Character Study Of Isaiah Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF ISAIAH – MAJOR PROPHET

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." – Isaiah 6:8

Supporting Texts:

Isaiah 1:1, Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 40:3-5, Isaiah 53:3-7, Isaiah 61:1-3

INTRODUCTION

Isaiah was one of the greatest prophets in the Bible. He ministered during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah (Isaiah 1:1). His prophecies spanned both judgment and restoration, foretelling the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is often called the "Messianic Prophet" because of his detailed predictions about Christ’s birth, suffering, and reign.

Isaiah’s name means "The Lord is Salvation," reflecting his message of hope and redemption. His book is one of the longest prophetic books in the Bible, rich in visions, warnings, and promises. His encounter with God in Isaiah 6 marked a turning point in his ministry, leading him to boldly declare God’s message despite opposition.

1. ISAIAH’S CALL AND COMMISSIONING

a) Isaiah saw the Lord’s glory in a vision (Isaiah 6:1)

He saw God seated on His throne, surrounded by angels.

b) He acknowledged his sinfulness (Isaiah 6:5)

He realised his unworthiness and confessed his sins.

c) He was purified by a coal from the altar (Isaiah 6:6-7)

This symbolised cleansing and empowerment for service.

d) He responded willingly to God’s call (Isaiah 6:8)

He said, "Here am I, send me."

e) Biblical Example: Moses was also called by God and initially felt unworthy (Exodus 3:11-12).

2. ISAIAH’S PROPHECIES ABOUT THE MESSIAH

a) He foretold the virgin birth of Christ (Isaiah 7:14)

"A virgin shall conceive and bear a son…"

b) He described the Messiah as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Jesus would bring righteousness and eternal peace.

c) He prophesied Christ’s role as the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:3-7)

Jesus would bear the sins of humanity.

d) He announced John the Baptist’s mission (Isaiah 40:3-5)

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness…"

e) Biblical Example: John the Baptist fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy by preparing the way for Jesus (Matthew 3:1-3).

3. ISAIAH’S WARNINGS AND JUDGMENTS

a) He rebuked Judah’s spiritual decline (Isaiah 1:4)

He called the nation "a sinful people."

b) He warned about God’s coming judgment (Isaiah 13:9)

He spoke about the fall of nations, including Babylon.

c) He condemned idolatry and false worship (Isaiah 44:9-20)

He mocked those who worshipped idols.

d) He prophesied the exile and return of Israel (Isaiah 39:6-7)

He told Hezekiah that Babylon would take Judah captive.

e) Biblical Example: Jeremiah also warned Judah of coming judgment (Jeremiah 25:8-11).

4. ISAIAH’S MESSAGE OF HOPE AND RESTORATION

a) He spoke of God’s comfort for His people (Isaiah 40:1-2)

"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God."

b) He prophesied the restoration of Israel (Isaiah 49:8-13)

God would bring His people back from captivity.

c) He declared God’s power over nations (Isaiah 45:1-7)

Even pagan kings like Cyrus would serve God’s purpose.

d) He promised a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17)

A future of everlasting peace and righteousness.

e) Biblical Example: Ezekiel also prophesied Israel’s restoration (Ezekiel 37:1-14).

5. STRENGTHS OF ISAIAH

a) He was deeply devoted to God (Isaiah 6:8)

He responded eagerly to God’s call.

b) He was bold in speaking God’s truth (Isaiah 1:18)

He confronted kings and people about their sins.

c) He had great prophetic insight (Isaiah 9:6)

His prophecies about Christ were fulfilled centuries later.

d) He had strong faith in God’s promises (Isaiah 40:31)

He believed in the ultimate triumph of righteousness.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel also displayed unwavering devotion and faith in God (Daniel 6:10).

6. WEAKNESSES OF ISAIAH

a) He initially felt unworthy of his calling (Isaiah 6:5)

He saw himself as a man of unclean lips.

b) His message was often rejected (Isaiah 53:1)

Many people refused to believe his prophecies.

c) He faced persecution for his boldness

Jewish tradition says he was killed under King Manasseh.

d) He saw many prophecies fulfilled only after his time

He did not live to see the coming of the Messiah.

e) Biblical Example: Many prophets, including Elijah, faced rejection and opposition (1 Kings 19:10).

7. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF ISAIAH

a) God calls those who are willing, not necessarily those who feel qualified (Isaiah 6:8)

Isaiah felt unworthy, yet God used him mightily.

b) Faithfulness in God’s work is more important than popularity (Isaiah 53:1)

Isaiah’s message was often rejected, but he remained faithful.

c) Prophecy confirms God’s sovereignty over history (Isaiah 46:9-10)

His predictions about Christ and Israel’s future were fulfilled.

d) True servants of God must confront sin courageously (Isaiah 1:18)

He fearlessly rebuked kings and nations.

e) Biblical Example: The apostles also faced rejection but remained faithful (Acts 5:29-42).