ISAIAH

(Answers)

 

Updated 01/2024


 

CHAPTER 1

  1. Isaiah was a prophet from the days of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and King Hezekiah, before the captivity of Judah. [Isaiah also prophesied of the upcoming downfall of Babylon (Isaiah 13, 14:4).]
  2. God was not pleased with the sacrifices, festivals, incense, and offerings of Judah because they were a sinful nation, not obedient to God.
  3. If Judah were willing to come to God with all their hearts and be obedient to His commandments He would forgive them of their sins.
  4. God will rid Himself of His adversaries, enemies, and purge the impurity of the people. Then Judah will be righteous and faithful
  5. The transgressor and sinner shall be destroyed together. He shall consume those who forsake the Lord.

 

CHAPTER 2

  1. The mountain is when Gods kingdom is set up above all other kingdoms. (This is during the thousand-year reign of Jesus in the latter days).
  2. During the Kingdom of God there will be no need for swords or spears for there will be no war.
  3. The people will try to save themselves with their false idols and hide from Gods truth.

 

CHAPTER 3

  1. The leaders and elders were unqualified to lead the people because of their sins. Judah was led as if by children or women.

 

CHAPTER 4

  1. The branch is the remaining people of Israel who return from captivity.
  2. The people will be happy to partake of the fruit of their land once again.
  3. Judah will be judged for their apostasy and consumed and destroyed by those God will send against them.
  4. Once Judah has been purged God will once again lead His people day and night.
  5. Because the remnant is holy and God will be present, He will be their covering (defense, protection).

 

CHAPTER 5

  1. God is the owner of the vineyard..
  2. Israel was God\'s vineyard.
  3. The vineyard brought forth wild grapes instead of good grapes.
  4. God will trample down Israel, break down its walls, and make it a place of thorns and briers. Many will be killed and go into captivity.
  5. God will send nations from afar against Judah.

 

CHAPTER 6

  1. Isaiah saw himself as unholy and deserving of death before the Lord and His angels.
  2. Isaiah\'s iniquity was taken away and his sins were purged.
  3. Isaiah will be able to speak and prophesy for the Lord concerning His people.
  4. The people will keep hearing and seeing but not understanding until their cities are laid waste and the people are removed far away.

 

CHAPTER 7

  1. This seems to be a far fulfillment prophecy of Jesus. The near fulfillment prophecy is that all the land of Israel will be forsaken soon.
  2. Curds and honey will be all that is left in the land for the few who will be left. The land will not be cultivated. It will be full of briers and thorns. (7:22, 23).

 

CHAPTER 8

  1. The name of the child means, “Speed the spoil and hasten the booty. Before the child could say mother or father the kingdom of Syria and Israel will be taken over by Assyria.
  2. Isaiah was to fear, dread, and hallow God. He was not to fear the people.
  3. God will be a sanctuary to Isaiah but to both houses of Israel He will be a stone of stumbling, a rock of offense, and a snare and a trap for Jerusalem.
  4. The people were not to seek mediums and wizards, to seek the living among the dead.

 

CHAPTER 9

  1. The oppression of Israel will not be forever. A Light in their darkness will come, a child, Jesus.
  2. The people had cursed God before but now would praise Him because he brought light and salvation to them (see 8:21, 22). (The more common interpretation is this refers to Jesus).

 

CHAPTER 10

  1. Assyria was used by God to desolate Israel.
  2. The pride of the Assyrians made them boast they had accomplished all things by their own power instead of the power of the true God.

 

CHAPTER 11

  1. a. Jesus is the rod or branch that will come from the stem of Jesse. b. He will possess the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord.
  2. The animals represent the time after Jesus' second return when God will again recover the remnant of His people. All people will live under the rule of Jesus in harmony and safety, even the animals will live with each other and humans with no fear of danger to either.  (Notice the animals will not be meat eaters but will eat of plants and straw.)

 

CHAPTER 12

  1. Everyone will sing, praise, and exalt the name of God.
  2. Gods wonderful work will be known in all the earth (not just Israel).

