KIDZTOWN ADULT TRAINING Unit: Isaiah, Prophet to Judah – Nov 2013.

KIDZTOWN ADULT

TRAININGUnit: Isaiah, Prophet to Judah – Nov 2013

Unit: Isaiah, Prophet to Judah

Week 1 – God Called Isaiah (Isaiah 6)Week 2 – Isaiah Confronted Ahaz (Isaiah 7)Week 3 – Hezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King

(2 Ki 18-20)Week 4 – Isaiah Preached About the Messiah (Isaiah 53)

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Background Information

Historical Context

I. 2nd half of 8th century BC (≈740 – 700)II. The second “golden age” of Jeroboam II

and Uzziah have come to an end.III. The Neo-Assyrian Empire is rising to be the

first world super power.IV. Invasion of Israel by Tiglath-pileser III

(Isaiah 7-12) as a result of the Syro-Ephraimite War of 735-732 BC

V. Samaria conquered and the people deported as well as all Israel being annexed in 722 BC.

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Historical Context

VI. Sargon of Assyria dies in 705 BC and Sennacherib takes his place.

VII. Sennacherib invades Judah in 701 BC but Jerusalem is miraculously spared by God.

VIII. After chapter 39, Isaiah moves his focus to delivering oracles having to do with the future of Judah past his own lifetime.

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Historical Context

“. . . chapters 40–66 consist of oracles given to him by the Spirit of inspiration, thus enabling Isaiah to live in spirit in a future day so that he might be the vehicle of God’s message to the people of that day.”

Geoffrey W. Grogan, Isaiah, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, The Expositors Bible Commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986), 240.

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Authorship8

I. Isaiah the son of Amoz (1:1)II. Married to a prophetess and had two

sons.III. The Talmud indicates he was related to

the royal house, a cousin of Uzziah.IV. He must have lived into the reign of

Manasseh (696-642 BC) because he records the death of Sennacherib (681 BC) in 37:38.

V. Legend places his death at the hands of Manasseh, sawn in two inside a hollow log.


Purpose9

To communicate “[t]he Lord will fulfill His ideal for Israel by purifying His people through judgment and then restoring them to a renewed covenantal relationship. He will establish Jerusalem (Zion) as the center of His worldwide kingdom and reconcile once hostile nations to Himself.”

Roy B. Zuck, A Biblical Theology of the Old Testament (electronic ed.; Chicago: Moody Press, 1991), 305.


Overview10

Chapters 1-6The first five chapters are indictments against the nation. Chapter six concludes the introduction “for it suggests that the people were not going to pay any attention to the message of Isaiah.”

Hill and Walton, Old Testament, 322.


Overview11

Chapters 7-12These chapters highlight the failure of Ahaz to trust God and the results of that failure. However, hope is interspersed in this section to demonstrate such failure doesn’t annul God’s covenant.



Overview12

Chapters 13-23God’s control over all the nations.

Chapters 24-27These chapters speak of destruction and desolation in the wake of the Babylonian conquest. However, the despair gives way to joy as Isaiah prophesies of the coming kingdom age when united Israel’s enemies are vanquished by the Lord and the nation blooms once again.

Hill and Walton, Old Testament, 323.Background Information

Overview13

Chapters 28-35These chapters shift in focus to Hezekiah’s time in the last fifteen years of the 8th century BC. Unfortunately, Hezekiah turns to Egypt (30-31). The righteous ones are delivered (33) while chapters 34-35 “speak of the wrath and judgment of Yahweh to fall on all his enemies.”

Hill and Walton, Old Testament, 323.Background Information

Overview14

Chapters 36-37The end of the Assyrian crisis although Hezekiah would still have to pay tribute to Assyria.

Chapters 38-39New transition from the Assyrian to Babylonian crisis. Hezekiah prays for healing and receives it. The Babylonians come to congratulate him, and he foolishly shows off the royal treasury which sets the stage for the oracle of chapter 39 indicating Babylon would carry Judah into exile.



Overview15

Chapter 40Major literary and thematic shift.

Chapters 40-55These chapters speak to the coming Babylonian crisis. “[W]e should note that [Isaiah] was not prophesying about the Exile; rather, he was assuming it and addressing his message to those who were part of it.” Themes in these chapters include future deliverance, worthlessness of idols, judgment on the nations, and a future “Servant” who would be instrumental in God’s plan.

