Description: For over 200 years, God counseled His people about their rebellion and gave them time to repent, but their behavior became increasingly worse. Finally, Assyria attacked and defeated Israel (722/721 BC). Three prophets, Hosea and Micah (Volume 1), and Isaiah (Volume II) were alive to experience Israel's destruction. ISAIAH (740-680 BC), considered the Statesman of the Old Testament prophets, had a long and meaningful ministry. His prophecies began about 18 years before Israel was destroyed, then continued for another 42 years as he warned Judah that her rebellion and many sins would lead to inevitable defeat. Yet during both seasons he foretold the glories of Israel's eternal future. Isaiah's book could be divided into three major sections: Isaiah1-35: Condemnation. Messages from God in this section dealt mostly with Judah's contemporary wickedness. Isaiah included graphic descriptions warning the people of judgment coming on Judah and the nations surrounding them. Isaiah 36-39: Confiscation. This historic section discussed the crises of Assyria attacking Jerusalem, Hezekiah's sickness and his subsequent healing. Isaiah 40-66: Consolation and Comfort. These glorious prophecies described messianic (Christ's first coming) and millennial (His return) events. Isaiah wrote some of the finest descriptions in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah's work as redeemer (the cross) and conquering king (the crown).
