Scripture: One Book at a Time
The whole of Sacred Scripture is a single narrative that promises and points to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of the World. It is an epic story, the greatest ever told, and told "one book at a time." Each book makes it contribution to the narrative as God reveals God's self to us and his desire that all be saved.
Lesson 26: Isaiah 40-66
The Prophet Isaiah (40-66)
The Book of Isaiah 1-39 chronicles the ministry of one of the Lord’s greatest prophets who was called to his ministry in the midst of the crucible of the history of Israel (the Northern Kingdom) and Judah (the Southern Kingdom). Isaiah 40-66 does not have such clear time markers, but there are numerous references that indicate these chapters are speaking to a people who are/have experienced exile from Jerusalem, and possibly already returned to the grim reality of their destroyed city and Temple. Can they trust God to fulfill his promises?
The fundamental point that chs. 40–55 address is the possibility of restoration. That possibility is called into question by two factors. First, ability: can God restore? Second, intention: does He want to restore? More than anything else, the exile would raise questions about the character of the God whom Isaiah and the pre-exilic prophets had been proclaiming. Tough stuff.
Enjoy the video, but take a moment to read:
Introduction to Isaiah Chapters 40-66
For those who would like to explore details of this book, please consider videos from Fr. Mike Schmitz’s “Bible in a Year” program. You can find the entire playlist here.
In the Christian Tradition, we look back to the “Suffering Servant Songs” of Isaiah 50-53. Listen to Bishop Robert Barron unfold the meaning of suffering, Isaiah’s prophetic message, and the mission of Jesus.