Cleansing

Isaiah 1-5 contrasts Israel's past and present wretchedness and wickedness with God's plans for her future glory. Israel is currently beyond hope of saving herself; her injustice and unfaithfulness has buried her too deep. But God has plans to redeem His chosen nation and restore her to glory.

Such is how we are before God, and what God has planned for us. He cleanses us from our sins even when we were dead in them and breathes new life into us for his own glory.

The Mouthpiece

Isaiah 6-8 recounts Isaiah's calling as a prophet and his first several assignments from God. Isaiah delivers the prophecy of the Messiah to King Ahaz of Judah. Ahaz is currently under attack from Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel, and possibly fears that he will be replaced. Isaiah assures him that God will not allow that to happen, and tells of the downfall of the nations currently threatening Judah.

God's promises stand forever. when He promised to David an eternal house, He intended to keep it and no one can reverse His decision. Because God is who He is, we can trust Him to keep His promises to us as well.

God's decisions about the nations

In Isaiah 9-12 God makes decisions about several countries in Isaiah's time, with reference to God's plans for the Messiah. God humbles Israel and destroys Assyria for acting wickedly and arrogantly, and reveals that a child will be born who will rule as God Himself, one who is descended from Jesse and who will bring true peace.

God has the final word. Jesus Christ rules as God, and is the Root of Jesse who is promised. He brings a peace like no other and one day will forever end the opression we live with.