We have been tasked with the privilege of teaching chapters 1-39 of the old testament book of Isaiah, which is commonly known as Proto-Isaiah.
Isaiah recorded prophesies for over 60 years and saw four Kings of Judah ascend to the throne throughout his ministry. Proto-Isaiah is generally thought to have been written in Isaiah’s lifetime by Isaiah himself.
The remaining chapters (40-55 and 56-66) are thought to have been added on to the original Isaiah text at a later date. In reading Isaiah, it is clear that this is the case.
We could not find a summary of themes which did justice to the complexity and rythym which characterize Isaiah’s writings. As such, we offer the following outline of Isaiah which we compiled as we poured over it earlier this month.
Please let us know what you think and if possible, join us at GSM in Beaverton for the 2012 series of Bible classes, which this year will focus on the old testatment.
Without further ado, we present to you Proto-Isaiah:
Introduction
Chapters 1-5 – Judah on trial
The Prophet
Chapter 6 – The world ends – the call of Isaiah
Act I
Chapters 7-8 – Jerusalem attacked by Assyria – God tells King Ahaz of Judah to stand firm
Chapter 9:1-7 – Prophecy about the coming Messiah
Act II
Chapters 9:8-10 – The destruction of Israel (Samaria) by Assyria, Assyria’s destruction
Chapter 11:1-10 – Prophecy about the coming Messiah
Chapter 11:11-16 – A remnant will return
Chapter 12 – PRAISE
Act III
Chapters 13 – 17:3 – The destruction of Babylon, Assyria, Philistia, Moab, and Damascus
Chapter 17:4-11 – Israel is judged
Chapters 17:12 – 23 – Cush, Egypt, Babylon, Dumah, Arabia, Jerusalem, Shebna, Tyre, and the whole earth are judged and destroyed
Chapter 24 – APOCOLYPSE, the judgment of the entire earth
Chapters 25-27 – SALVATION
Act IV
Chapter 28:1-22 – Drunk with the Law, man is unprepared to deal with death
Chapter 28:23-29 – The supremacy of the Lord’s natural law
Chapter 29 – Jerusalem: God’s mercy on those bound by the law, the unjust are vanquished and the righteous are rewarded
Chapter 30:1-17 – Condemnation of seeking help from Egypt
Chapter 30:18- 31 – Mercy, victory, and help come from God alone
Chapters 32-33 – The Lord Arises, the Righteous Kingdom Comes, peace for the righteous and terror for the unjust
Chapter 34 – APOCOLYPSE
Chapter 35 – The Holy Way
Act V
Chapter 36 – Assyria threatens Jerusalem
Chapter 37:1-7 – Hezekiah Inquires of Isaiah
Chapter 37-8-13 – Sennacherib’s threatening letter
Chapter 37:14-35 – Hezekiah Prays, the Lord confirms Isaiah’s word
Chapter 37:36-38 – Victory is the Lord’s
Act VI
Chapter 38 – Hezekiah’s illness and recovery
Chapter 39 – Hezekiah opens the door to Babylonian captivity