AUTHOR: Until 1775, there was no doubt as to the authorship of this book as being by Isaiah, however, today this information is contested by higher critics. Jewish traditions indicate that Isaiah was the son of Amos and nephew of King Uzziah and was sawn in half by the wicked King Manasseh [ Heb 11:37 - "stoned, sawn in two, laid to rest proof, slain by the edge of the sword. Because of the change in tone and focus from chapter 40 onwards and because of the mention of Cyrus [ Is 44:28 - "which says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd, and shall accomplish all that I please: he shall say of Jerusalem, "Let her be rebuilt," and of the temple, "Let her foundations be laid."'. ], [ Is 45:1 - "Thus saith the LORD unto his anointed; To Cyrus, whose right hand I hold fast to subdue the nations before him, and to strip away the armor of their kings, to open doors before him, so that the doors are not locked:". ], some critics have claimed that chapters 40 to 60 were not written by Isaiah.

ORIGIN OF THE NAME: The name Isaiah comes from the Hebrew "Yesha'yahu" which means "the Lord saves".

THEME: Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah [ Isa 1:1 - "The vision that Isaiah the son of Amoz , had concerning Judah and Jerusalem during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah". ]. Thus, the historical events recorded in Isaiah cover a period of approximately 62 years. The Book deals with judgment and salvation and is, of all the prophetic writings, the most beautiful and sublime. According to the Pentecostal Bible, “Isaiah is a Bible in miniature”, due to its organization and content; it has 66 chapters, with two main divisions of 39 and 27. The first emphasizes the judgment of the Lord and the last presents grace from him. In none of the other books do we get such a glorious view of the Messiah and his kingdom. Isaiah reveals that the divine purpose of salvation will only be realized in connection with the Messiah. The Book is filled with promises of restoration and redemption, the assured advent of the Messiah, salvation for all nations, and the triumph of God's purposes. Because of its emphasis on God's grace and redemptive work, the Book of Isaiah is sometimes called "The Fifth Gospel" and its author the "Gospel Prophet" because of the many predictions about the Messiah.

COMPILATION: Approximately 740 / 680 BC, it consists of 66 chapters and 1292 verses.