586 BC – 538 BC · 252 passages
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Showing 1–60 of 252 passages; pick a book above to see all of its passages, or switch to “by book”.
Comfort for exiles (traditional: foretold c. 700 BC; critical: c. 550 BC, late exile) Best estimate
God tells his messengers to comfort Jerusalem because her punishment is finished and her sin pardoned. A voice calls for a highway to be prepared in the wilderness for the LORD's glory to be revealed.
Comfort for Jerusalem; word of God endures (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
A voice commands the prophet to cry out that all people are like grass and flowers that fade when the LORD's breath blows on them. Only the word of God stands forever.
Comfort for Jerusalem; word of God endures (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
Zion and Jerusalem are told to shout the good news to Judah's cities that their God is coming with might. He is also pictured as a shepherd who gathers lambs in his arms.
God's greatness over Babylon's idols (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
A series of questions shows that no one measures, counsels or teaches God. The nations are like a drop in a bucket and a speck of dust before him.
God's greatness over Babylon's idols (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
The passage asks what could be compared to God and mocks idols made by craftsmen. It says God sits above the earth and brings rulers to nothing.
God's greatness over Babylon's idols (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God asks who is his equal and points to the stars he names and keeps. To a discouraged Israel he says he never grows weary, and those who wait on him will renew their strength.
Nations summoned before God as Persia's Cyrus rises (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God calls the distant peoples to court and asks who raised up a conqueror from the east; he answers that he did, as the first and the last. The nations react by fearfully strengthening each other and their idols.
Promise to Israel the servant (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God reassures Israel, his chosen servant and Abraham's descendant, that he is with them and will help them. Their enemies will vanish, and Israel will become like a threshing sledge that crushes mountains.
Promise to Israel the servant (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God promises to answer the thirsty poor by opening rivers and fountains and turning the desert into pools and planted trees. The purpose is that all will know God has done it.
Idols challenged to predict events (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God challenges the idols and their followers to declare what will happen and prove they are gods. They cannot, so he calls them nothing, contrasting them with his own foretelling of what he raises up from the north and east.
First Servant Song (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God introduces his Servant, whom he upholds and whose Spirit is on him. He will bring justice gently, not crushing the bruised reed, and will not be discouraged until justice is established.
First Servant Song (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God, the Creator, tells the one he has called that he will hold his hand and make him a covenant for the people and a light for the nations. He will open blind eyes and free prisoners, and he will not share his glory with idols.
New song of God the warrior, ahead of Babylon's fall (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
The whole earth, from sea to desert to mountains, is called to sing a new song of praise to the LORD. He is pictured going out like a warrior who shouts in triumph over his enemies.
New song of God the warrior, ahead of Babylon's fall (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God says that after long silence he will now cry out like a woman in labor and reshape the land. He will lead the blind along unfamiliar paths and put those who trust idols to shame.
Israel as a blind and deaf servant in exile (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God calls Israel deaf and blind, having seen much without understanding. Their plunder and imprisonment came because they would not obey him, and even when judgment burned them they did not take it to heart.
Promise of redemption and a 'new exodus' from exile (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God tells Israel not to fear because he has redeemed them, called them by name, and will be with them through water and fire. He will gather his sons and daughters from every direction.
Promise of redemption and a 'new exodus' from exile (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
Nations are brought before God as if in court, and Israel is named as his witness. God declares that there is no god before or after him and no savior but him.
Promise of redemption and a 'new exodus' from exile (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God promises to bring Babylon down and recalls how he once opened a path through the sea. He tells Israel not to dwell on the past because he is doing something new, making a way in the wilderness.
Promise of redemption and a 'new exodus' from exile (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God says Israel has not called on him and has burdened him with sins rather than offerings, yet he blots out their transgressions for his own sake. He then invites them to argue their case, but their sin has brought disgrace.
Spirit outpoured; folly of idol-making in Babylonian setting (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God tells Jacob, his chosen servant, not to fear, and promises to pour water on the dry ground and his Spirit on their descendants. Many will then claim to belong to the LORD.
Spirit outpoured; folly of idol-making in Babylonian setting (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
The LORD, Israel's King and Redeemer, says he is the first and last and challenges anyone to declare the future like him. He tells Israel not to fear, as they are his witnesses and there is no other Rock.