Hill and Walton, Old Testament, 323-24.Background Information

Overview16

Chapters 56-66These chapters project even further into the future to address those who have returned from the exile.


Additional supporting material is contained is 2 Kings 15-21 and 2 Chronicles 26-33.


Major Themes17

I. The Servant of the Lord – “instrumental in fulfilling God’s plans for Israel”

II. The Holy One of Israel – This title is used almost exclusively by Isaiah in the OT.

III. God as Savior and Redeemer – saving His people is a vindication of Himself in the eyes of the nations. (Goel)

IV. Eschatology – emphasis placed upon the future kingdom of Israel and Yahweh’s reign.Background Information

Major Themes18

V. The Remnant – This theme provides the balance between God’s holiness and love (Savior and Redeemer).

VI. God’s Rule Over History – Isaiah’s prophecy and fulfillment of the destruction of the northern kingdom as it relates to his prophecy about the prophecy of Judah’s destruction AND restoration.


Outline19

I. Volume of rebuke and promise, 1:1–6:3

A. First sermon: rebellion confronted with judgment and grace, 1:1–31

B. Second sermon: present chastisement for future glory, 2:1–4:6

C. Third sermon: judgment and exile for the stubborn nation, 5:1–30

D. Fourth sermon: the prophet cleansed and commissioned by God, 6:1– 13

II. Volume of Immanuel, 7:1–12:6

A. First sermon: rejection of Immanuel by worldly wisdom, 7:1–25

B. Second sermon: speedy deliverance foreshadowing the coming Deliverer, 8:1–9:7

C. Third sermon: inexorable doom of exile for proud Samaria, 9:8–10:4

D. Fourth sermon: the future downfall of the false empire (Assyria); the glorious empire to come, 10:5–12:6


Outline20

III. God’s judgment—burdens upon the nations, 13:1–23:18

A. Babylon, 13:1–14:27B. Philistia, 14:28–32C. Moab, 15:1–16:14D. Damascus and Samaria, 17:1–14E. Ethiopia, 18:1–7F. Egypt, 19:1–20:6G. Babylon, second burden, 21:1–10H. Edom, 21:11–12I. Arabia, 21:13–17J. Jerusalem, 22:1–25K. Tyre, 23:1–18Background Information

Outline21

IV. First volume of general judgment and promise, 24:1–27:13A. First sermon: universal judgment for universal sin, 24:1–23B. Second sermon: praise to the Lord as Deliverer, Victor, and Comforter, 25:1–12C. Third sermon: a song of rejoicing in Judah’s consolation, 26:1–21D. Fourth sermon: punishment for oppressors and preservation in store for God’s people, 27:1–13

V. Volume of woes upon the unbelievers of Israel, 28:1–33:24A. First sermon: God’s dealings with drunkards and scoffers in Israel, 28:1– 29B. Second sermon: judgment upon blind souls who try to deceive God, 29:1–24C. Third sermon: confidence in man versus confidence in God, 30:1–33D. Fourth sermon: deliverance through God’s gracious intervention, 31:1– 32:20E. Fifth sermon: punishment of treacherous deceivers and the triumph of Christ, 33:1–24Background Information

Outline22

VI. Second volume of general judgment and promise, 34:1–35:10A. First sermon: destruction of the Gentile world power, 34:1–17B. Second sermon: the ultimate bliss of God’s redeemed on the highway of holiness, 35:10

VII. Volume of Hezekiah, 36:1–39:8A. Destruction of Judah by Assyria averted, 36:1–37:38B. Destruction of Judah’s king averted, 38:1–22C. Judgment upon the king’s pride in his earthly treasures; Babylonian captivity predicted, 39:1–8

