils did Isaiah prophesy?

7. Name the great facts.

8. What the key word and key verse?

9. How much of Isaiah have you read?

10. Of what did the prophet accuse Israel?

11. Show how God is willing to reason with us.

12. What is meant by prophesies having a near and far view?

13. From whence did Satan fall, Isaiah 14:12?

14. Tell the history of sinful nations.

15. What made Hezekiah a great king?

16. Why is the last part of Isaiah called the book of comfort?

17. What does the word Comfort mean?

18. Trace the teaching about the Messiah from Genesis to Isaiah.

19. What the duration of the kingdom yet to be set up?

20. Will Israel be back in the land?

21. Will universal peace and knowledge cover the earth?

22. How can we hasten the coming of the Lord?