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