 

CHAPTER 13

  1. The near prophecy is the destruction of Babylon. The future prophecy is the destruction of the whole world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. (Is. 34:4; Joel 2:10; Rev 6:12)
  2. The Medes will be sent to remove the Babylonians.

 

CHAPTER 14

  1. The people of other nations will cling to the house of Jacob. (Esther 8:17; Neh 10:28-31)
  2. Babylon is equivalent to Lucifer (Satan). The pride and pomp of Satan was in the Babylonians.
  3. Lucifer wanted to exalt himself above all and be like God.
  4. There will be no rest for Lucifer where He will be going.
  5. Both Assyria and Philistia will be destroyed.

 

CHAPTER 15

  1. Moab will be destroyed.

 

CHAPTER 16

  1. Israel is to have mercy on the outcasts and refugees of Moab during their punishment (Moab is the relative of Israel, the child of Lot who is the nephew of Abraham).
  2. Moab is to help Israel in the time of their persecution. (Their opportunity could be at the time of Israels tribulation and with the Anti-Christ.)
  3. The one who will sit in truth in the tabernacle of David will be Jesus.

 

CHAPTER 17

  1. They had forgotten God. They had not remembered that He was their stronghold. Syria and Ephraim joined forces against Judah. (2 Ki. 16:5-9)

 

CHAPTER 18

  1. The Ethiopians were not needed to fight against the Assyrians. God would help Judah against the Assyrians.
  2. There will be a day when the people of Ethiopia will come to Jerusalem to worship God and to bring presents (Acts 8:26-40).

 

CHAPTER 19

  1. The dried up waters were the people who lead Egypt into sin and false gods.
  2. Th e fishermen are those who profit from those deceived and led astray.
  3. Egypt, Assyria, and Israel will one day be at peace. The gospel of Jesus Christ will connect them.

 

CHAPTER 20

  1. a. Isaiah was unclothed (stripped like a captive wearing only the undergarment) for three years. b. It was a message for Israel that it was useless to trust in Egypt and Ethiopia for help against Assyria. Egypt and Ethiopia who would be led away captive, stripped, and barefoot.

 

CHAPTER 21

  1. The night of Belshazzars feast of pleasure is the sane night King Cyrus of Persia took Babylon (Daniel 5:1-31).
  2. The chariots were the two nations, the Medes and the Persians, coming to overthrow Babylon
  3. Babylon is an example of all nations and people who do not know God or obey His will. They have their own righteousness, religion, and gods. They will fall.
  4. Edom will also suffer calamity due to their enmity against Israel (Nu. 20:18-21; 2 Ki. 8:20).
  5. Arabia will suffer collateral damage from the kingdom to come (perhaps Jer. 49:28).

 

CHAPTER 22

  1. Jerusalem is called the valley of vision because they knew God and His ways.
  2. Jerusalem had turned from seeking God and remembering Him.
  3. Shebna was over the house of King Hezekiah, king of Judah, and a scribe (2 Kings 18:18). Shebna thought highly of himself and built a prestigious tomb to show his honor and authority even though Israel was under the threat of exile.

 

CHAPTER 23

  1. Tyre had become prideful and self-glorifying. God was about to humble them.
  2. Tyre will return after seventy years of desolation and rebuild the city and their commerce.
  3. Tyre will once again do business freely with all nations for profit. However, this time her gain will be for those who dwell before the Lord (Nehemiah 13:16; Ezra 3:7).

 

CHAPTER 24

  1. The land (Canaan) will be emptied of inhabitants and plundered.
  2. The removal of the people from the land will be so complete it will look like an olive tree completely shaken or the grape vine completely gleaned.
  3. The exalted ones refers to the time of the end when the fallen angels and demons will be punished.
  4. The kings are the nations that will come against God and Jesus during the time of tribulation and at the battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:13,14).
  5. The fallen angels and kings of the earth will be locked up and thrown into the pit for a while and then punished (Rev. 19:20; 20:2,10).