VIII. Volume of comfort, 40:1–66:24A. Purpose of peace, 40:1–48:22

1. Majesty of Jehovah the Comforter and Sovereign Deliverer of Israel, 40:1–31

2. Challenge of the God of providence to worldly minded unbelievers, 41:1–29

3. Servant of Jehovah, individual and national, 42:1–25Background Information

Outline23

4. Redemption by grace, 43:1–44:5 (deliverance through Cyrus)

5. Dead idols or the living God? (44:6–23)6. The sovereign God employing Cyrus as

deliverer and the ultimate conversion of converting the heathen, 44:24–45:25

7. Lessons to be learned from Babylon’s downfall and Israel’s preservation, 46:1–47:15

8. Judgment upon faithless, hypocritical Israel, 48:1–22

B. Prince of peace, 49:1–57:211. Messiah to bring restoration to Israel and light

to Gentiles, 49:1–262. Sinfulness of Israel contrasted with the

obedience of the Servant, 50:1–113. Encouragement to trust in God alone, not

fearing men, 51:1–164. Summons to Israel to awake and return to

God’s favor, 51:17– 52:12


Outline24

5. Divine Servant to triumph through vicarious suffering, 52:13–53:126. Consequent blessing to Israel and the Church, 54:1–177. Grace for all sinners who trust in Christ, 55:1–138. Inclusion of Gentiles in the blessing of Israel, 56:1–89. Condemnation of the wicked rulers of Israel, 56:9–57:21

C. Program of peace, 58:1–66:241. Contrast between false and true worship, 58:1–142. Confession of Israel’s depravity, leading to deliverance by God’s intervention, 59:1–213. Glorious prosperity and peace of the redeemed, 60:1–224. The Spirit-filled Christ by whom the kingdom comes, 61:1–115. Zion to be restored and glorified, 62:1–63:66. God’s former mercies to cause Israel to plead for deliverance, 63:7–64:127. God’s mercy for spiritual Israel alone, 65:1–258. Externalism in worship to be replaced by heart sincerity, 66:1–24

Gleason Archer Jr., A Survey of Old Testament Introduction (3rd. ed.; Chicago: Moody Press, 1994), 363-65.


25 Background Information

26 Background Information

God Called Isaiah(Isaiah 6)

Lesson1: November 3, 2013

Chapters 1-528

I. First sermon: rebellion confronted with judgment and grace (1:1-31)

A. God’s children have revolted against Him (1:2, 4)

1. Outward-only religion (1:13)2. Reprobate living (1:21-23)

B. Judgment -1. Now (1:5-9) and2. Later (1:24-25)

C. Grace in the midst of all1. Judah spared from annihilation already (1:9)2. Future restoration (1:26-27)Lesson 1

Chapters 1-529

II. Second sermon: present chastisement for future glory (2:1-4:6)

A. God’s judgment on Jerusalem and Judah (3:1-4:1)

1. Rebellion against God in speech and deed (3:8)

2. Inappropriate conduct of the women (3:16-23)

B. Zion’s glorious future (4:2-6)1. Jesus Christ reigning on the earth (4:2)2. Only the righteous will remain (4:3)3. God will supernaturally care for all (4:4-6)

Lesson 1

Chapters 1-530

III. Third sermon: judgment and exile for the stubborn nation (5:1-30)

A. Six woes pronounced (5:8-23)B. God shall continue to stretch out His hand

in judgment (5:24-25)C. God shall bring a distant nation to carry

Judah into exile (5:26-30)

Lesson 1

Isaiah Cleansed (6:1-7)31

I. Isaiah’s vision of God (6:1)

II. Seraphim (6:2-3)III. The effect of God’s

holiness on:A. the material world (6:4)B. humans (6:5)

IV. God’s gracious response (6:6-7)

Lesson 1

Isaiah Commissioned (6:8-13)

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I. God’s cleansing prepares for ministry (6:8)

II. The commission (6:9-13)A. Go (6:9)B. Tell (6:9)C. Go & Tell what? (6:9-13)

1. The people’s hardness of heart is of the Lord (6:9-10)

2. God won’t relent until His discipline is fulfilled (6:11-12)

3. A holy remnant will remain and be subject to further judgment (6:13)

Lesson 1

Lesson 133

The illustration from nature, however, introduces an element of hope. God has so ordered the plant kingdom that almost total destruction does not always extinguish life. He has a continuing purpose of life for the remnant of his people . . . The word “seed” in this verse suggests a possible link with the promise given to Abraham that his seed would continue and be blessed by God (Gen 17:18; cf. Isa 51:2). The concept of the seed may take its place with “branch” and “servant” as subject to significant development within the Book of Isaiah. . . . How astounding that God should use the word “holy”

(qōdeš) of the remnant of his people when it has been used already in v.3 in relation to his own transcendent being! This is condescending grace indeed!Geoffrey W. Grogan, Isaiah, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, The Expositors Bible Commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986), 58.

