Isaiah (prophet)
Isaiah (700s B.C.) is considered the greatest prophet of all time, foretelling much about Jesus 700 years later. Isaiah, like Jesus, was a champion of those who struggle and a critic of the religious elite. Isaiah also opposed seeking allies to resist invaders and instead advocated for self-sufficiency. Isaiah is the most-quoted prophet.
His Book of Isaiah is a masterpiece and its Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsaa) is considered the greatest discovery in the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were found in Qumran in 1947. It is also the largest of these scrolls at 734 cm, and the best preserved.[1]
Isaiah was a witness to the people of Jerusalem during the reign of King Uzziah to that of King Hezekiah, who both ruled over Judah.
- "The prophecies of Isaiah son of Amoz,[2] who prophesied concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah." (Isaiah 1:1)
Isaiah lived in Judah, the southern kingdom of the divided nation of Israel. He was a prophet to four kings of Judah from about 740 B.C. to 681 B.C., but he preached repentance and salvation to the whole nation. Although it is not recorded in the Bible, tradition states that Isaiah met his end by being sawed in half inside a log during the reign of the evil king Manasseh.
Isaiah's prophecies are collected in the Biblical book of Isaiah, including his famous prophecy at Isaiah 7:14 about the virgin birth of Jesus. The rendition of this verse by the Septuagint is the source of continuing debate.
In addition to Isaiah, other major prophets include Jeremiah and Daniel.
See also
External links
- Who Was Isaiah?, Zondervan Academic
- What are 10 Things I Should Know About Isaiah?, St. Paul Center
Videos:
- Isaiah the prophet - video playlist, Video playlist
