Isaiah

Isaiah was a significant Israelite prophet during the 8th century BC.

His name, Yəšaʿyāhū, translates to "Yahweh is salvation." He is the figure after whom the Book of Isaiah is named. This book is a central text in the Hebrew Bible. The relationship between the historical man and the written book is complex. One traditional view holds that one man wrote all 66 chapters. This writing may have occurred in two periods between 740 BC and 686 BC. These periods were likely separated by about 15 years.

Other scholars suggest a different way the book was formed. They believe the first 39 chapters originated with the historical prophet. These parts might include prose commentaries written during the reign of King Josiah. This occurred about 100 years after Isaiah's time. The remaining chapters might date to the 6th-century BC Babylonian exile. This was nearly two centuries after the prophet lived. Some suggest these later chapters come from a school of prophets. This school would have prophesied in accordance with Isaiah's original messages.

Isaiah's life involved many specific family connections. The text of the Book of Isaiah says he prophesied during the reigns of four kings. These kings of Judah were Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Uzziah reigned for 52 years during the middle of the 8th century BC. Isaiah likely began his ministry around the 740s BC. Some interpretations suggest his wife was a prophetess. This could mean she had a prophetic gift like Deborah or Huldah. They had two sons named Shear-Jashub and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz.

Their names mean "A remnant shall return" and "Quickly to spoils, plunder speedily." Jewish tradition also mentions a son named Immanuel.

Political tensions and wars defined his era. While King Ahaz reigned, the kingdom of Judah remained untouched by Assyrian power. However, King Hezekiah later encouraged a rebellion against the King of Assyria. Hezekiah even formed an alliance with the king of Egypt. This led to an invasion by the Assyrian army. The leader, Sennacherib, brought his forces into the land of Judah. Hezekiah felt great despair during this time. Isaiah encouraged Hezekiah to resist the Assyrian invaders.

According to the account in 2 Kings 19, an angel of God fell upon the Assyrian army. This event resulted in the death of 185,000 men in one night. Sennacherib never recovered from this disaster and stopped his expeditions.

Different religious traditions view Isaiah in unique ways. In Christianity, the "songs of the Suffering Servant" are very important. Christians believe these songs reveal the nature and death of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John states that Isaiah saw Jesus' glory. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates him as a saint on May 9. The Book of Mormon also quotes him extensively. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints see Isaiah's words as being fulfilled in their faith.

In Islam, Isaiah is recognized as a prophet in many sources. While not named in the Quran, he appears in works like the qiṣaṣ al-anbiyāʾ. Some Muslim scholars believe he prophesied the coming of both Jesus and Muhammad.

Islamic literature divides Isaiah's narrative into three distinct sections. The first part establishes him as a prophet in Judea under Hezekiah. The second part describes his actions during the siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. The third part involves warnings of coming doom for the nation.

Islamic tradition also describes his death. Some accounts say he was martyred by being sawn in two. This mirrors stories found in other religious texts. Such accounts highlight his role as a messenger during turbulent times.

Jewish rabbinic literature provides further details about his origins. Some rabbis believe Isaiah was a descendant of Judah and Tamar. They also suggest he was the maternal grandfather of King Manasseh. This would make King Hezekiah his son-in-law. The Talmud tells a story of his calling. It says Isaiah heard God ask whom He should send. Isaiah answered, "Here am I; send me!" He was known as a patriotic and forgiving prophet. He spent his life defending Israel and asking for forgiveness for its sins.