Spirit outpoured; folly of idol-making in Babylonian setting (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
Idol makers are shown as foolish: a smith and a woodworker labor to make gods from the same materials they burn for warmth and cooking. They bow before a block of wood without seeing the deception.
Spirit outpoured; folly of idol-making in Babylonian setting (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God tells Israel to remember that he made them, has forgiven their sins like a cloud that vanishes, and will not forget them. He calls them to return, and heaven, earth and mountains to sing that he has redeemed Jacob.
Cyrus of Persia (r. 559–530 BC) named as God's shepherd for Jerusalem's rebuilding (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God, who formed Israel and made all things, exposes false prophets and confirms the words of his messengers. He says Jerusalem will be rebuilt, and he names Cyrus as the shepherd who will carry out his purpose.
God commissions Cyrus (conquered Babylon 539 BC; decree 538 BC) (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God addresses Cyrus as his anointed, promising to go before him, open gates and give him hidden treasures. This is for Israel's sake, so that people everywhere will know the LORD alone is God.
God alone is Creator and Savior, Cyrus as his agent (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
After a call for righteousness to rain down, God says woe to whoever quarrels with their Maker like clay questioning a potter. He says he will raise up Cyrus to rebuild his city and free the exiles without payment.
God alone is Creator and Savior, Cyrus as his agent (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
Nations like Egypt, Cush and Seba will come to Israel in submission and say God is with them and there is no other. The prophet marvels at a God who hides himself, and idol makers are shamed while Israel is saved forever.
God alone is Creator and Savior, Cyrus as his agent (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
The Creator, who has not spoken in secret, invites survivors from the nations to turn to him and be saved, since he alone is God. He swears that every knee will bow before him.
Babylon's gods (Bel, Nebo) carried off as Persia advances (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
The Babylonian gods Bel and Nebo are hauled off on animals, unable to save themselves. By contrast, God says he has carried Israel from birth to old age, and idols made by goldsmiths cannot answer or save.
Babylon's gods (Bel, Nebo) carried off as Persia advances (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God tells the stubborn to remember he alone is God and declares the end from the beginning. He will summon a bird of prey from the east to fulfill his purpose and is bringing salvation to Zion.
Fall of Babylon foretold (taken by Cyrus in 539 BC) (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
Babylon, pictured as a pampered young woman, is told to sit in the dust and do slave's work, her shame exposed. God, Israel's Redeemer, will take vengeance, and she will no longer be called queen of kingdoms.
Fall of Babylon foretold (taken by Cyrus in 539 BC) (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God says he gave his angry people into Babylon's hands, but she showed no mercy. Believing herself queen forever, she trusted her sorceries, and loss and calamity will strike suddenly.
Fall of Babylon foretold (taken by Cyrus in 539 BC) (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God mocks Babylon's spells and astrologers as no better than stubble that will burn. Those she trusted will wander off, and none can save her.
Israel reproved in exile (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God addresses Jacob's house, who use his name without truth or righteousness. He says he foretold events long ago because he knew they were stubborn, so they could not credit idols, and now announces new things.
Israel reproved in exile (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
For the sake of his name, God holds back his wrath so that Israel is not cut off. He says he has tested them in the furnace of affliction and will act to protect his glory.
God's call to Cyrus and the summons to leave Babylon (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God calls Jacob to listen: he is the first and last, who founded the earth. His chosen ally will act against Babylon, and the speaker adds that the Lord GOD has now sent him with his Spirit.
God's call to Cyrus and the summons to leave Babylon (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
The Redeemer says he teaches Israel for their good and directs them. If they had obeyed his commands, their peace would have been like a river and their descendants as countless as sand.
Summons to leave Babylon after Cyrus's conquest (538 BC) (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
Israel is told to leave Babylon and declare that the LORD has redeemed his servant Jacob, as he once made water flow from the rock in the desert. The chapter ends with a reminder that there is no peace for the wicked.
Second Servant Song; Zion's restoration after 586 BC (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
The Servant speaks to distant nations, telling how the LORD called him from the womb and made him a sharp sword and polished arrow. Though he felt his work was in vain, God says he will restore Israel and also be a light to the nations.
Second Servant Song; Zion's restoration after 586 BC (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God tells the one despised by the nation that kings will rise and bow before him. He will be a covenant to restore the land and free prisoners, and a compassionate guide who leads people from far away.
