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Isaiah the Prophet Facts & Worksheets

Isaiah is a significant figure in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. He is considered one of the major prophets and is traditionally attributed as the author of the Book of Isaiah.

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Isaiah is a significant figure in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. He is considered one of the major prophets and is traditionally attributed as the author of the Book of Isaiah.

See the fact file below for more information about Isaiah, or you can download our 23-page Isaiah worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

BACKGROUND

  • Isaiah was a prophet who lived in the 8th century BCE during a critical period in the history of the ancient Kingdom of Judah. His ministry took place primarily in Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. 
  • He is one of the major prophets of the Old Testament, and his life and prophetic messages played a crucial role in shaping the religious and political landscape of his time.

EARLY LIFE AND CALLING

  • Little is known about Isaiah’s early life and family background. The Book of Isaiah does not provide detailed information about his upbringing or family lineage. 
  • Instead, it focuses on his prophetic calling and messages. According to tradition, Isaiah was from a priestly family, but this is not explicitly mentioned in the biblical text.
  • Isaiah’s calling as a prophet is described in Isaiah 6:1-8. In a vision, he saw the Lord seated on a high throne in the temple, surrounded by seraphim. 
  • The seraphim proclaimed the holiness of God, and Isaiah, feeling unworthy, confessed his own sinfulness. In response, a seraph touched his lips with a burning coal, symbolizing the purification of his speech. God then called Isaiah to go and deliver His messages to the people of Judah.

MINISTRY and KEY EVENTS

  • Reign of King Uzziah (Azariah): Isaiah’s prophetic ministry began during the reign of King Uzziah of Judah. Uzziah was a successful king who led Judah to prosperity and military strength. 
  • However, his reign also saw growing political corruption and spiritual decline among the people. Isaiah’s early prophecies often addressed these moral and social issues.
  • The Syro-Ephraimite War: During the reign of King Ahaz, Judah faced a crisis when it was attacked by a coalition of the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and the kingdom of Aram (Syria). 
  • Isaiah was sent by God to King Ahaz with a message of reassurance and a sign of God’s protection (Isaiah 7:14, the prophecy of the virgin birth). This event highlighted Isaiah’s role as a trusted advisor to the kings of Judah.
  • Reign of King Hezekiah: Isaiah continued to prophesy through the reign of Hezekiah, one of Judah’s most righteous kings. 
  • Hezekiah initiated religious reforms and sought God’s guidance through Isaiah. One of the most famous events during this time was the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege.
  • Isaiah reassured Hezekiah that God would protect the city, and a divine intervention occurred, leading to the sudden death of the Assyrian army (Isaiah 37).
  • The “Suffering Servant” Prophecies: In the latter part of his ministry, Isaiah delivered powerful prophecies known as the “Servant Songs” (Isaiah 42, 49, 50, and 53). 
  • These passages describe a servant of God who would suffer for the sins of the people and bring salvation. Many Christians interpret these prophecies as referring to Jesus Christ, emphasizing the idea of a suffering Messiah.
  • Final Prophecies and Martyrdom: Tradition holds that Isaiah continued to prophesy until the reign of King Manasseh, a period marked by severe persecution of prophets and religious apostasy. 
  • According to Jewish tradition, Isaiah was eventually martyred by being sawn in half during Manasseh’s reign (Hebrews 11:37).

LEGACY

  • Isaiah’s prophetic messages, spanning over several decades, addressed a wide range of themes, including the need for repentance, God’s justice and mercy, the future restoration of Israel, and the coming of the Messiah. His writings had a profound influence on both Jewish and Christian theology.
  • In Judaism, Isaiah’s prophecies continue to be read and studied, particularly during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, when his prophecies about the restoration of the Temple and the nation’s redemption are emphasized.
  • In Christianity, Isaiah’s prophecies are often cited as evidence of Jesus Christ fulfilling the role of the suffering Messiah. His words are incorporated into the New Testament, and his messages of hope, redemption, and the New Covenant are central to Christian theology.
  • Isaiah’s life and ministry serve as a testament to the prophetic tradition in the Old Testament and the enduring impact of his messages on the faith and beliefs of countless people throughout history.