 

CHAPTER 25

  1. The strong people call on God for strength, trust in His protection, and know He is the One who blesses them.
  2. The mountain of God are all those who know God and live according to His ways.
  3. God will bestow all manner of blessings upon His people.
  4. The covering is the sin of the people; the veil is the people\'s blindness to God\'s word. (Through Jesus sin will be forgiven. Through the Holy Spirit understanding and obedience will increase.)
  5. Death will be swallowed up. (1 Co 15:55-57).

 

CHAPTER 26

  1. The strong are all true believers, the righteous, those who obey the truth who will be gathered together in one place. (This will happen at the end of time when the New Jerusalem comes to earth).
  2. The people who knew God shall arise out of their graves to live.

 

CHAPTER 27

  1. Leviathan represents all the ungodly people, nations, and the great enemy of God and the church, Satan.
  2. The Lords vineyard is His people He watches over.
  3. Those against or who do not obey God are the briers and thorns that must be removed.
  4. It will be possible for the lost to make peace with God and avoid their destruction
  5. God measured out an appropriate punishment on His people for their sins by sending a nation against them to destroy their city and take a remnant captive.
  6. a. God will gather His people back to their city. b. Israel comes back after seventy years but Gods Holy mount will be in the New Jerusalem at the call of the last or great trumpet (the end of the age).

 

CHAPTER 28

  1. The priest and the prophet were intoxicated and could not make any judgments.
  2. The Assyrians and Babylonians will speak to Israel in the near future. In the distant future God will speak to His people through the Gentiles who would serve Him as Israel watches.
  3. Because they did not take Gods precepts seriously the people have made a covenant with death.
  4. Jesus is the cornerstone (1 Pe 2:6).
  5. God revealed to Isaiah what will happen at the time of the end. There was going to be total destruction on the whole earth.
  6. As God teaches the plowman in correct judgment He will guide and counsel His people into a righteous walk with Him. (God sows His word, the seed, among the people. His Spirit to grows each believer. Then fruit will come and there will be a harvest of all true believers).

 

CHAPTER 29

  1. The people spoke of God with their lips, but He was not in their hearts.
  2. God made man and knew his ways. Man could hide nothing from Him. Shall the thing formed say of the one who formed it He has no understanding?).
  3. All those who commit iniquity will be cut off.
  4. Jacob will see those who were once wayward but came back to God.

 

CHAPTER 30

  1. Israel was not trusting in God and Egypt saw no benefit for them to help Israel.
  2. God will be gracious to Israel when they weep and cry for Him.
  3. There will be our conscience and a teacher who will instruct us in the way we should go. Today this is through the Holy Spirit.

 

CHAPTER 31

  1. The one who looks for help from other places rather than from God and the one who helps him will perish together.
  2. The one who trusts in God will be like a lion who roars or stands over his prey. No one will run Him off. God will defend and preserve His people.

 

CHAPTER 32

  1. The righteousness and understanding of God among the people will be evident. Eyes and ears will be opened and understanding will grow.
  2. The foolish and evil will not be condoned or excused anymore. They will be seen clearly for what they are.
  3. When God pours out His Spirit on the people from on high their mourning will stop and their land will be a fruitful forest..
  4. Gods people will dwell peaceably, securely, and quietly.

 

CHAPTER 33

  1. The sinners and the hypocrites will be afraid of Gods devouring fire.
  2. Those who walk upright, refuse bribes, and hate bloodshed will have nothing to fear.
  3. a. The righteous will see the king and His beauty (king of the universe) and the land far off (place of eternity). b. They will remember the terror of the invading nations. c. They will not see an invading nation anymore
  4. Zion will become a quiet place, a place that will never be destroyed, a permanent tabernacle will be there, and the Lord will be present among His people. 

 

CHAPTER 34

  1. The nations will be utterly destroyed and the people slaughtered (Rev 14:19-20; 19:17-21)
  2. The host of heaven will be dissolved and the sky will roll up like a scroll (Rev 6:13-14).
  3. Edom is all the people who have lived contrary to Gods will.
  4. They animals represent all those, great and small, who are lost. They will be the sacrifice of the Lord
  5. The books of prophecy, particularly Isaiahs, can be searched later to see if this prophecy was fulfilled. Not one prophecy will lack fulfillment.

