Who Was Isaiah? The Royal Prophet of God's Salvation

Isaiah was a highly significant prophet of God, belonging to the royal tribe of Judah and commissioned to deliver comprehensive messages regarding the character of God, the coming Messiah, and the fate of nations16MR 335.2+2.

Identity and Status

Isaiah, whose name means "the salvation of Jehovah," was the son of Amoz and served as a prophet during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah Isaiah 1:1ETI Isaiah.2. He was of royal birth, distinguishing him as one chosen from the highest ranks to receive heavenly light and truths to be given to God's people16MR 335.2+1. Isaiah is considered one of the greatest prophets, standing next to MosesLTJMBA 51.1. His wife was also called "the prophetess" Isaiah 8:3ETI Isaiah.2.

His ministry placed him in Jerusalem during troubling times, requiring him to speak sternly against the prevailing wickedness, luxury, and idolatry of his day, and he was known for being alone in his defense of the truthBHOTV7 102.4+1.

The Prophet's Calling

The beginning of Isaiah’s commission involved a powerful vision where he saw the Lord seated upon a throne in the temple, surrounded by seraphim crying, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts" Isaiah 6:1-34BC 1138.6+1. Overwhelmed by a sense of unworthiness, his sin was purged by a live coal taken from the altar, after which he responded to the call, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me" Isaiah 6:5-8VSS 223.1+1.

His divine mandate included a call to action against the transgressions of his people: "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins" Isaiah 58:11888 508.3+2.

Key Prophetic Themes

Isaiah’s writings are rich in themes concerning the Messiah, the nature of God, and future events:

• The Messiah: Isaiah predicted centuries beforehand that Christ’s name would be called "Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6MR760 17.3+3. He also detailed the Messiah’s mission to preach the gospel to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives, and heal the brokenhearted Isaiah 61:1, 2 Luke 4:18-1911MR 281.2+2.

• The Power of God: He emphasized that the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, never faints or grows weary, and that there is no searching of His understanding Isaiah 40:28Ed 115.5+1. God uses His power to distinguish Himself from false gods by being able to communicate with men regarding both the past and the future Isaiah 41:22-24CET 250.1.

• World Events: Isaiah was uniquely inspired to foretell the actions of specific rulers and the rise and fall of nationsYI September 29, 1903, par. 3. He mentioned Cyrus by name, long before his birth, as the leader who would perform God's pleasure by allowing the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the laying of the temple foundation Isaiah 44:28SDP 27.1+2. He also described Babylon, which would be taken by Elam and Media in a night of pleasure Isaiah 21:1-10ARSH June 14, 1898, page 380.3+1.

• The Law of God: Isaiah declared that Christ would magnify the law and make it honorable Isaiah 42:21, demonstrating that the law was not abolished but established Romans 3:31WCS 1.3+1. Furthermore, the prophet pointed to the Sabbath as the foundation of many generations, identifying those who uphold it as the "repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in" Isaiah 58:12-146LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, par. 71+1.

• Final Events and Restoration: Isaiah’s visions extend to the time of the final judgment and the future kingdom, where the righteous "shall be all righteous" Isaiah 60:21BEST June 22, 1903, page 297.8. He confirms that in the new creation, from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before the Lord Isaiah 66:22, 23SOSL 65.3+1.