The opening verse of Isaiah gives us the name of the prophet, the subject of his vision, and the time when it was received. Isaiah was a prophet of Judah during the final years of Israel’s history (the ten tribes), when the Assyrian threatened and finally took that nation captive and besieged Jerusalem (2 Kings 15-20).
Chapters 36-39 are a historic account of this period, and, as is frequently the case, present conditions are used as an illustration of God’s future dealings. Jerusalem’s deliverance from the Assyrian, and Hezekiah’s recovery from sickness, are a type and sign to Israel of their deliverance and restoration.
The first prophetic section, chapters 1-35, gives the external history of Israel with respect to the surrounding nations. The final section, chapters 40-66, presents Israel’s internal history. Kings and peoples are no longer prominent; rather, this is God’s controversy with His people. While Isaiah addresses many nations, the prophecies are centered on Judah and Jerusalem (Isa. 1:1). The prophecies of Isaiah are the most comprehensive and His statements concerning Christ the most full.
Within this broad outline, there are further divisions. In chapters 1-12 we have Judah’s sinful condition. Two subjects of supreme importance are introduced: Christ, Immanuel (Isa. 7:14), and the Assyrian (king of the North), the rod of mine anger (Isa. 10:5). The section ends in a song of triumph.
In chapters 13-27 judgment is pronounced on Israel’s enemies. Beginning with the surrounding nations it goes on to address “the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth” (Isa. 24:21), death is swallowed up in victory (Isa. 25:8), His indignation is poured out on inhabitants of the earth (Isa. 26:20), and the dragon that is in the sea is slain (Isa. 27:1). The portion concludes with worship (Isa. 27:13).
In chapters 28-35 Israel and Jerusalem are again the focus; five woes are declared on Israel (Isa. 28:1, 29:1, 29:15, 30:1, 31:1), followed by Jerusalem’s deliverance from the Assyrian (Isa. 31:8), God’s intervention and its blessed result (ch. 32), the destruction of Gog (ch. 33), judgment of Edom, Idumea (ch. 34), and the joy of the kingdom (ch. 35).
Chapters 40-48 give us God’s controversy with Israel because of their idolatry. Cyrus is a type of the Deliverer; he was the executor of judgment upon idolatrous Babylon (ch. 45).
Then in chapters 49-57 we have God’s controversy with Israel because of their rejection of the Messiah.
Finally, in chapters 58-66 we have the deliverance and blessing of the remnant.