 

CHAPTER 35

  1. The land will once again blossom and produce abundantly on its own.
  2. The blind, deaf, and the lame will see, hear, and walk again.
  3. No unclean people shall dwell in the land or on the highway of holiness (Rev 21:27).
  4. There will be no evil to tempt the simple-minded or lead him astray.
  5. Only the redeemed and ransomed of the Lord will be on the highway of holiness.

 

CHAPTER 36

  1.  Rabshakeh accused Hezekiah of turning the people away from God because he had taken down the high places and altars.
  2. Rabshakeh said God had sent him against Judah.
  3. Rabshakeh said that the god\'s of the other nations could not stand against him and neither will the Lord.

 

CHAPTER 37

  1. God would send a rumor and have Rabshakeh  return to his own land where he would die by the sword.
  2. Assyria became prideful. They felt their success was by their own power not realizing God had delivered those nations into their hands.
  3. The people of Judah would eat of the land whatever it produced on its own for the next three years. Then they will sow and reap as usual.
  4. The angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrians.

 

CHAPTER 38

  1. God added fifteen years to Hezekiahs life.
  2. God made the shadow on the sundial would go backward ten degrees.

 

CHAPTER 39

  1. Hezekiah entertained and showed his treasures to some men from Babylon.
  2. God revealed that Babylon would one day carry away all his treasures he had shown them. (Dan 1:1-4)

 

CHAPTER 40

  1. God would exalt the humble and humble the prideful.
  2. Who is like God in any way?
  3. God never becomes faint or weary.
  4. God helps the weak and the meek.
  5. Those who wait on the Lord will have new strength, a smooth path, and will not faint or be weary.

 

CHAPTER 41

  1. God is in charge. He put nations over other nations in His righteousness and infinite wisdom.
  2. God is before the first generation of people and will be there after the last.
  3. All those who contended with Israel will become as nothing and will perish.
  4. The idols could not recall the past or show the future. They were nothing.
  5. Cyrus, the ruler of the Medes (from the north) and the Persians (from the east) would be a blessing to Israel (Ezra 1:2-4).

 

CHAPTER 42

  1. a. The servant of God is Israel (Isaiah 41:8-9; 44:21). Here it is futuristic in a descendant of the righteous of Israel, Jesus (Matthew 12:16-21). b. God will put His Spirit upon Jesus. c. The spreading of the gospel of Jesus will cover the whole earth, a ministry also to the Gentiles.
  2. God will hold His servant by the hand, and guide Him and keep Him.
  3. The Servant would become the covenant to the people and a light to the Gentiles.
  4. The people in prison and darkness are those in sin and who do not know how to get out.
  5. God wanted the people to know that He is God and give their honor and praise to Him, not to any other or a carved image.
  6. God will dry up and lay waste all the things and people (the heathen, the foes, their idols, their doctrines) against God and those who lead people away from God.

 

CHAPTER 43

  1. The rivers and waters are the people who do not know or obey God. They spread ungodliness that Gods people will have to face.
  2. The fire is the lies, deceiving doctrines, and tribulation from the ungodly people that Gods people will go through.
  3. a. Those who know God will be protected from the deceiving lies and doctrines of the ungodly. b. They have called on God and obeyed Him.
  4. Gods people will come from all over the world.
  5. a. Those who did not see or hear God, who rejected Him before, are called on to acknowledge the work of God when He returns His people from captivity. b. The people who know and serve God will be His witnesses and verify His work.
  6. a. The divine protection and provision of God for the return of His people from Babylon is the immediate reference. (A greater reference is to the road of righteousness and of knowledge of God, the conversion of sinners, which will come through Jesus). b. The people will be protected from wild beasts on their return from Babylon. (This is also a reference to the conversion of the Gentiles who have never served God.)
  7. God asks His people to come to Him and speak their case for forgiveness but they will not be able to justify themselves. God will blot out their sins for His sake. (This will be done through Jesus on the cross.)

