Isaiah the Prophet

Isaiah was a prophet in the Old Testament. He lived in the southern kingdom of Judah. He served during the time of four kings. These were Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. He lived about 700 years before Jesus.

Isaiah’s name means “The Lord saves.” He was called by God to speak to the people. He told them to turn back to God. He warned them about sin. He also gave them hope.

Isaiah lived in a time of danger. The people were turning away from God. They were not keeping the covenant. They worshipped idols. They also treated the poor unfairly.

Isaiah spoke with courage. He was not afraid to speak the truth. He reminded the people that God was still with them. He said that if they returned to God, He would forgive them.

His words and warning are a part of the Old Testament. Many parts of the Book of Isaiah speak about the future. Some of these parts talk about a special person sent by God. Christians believe these are about Jesus.

Learn more about the Book of Isaiah here.

Isaiah’s words are still read today. They are used often in the Church, especially in Advent. His voice still speaks to us today.

Isaiah lived in Jerusalem. Judah was a small kingdom. There were many threats from other nations. The big threat came from Assyria. It was a strong empire in the north.

During Isaiah’s life, Israel in the north was destroyed. The people were taken away. Judah in the south was not taken at that time. But there was fear and unrest.

Some of Judah’s kings trusted in other nations. They made deals with foreign powers. Isaiah warned against this. He said they should trust in God instead. Alliances would not save them.

People were also falling into sin. They were worshipping false gods. The rich were taking from the poor. Justice was being ignored. Isaiah spoke out against this.

He said that God cared about how people lived. Worship meant nothing if people did not act justly. He said God wanted mercy, kindness, and faithfulness.

Isaiah lived through much change. He saw both good and bad. He kept telling the people to be faithful. Even when they did not listen, he kept going.

Isaiah’s call to be a prophet came in a vision. He saw God on His throne. Angels were around Him. They cried out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.”

Isaiah felt afraid. He said he had unclean lips. He thought he could not speak for God. But an angel touched his lips with a hot coal. This made him clean.

Then God asked, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah said, “Here I am, send me.” From that moment, he became a prophet. He was ready to speak God’s word.

Isaiah’s mission was not easy. He had to tell people hard truths. Many did not want to listen. But he obeyed God anyway.

He told people to turn from sin. He warned that judgment would come. But he also gave hope. He said that one day things would be made right.

Isaiah was faithful to his call. He kept speaking even when it was hard. His words still help us understand what it means to follow God today.

Isaiah spoke both warnings and promises. He warned the people about sin. He told them that judgment would come. But he also said that God would not give up on them.

He said God cared about justice. God wanted people to treat others fairly. Isaiah said that fasting and prayer must go with good actions. We must care for the poor and the weak.

He said that trust in God was better than trust in kings or armies. He told the people not to be afraid. God would protect them if they stayed faithful.

Even when things looked dark, Isaiah gave hope. He spoke of a time of peace. He said swords would be turned into plows. Nations would not go to war anymore.

He said a child would be born who would lead with justice. He said the Spirit of the Lord would rest on him. Christians believe this is about Jesus.

Isaiah’s words help us see both the truth and the promise. They remind us that God wants both justice and peace.

Isaiah spoke about a servant. This servant would bring justice. He would not shout or fight. He would be gentle and kind. But he would also suffer.

Isaiah said the servant would be rejected. He would be beaten and hurt. People would think God was punishing him. But he would carry their sins.

He said the servant would be like a lamb led to slaughter. He would not open his mouth. He would die, though he had done nothing wrong.

Christians see this as a picture of Jesus. Jesus was rejected. He was beaten and killed. But He took the sin of the world on Himself. This matches Isaiah’s words in chapter 53.

Isaiah also said the servant would not stay dead. He would see light again. He would bring healing. He would make many people right with God.

These passages show that suffering can bring healing. They show God’s plan to save people. Isaiah saw it many years before Jesus was born.

Isaiah is quoted often in the New Testament. Jesus read from Isaiah in the synagogue. He said the words were about Him. He came to bring good news to the poor.

John the Baptist used Isaiah’s words. He said he was the voice crying out in the wilderness. He came to prepare the way for the Lord.

Paul also quoted Isaiah. He used his words to explain how Jesus brought salvation to all people, not just to Israel. Isaiah spoke of a light to the nations.

The early Church saw Jesus in Isaiah’s writings. They saw the servant, the king, and the one who would suffer. All of these helped them understand who Jesus was.

Isaiah helped the first Christians see that Jesus fulfilled the promises of the Old Testament. His words gave them confidence and hope.

Even today, Isaiah’s words are read in Mass. They help us see who Jesus is. They show us what kind of kingdom God wants.

Isaiah is honored by the Church as a great prophet. His words are used in many readings during the year. During Advent, we hear about the coming of a child, a light in the darkness.

His message helps us wait for Jesus with hope. He reminds us that God keeps His promises. He also reminds us to live justly and love others.

Isaiah’s book is full of images that help us pray. He speaks of peace, mercy, and healing. He calls us to trust in God and not be afraid.

The Church remembers Isaiah’s feast day on May 9. This is the day given in the Roman Martyrology. He is remembered with other prophets.

Isaiah never saw Jesus, but he spoke about Him. He trusted in what God showed him. His words help us believe, even when we do not see.

Isaiah is still a guide for us. His voice is clear and strong. He points us to Jesus, who brings light to the world.

Listening to the Voice of God

Isaiah was a prophet not because he predicted the future, but because he listened to God’s voice when others wouldn’t. He paid attention to the quiet voice within him, and it gave him courage and direction.

We all have that same voice inside us. But the noise of the world can drown it out. Like Isaiah, we need to stop, be still, and listen. If we do, that voice will guide us toward what is good, true, and holy.