Zion's children brought home from exile (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
Zion complains she has been forsaken, but God says a nursing mother might forget her child while he will not forget Zion, whose name is engraved on his palms. Her ruins will fill with returning children.
Zion's children brought home from exile (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
Nations will bring Zion's children home, and kings will bow to her. Even if plunder is held by the mighty, God says he will rescue the captives, contend with the oppressors, and be known as Savior.
Judah's exile explained; Third Servant Song (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God asks whether he has divorced Israel or sold her to creditors, saying instead that they were sold for their sins. When he came, no one answered, though his power over sea and sky is not short.
Judah's exile explained; Third Servant Song (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
The Servant says the Lord GOD has given him a disciple's tongue and open ears, and he has not rebelled. He offered his back to those who struck him but trusts God's help, so he is not put to shame.
Judah's exile explained; Third Servant Song (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
A closing word invites those who fear the LORD and walk in darkness to trust in his name. Those who light their own fires for light will instead lie down in torment.
Comfort for Zion after the exile's 'cup of wrath' (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God calls those who pursue righteousness to remember Abraham and Sarah, who were one and then became many. He promises to comfort Zion, bring justice to the nations, and tells them not to fear human scorn, as his salvation lasts forever.
Comfort for Zion after the exile's 'cup of wrath' (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
The people call on the arm of the LORD to awake as in the days of old, when he defeated the sea monster and dried the sea for the redeemed to cross. They express hope that the redeemed will enter Zion with singing.
Comfort for Zion after the exile's 'cup of wrath' (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God answers, saying he alone comforts them and asking why they fear mortal people who wither like grass. The captive will soon be freed, and God has put his words in the prophet's mouth.
Comfort for Zion after the exile's 'cup of wrath' (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
Jerusalem, staggering from the cup of God's fury with no one to comfort her, is told that God has taken the cup from her hand. He will hand it to her tormentors instead.
Call to Zion to awake as release from Babylon nears (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
Zion is told to put on strength and splendor, shake off the dust, and throw off chains. God says his people were sold for nothing and will be redeemed without money after suffering under Egypt and Assyria.
Call to Zion to awake as release from Babylon nears (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
The feet of the messenger who announces peace and says 'Your God reigns' are called beautiful. Watchmen sing as the LORD returns to Zion, and the exiles are told to depart in purity.
Fourth Servant Song begins: the Servant exalted (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God says his Servant will prosper and be highly lifted up, though many were appalled at his disfigured appearance. Kings will fall silent when they see and understand what they had not been told.
Fourth Servant Song: the suffering Servant (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
A speaker asks who has believed the message and to whom the LORD's arm has been revealed. The Servant is described as growing up like a shoot from dry ground, unimpressive and despised, a man of sorrows.
Fourth Servant Song: the suffering Servant (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
The speakers confess they thought the Servant was struck by God, but realize he was pierced for their transgressions and that his punishment brought them peace. All like sheep had gone astray, and the LORD laid their sin on him.
Fourth Servant Song: the suffering Servant (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
The Servant is oppressed and afflicted yet does not speak, like a lamb before its shearers. He is cut off from the living and buried with the wicked and a rich man, though he did no violence.
Fourth Servant Song: the suffering Servant (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
It was the LORD's will to crush him and make his life a guilt offering, yet he will see offspring, prolong his days and justify many. God says he will give him a portion with the great because he poured out his life and bore the sin of many.
Zion promised restoration after exile (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God tells a barren, deserted woman, a picture of Zion, to shout for joy and enlarge her tent because she will have many children. Her Maker is her husband, who left her briefly but will bring her back with great compassion.
Zion promised restoration after exile (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God compares his promise to the oath after Noah's flood: he will not be angry with Zion again. Even if mountains move, his love and covenant of peace will not depart.
Zion promised restoration after exile (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God promises to rebuild the storm-tossed city with precious stones and teach her children himself. She will be secure from oppression, and no weapon formed against her will prosper.
Invitation to return and seek God; closes the book's 'comfort' section (Isaiah c. 700 BC foretelling, or c. 550 BC per many) Best estimate
God invites everyone thirsty or without money to come, buy and eat for free, asking why they spend on what does not satisfy. He offers an everlasting covenant, echoing his promise to David, and says nations will run to Israel.