 

CHAPTER 44

  1. The dry and the thirsty are people who are seeking God. They are thirsty for righteousness, spiritual blessings, and the grace of God
  2. God told the people the same piece of wood they used for crafting their gods they also use for fire to cook their food and to warm themselves.
  3. Jerusalem will be inhabited, the cities of Judah will be built, and the temple foundation shall be laid.

 

CHAPTER 45

  1. Cyrus, king of Persia will be Gods servant.
  2. Cyrus did not have a relationship with God but will be used by Him.
  3. God has made the earth, created man, and stretched out the heavens.
  4. Egypt, Cush, and the Sabeans would be Cyrus, king of Persias reward for his favor to Israel.

 

CHAPTER 46

  1. The idols were loaded on carriages and carried by their animals but the idols who should have burdened the burden of their worshipers could not and went themselves into captivity.
  2. Cyrus of Persia is the bird from the east that God will use.
  3. God will place salvation in Zion.

 

CHAPTER 47

  1. a. God is going to bring down the Chaldeans and the Babylonians. b. They were cruel to the elderly and showed no mercy to Gods people. c. The Babylonian astrologers and stargazers would become as stubble.

 

CHAPTER 48

  1. God warned His people early so they would not say or think the things that happened to them were from their idols or carved images, but from the one true God.
  2. God put His people through ttribulation to refine them and to turn them back to Him for His sake, honor, and glory.
  3. God is the first and true God, and there is no other; none before Him or after Him.
  4. Isaiah was sent by God since the beginning of Israels desolation to speak prophecy openly to His people..
  5. If the people had obeyed God\'s commandments (from the beginning), they would have peace and righteousness and no loss of descendants.

 

CHAPTER 49

  1. a. Jesus will be the sharp sword of God. b. Jesus has been shielded by God until His time comes.
  2. a. The servant will bring God\'s people back to Him. b. God, the Father, will be His strength. c. The servant will also be a light to the Gentiles.
  3. God sent His son, Jesus, at the time fixed by Him and helped Jesus as He became the covenant to the people (2 Co 6:2).
  4. Yes, as a woman who could not forget her child God will remember Israel.
  5. Israel wondered because there would be a multitude of children and from other nations. (These will be children of God from the Gentile nations.

 

CHAPTER 50

  1. Isaiah did not hide from the people in shame or from their persecution. He gave them the word of God.
  2. He said to rely on God.
  3. a. Those who develop their own lighted path instead of trusting in God. b. They will go down in torment.

 

CHAPTER 51

  1. Those who know righteousness and who have God\'s law in their heart will not fear man.
  2. God will remove His fury from Israel and direct it to those who afflict them.

 

CHAPTER 52

  1. The mountains of Judea will hear of God\'s salvation.
  2. The watchman over Judea will understand and announce the signs of Gods work.
  3. Israel is the anti-type of the Messiah. They will be returned and exalted.
  4. As Israel suffered destruction so will the Messiah for the majority will not know he is the Messiah.

 

CHAPTER 53

  1. God will nurture and protect Him like a tender plant in a time of spiritual oppression of His people (dry ground). (See also Isaiah 7:15)
  2. The Servant would not be dressed in splendor or look beautiful.
  3. The Servant would know sorrow and grief. All the sufferings of the body and would will be known to Him
  4. God will lay the iniquity of us all on the Servant.
  5. The Servant was killed with the wicked (Luke 23:32-33) but buried with the rich (Matthew 27:57-60).
  6. The strong; those who believe in the Servant, will divide the spoil with the Servant.

 

CHAPTER 54

  1. God had forsaken His people only for a moment.
  2. As God swore in the days of Noah not to cover the earth with water He will not destroy His people.
  3. Even if the mountains and hills be removed (Rev 16:20) God’s covenant of peace will remain with His people.
  4. No weapon formed against Gods people shall proper and any word spoken against them shall be condemned.

 

CHAPTER 55

  1. Gods thoughts and ways are higher than mans.
  2. As the rain waters the earth and brings forth seed and bread so will the word of God not return void.