Isaiah ConfrontedAhaz (Isaiah 7)

Lesson 2: November 10, 2013

Ahaz’s Decision35

I. The start of the Syro-Ephraimite War (7:1-2)

II. The Lord’s counsel to Ahaz through Isaiah (7:3-9)

A. Promise: Their threats shall not come to pass (7:7)

B. Warning: If you don’t follow Me, you’re a goner (7:9)

III. God defers to Ahaz for a sign! (7:10-16)A. Only God could be so gracious and patient

(7:10-12)B. Isaiah goes off on Ahaz (7:13)C. God’s sign of Immanuel (7:14-25)

Lesson 2

Hezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King(2 Kings 18-20; Isa 36-39)


Hezekiah’s Decision37

I. Who should Hezekiah follow?II. Hezekiah’s choice brought revival to

JudahA. High places removed (2 Ki 18:4)B. Sacred pillars broke down (2 Ki 18:4)C. Asherah cut down (2 Ki 18:4)D. Bronze serpent of Moses smashed (2 Ki

18:4)E. Kept God’s commandments (2 Ki 18:6)

III. Hezekiah’s choice brought victory to Judah

A. Shook off the chains of Assyria (2 Ki 18:7)B. Defeated the Philistines (2 Ki 18:8)

Lesson 3

Hezekiah’s Dilemma38

I. Assyrian anger at his rebellion (2 Ki 18:13-16)

A. All of Judah’s fortified cities conquered (2 Ki 18:13)

B. Loss of face (2 Ki 18:14)C. Crushing tribute to Assyria (2 Ki 18:14-16)

II. Sennacherib wants more (2 Ki 18:17-37)

A. Hezekiah’s alliance with Egypt failed (2 Ki 18:20-21)

B. Assyria claims the backing of God (2 Ki 18:22-25)

C. Assyria had defeated the gods of the other nations (2 Ki 18:26-37)

Lesson 3

Hezekiah’s Despair39

I. Hezekiah comes to terms with his follyof trusting Egypt instead of God for protection (2 Ki 19:1-5).

II. Isaiah’s counsel: trust the Lord (2 Ki 19:6-7)

III. Sennacherib sends a letter to Hezekiahsaying God’s no match for him(2 Ki 19:8-13).

Lesson 3

Hezekiah’s Deliverance40

I. Hezekiah takes Sennacherib’s letter to the Temple and prays (2 Ki 19:14).

II. God’s response to Hezekiah: “Yes.” (2 Ki 19:20)

III. God’s response to Sennacherib: “I wouldn’t want to be you.” (2 Ki 19:21-28).

IV. The angel of the Lord slays 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night (2 Ki 19:35).

V. Sennacherib goes home only to be assassinated by two of his sons (2 Ki 19:36-37).

Lesson 3

Hezekiah’s Debilitation41

I. Chronologically, Hezekiah’s illness (2 Ki 20:1-11) took place long before the invasion of Sennacherib.

II. His illness could have been at the hands of the Lord for disobedience (2 Ki 20:1).

III. God demonstrates His compassion for those who earnestly seek Him (2 Ki 20:2-6).

IV. Again, God allows a man to choose a sign by which His word may be verified (2 Ki 20:7-11).

Lesson 3

Hezekiah’s Debacle42

I. Merodach-baladan of Babylon sent kudos to Hezekiah on his recovery. (2 Ki 20:12)

II. Perhaps feeling his oats, Hezekiah shows off all the treasures of the kingdom (2 Ki 20:13-18).

III. Hezekiah’s response (2 Ki 20:19).

Lesson 3

Isaiah Preached About the Messiah(Isaiah 53)


God’s Servant44

I. The actual textual unit is Isa 52:13-53:12

II. This textual unit is the fourth of four Servant Songs in Isaiah. (also 42:1–4; 49:1–6; 50:4–9)

III. Who is the Servant of the Lord?IV. What did the Servant do? (Handout)V. What should we, as teachers, do

with this lesson?Lesson 4

KIDZTOWN ADULT TRAINING Unit: Isaiah, Prophet to Judah – Nov 2013.

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Transcript of KIDZTOWN ADULT TRAINING Unit: Isaiah, Prophet to Judah – Nov 2013.