BOOK OF ISAIAH

  • The Book of Isaiah is one of the major prophetic books of the Old Testament in the Bible. 
  • It is a significant and profound work that consists of 66 chapters and is traditionally attributed to the prophet Isaiah, who lived in the 8th century BCE. 
  • The book is divided into three main sections, each with its own themes and messages:

First Isaiah (Chapters 1-39):

  • Judgment and Repentance: The early chapters of the book primarily contain messages of judgment and warnings to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah denounces their sins, idolatry, and social injustices, and he calls for repentance and a return to God’s ways.
  • Historical Context: This section of Isaiah was written during a turbulent period in Judah’s history. 
  • The Northern Kingdom of Israel had already fallen to the Assyrians, and Judah was facing threats from various surrounding nations, including Assyria itself. Isaiah’s messages often reflect the political and moral challenges of his time.
  • Immanuel Prophecy: In Isaiah 7:14, there is a famous prophecy about a virgin giving birth to a child named Immanuel, which is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy in Christianity.

Second Isaiah (Chapters 40-55):

  • Comfort and Redemption: The second section of Isaiah takes on a different tone, emphasizing messages of comfort, hope, and redemption. It contains some of the most well-known and poetic passages in the Bible.
  • The Suffering Servant: Chapters 42, 49, 50, and 53 introduce the concept of the “Suffering Servant,” a figure who would bear the sins of the people and bring about salvation. This theme has been deeply influential in Christian interpretations, as it is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ.
  • Return from Exile: The second section also includes prophecies about the return of the exiled Israelites from Babylon and the restoration of Jerusalem. These messages of restoration and renewal are central to the identity of the Jewish people.

Third Isaiah (Chapters 56-66):

  • Renewal and Judgment: The final section of Isaiah addresses various themes, including the importance of observing the Sabbath, God’s judgment on the wicked, and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth.
  • Social Justice: Isaiah emphasizes the importance of social justice and ethical living, calling for fairness and compassion toward the poor and oppressed.
  • Eschatological Themes: Some passages in this section contain eschatological elements, discussing the ultimate destiny of the righteous and the wicked.
  • The Book of Isaiah is rich in poetic language and vivid imagery. It addresses both the immediate historical context of Isaiah’s time and the broader themes of God’s plan for humanity, the Messiah, and the future restoration of God’s people. 
  • Its messages continue to be studied, interpreted, and revered by both Jews and Christians, and it holds a significant place in the religious and literary heritage of the world.

Isaiah Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Isaiah across 23 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Isaiah. Isaiah is considered one of the major prophets and is traditionally attributed as the author of the Book of Isaiah.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Isaiah Facts
  2. Isaiah’s Ministry
  3. Isaiah’s Commission
  4. The Vision of Immanuel
  5. A Song of Praise
  6. Reading Comprehension
  7. The Four Kings
  8. Isaiah’s Prophecies
  9. A Message of Hope
  10. A Nation of Promise
  11. The New Creation

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Isaiah?

Isaiah was a prophet in the Hebrew Bible, considered one of the major prophets. He is traditionally attributed as the author of the Book of Isaiah, one of the books of the Old Testament.

When did Isaiah live?

Isaiah is believed to have lived during the 8th century BCE (approximately 740-681 BCE). His prophetic ministry occurred during a critical period in ancient Israel’s history, including the reigns of several kings.

What is the Book of Isaiah about?

The Book of Isaiah contains a collection of prophecies and messages from the prophet Isaiah. It addresses various themes, including the relationship between God and humanity, warnings about the consequences of disobedience, and prophecies about the coming Messiah and the restoration of Israel.

What is the significance of Isaiah in Christianity?

In Christianity, the Book of Isaiah is highly significant. Many passages from Isaiah are seen as messianic prophecies, and Christians interpret them as references to Jesus Christ. For example, Isaiah 7:14 is often cited in connection with the birth of Jesus.

How is Isaiah regarded in Judaism?

Isaiah is highly regarded in Judaism as a major prophet. His prophecies are included in the Hebrew Bible, and his writings have had a profound influence on Jewish theology and thought. His messages often emphasize ethical behavior, social justice, and the importance of faith in God.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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