 

CHAPTER 56

  1. The Gentiles also are promised salvation.
  2. The watchmen were the irresponsible leaders and priests of Israel who sought their own pleasure and gain.

 

CHAPTER 57

  1. God gives rest and peace to the righteous person.
  2. The righteous (at this time) were removed to save them from the evils and sufferings caused by their leaders and of the calamity to come.
  3. The people sacrificed and worshiped their false gods on the hills and mountains.
  4. The people had turned as far away from God as they could in seeking help from other nations and foreign gods.
  5. God dwells with those who have a contrite and humble spirit.
  6. God will heal backsliders who turn back to Him because He will not hide from them and leave then to their ways.

 

CHAPTER 58

  1. Israels worship and fasting were not sincere. They still found pleasure and were abusive to people during their fast. Some fasted for selfish reasons to win an argument or debate even to hurt or oppress others.
  2. a. God wanted the people to break the bonds of wickedness, heavy burdens, and the yoke they put on their brethren and to help the poor, feed the hungry, and clothe the needy. b. God will hear us, healus, and guard us.
  3. By riding ourselves of all wickedness, then only light will go forth.
  4. We honor God by keeping the Sabbath holy and by following and obeying God instead of our own will or pleasure.

 

CHAPTER 59

  1. a. Sin separates us from God. b. God turns His face from us and will not listen to us.
  2. We don\'t know which way to go because of our self-will and the multitude of our sins and darkness in us.
  3. There was no man or intercessor to save the people therefore God set the plan for salvation.
  4. Jesus will become our redeemer.
  5. God will leave His Spirit with the people forever.

 

CHAPTER 60

  1. The Gentiles will worship God at the altar of Israel. (Spiritually, we all worship the God of Israel now).
  2. There will be different nations of people who will help supply materials for the rebuilding of the temple.
  3. The sun and the moon will no longer be needed because the Lord will be an everlasting light (Rev 21:23).
  4. a. The righteous and redeemed are the work of His hands. b. At the end of the age the heavenly land, the New Jerusalem, will be among God’s people Rev (21:1-3).

 

CHAPTER 61

  1. a. Isaiah was appointed to preach to the people. (Here he prophesies about the work of the coming Messiah Luke 4:16-22) b. Their city will be rebuilt.  
  2. The people will be clothed with the garments of salvation and the robe of righteousness.

 

CHAPTER 62

  1. The watchmen know God, wait on Him, and can lead the people. Here they are looking for God to restore the people and the city.
  2. The watchmen will not stop until Jerusalem is made a praise in the earth. (After the end of this age when God\'s heavenly city is established the watchmen will not be needed).
  3. The banner leads the way home for the Jews.

 

CHAPTER 63

  1.  A mighty force covered in blood. This is God taking vengeance against the enemies of His people.
  2. Isaiah declared Gods loving kindnesses and goodness to His people, helping them in times of affliction.
  3. God remembered how the people called on Him before and how He had led them in the days of Moses.
  4. The people felt they had become like the people of old whom God never knew or were ever called by His name. .

 

CHAPTER 64

  1. God helps and comes to those who know and wait on Him and who rejoice in doing good.
  2. Israel did their righteous acts not out of a pure and sincere heart because they were in sin. The filthy rags were a garment used during menstruation in which a woman became unclean for several days. (The people were always stained; never clean, to be used by God.)

 

CHAPTER 65

  1. a. The Gentiles will find God (Rom 10:20-21). b. Israel, Gods chosen people rebelled against Him.
  2. In the New Jerusalem people will live a long time, as the days of a tree. If someone dies at a hundred years old they will be considered accursed.
  3. The animals will live together in peace and will no longer be carnivores but will eat straw.

 

CHAPTER 66

  1. God looks to help the poor and the humble person who trembles at the word of God.
  2. The people were full of hypocrisy; full of sin at the same time they did their righteous rituals. (Ezekiel 23:39)
  3. The male child of Jerusalem is the spiritual church that would be born because of the Messiah.
  4. The children of Zion will increase rapidly because they will include the Gentiles. Christianity will spread quickly.
  5. Some people of the nations will become priests and Levites for the Lord.