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One-sentence summary: A Savior is promised to Israel.
Jotham becomes king at 25 and reigns 16 years in Jerusalem. He does right, as his father Uzziah, but the people act corruptly. He builds the upper gate of the house of the Lord, cities in the mountains of Judah, and fortresses and towers in the forests. He fights with Amon and defeats them. He becomes mighty "because he [prepares] his ways before the Lord his God." Then, he dies, and Ahaz his son reigns in his place.
Isaiah continue to prophesy, saying, "Nevertheless, the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, as when at first He lightly esteemed the land of Zebulin and the land of Naphtali- afterward more heavily oppressed her. By the way of the sea beyond the Jordan in Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them, the light has shined." Men will rejoice as in the joy of harvest when they divide the spoil. In that day, the Lord will have broken the yoke of their burden and staff of their shoulder. "For unto us, a Child is born. Unto us, a Son is given. And the government will be upon His shoulder. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end." This Savior will reign on David's throne forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah (the Lord) says the people are stricken but do not turn to Him or seek Him. Their leaders have caused them to err, and they have been destroyed. They are hypocrites and evildoers. The Lord's hand is against them. Menasseh and Ephraim will be against Judah.
The Lord says woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, who take from the poor and prey on widows and rob the fatherless. Woe to Assyria. As the Lord has done to Samaria and her idols, He will do to Jerusalem and hers. When the Lord has performed His work on Mt. Zion and Jerusalem, He will judge Assyria. He asks if the ax will boast against the one who chops with it, or the saw with one who cuts with it? The Lord will send leanness among His fat ones. In that day, the remnant of Israel and whoever escapes from the house of Jacob will never depend on him who defeated them but will depend on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant of Jacob will return to the mighty God. Though they be like the sands of the seashore, only a remnant will return. The Lord tells those who dwell in iron not to fear the Assyrians who will oppress them, and that the oppression will cease, along with the Lord's anger. His burden will be taken from their shoulder and neck because of the anointing oil.
"There will come forth a rod from the stem of Jesse, and a ranch will come from his roots. The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon Him, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, the Spirit of Knowledge of the Fear of the Lord. His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He will not judge by the sight of His eyes or the hearing of His ears, but with righteousness, He will judge the poor." "The wolf will dwell with the lamb... and a little child will lead them." "The lion will eat straw like the ox." A little child will not be hurt by a viper. "They shall not hurt or destroy on all My holy mountain. For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. In that day, there will be a root of Jesse who will stand as a banner to the people. For the Gentiles will seek Him, and His resting place will be glorious." The Lord will assemble the outcasts of Israel and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. Their adversaries will be cut off. Judah and Ephraim will work together and defeat Moab and the Philistines. There will be a highway for the remnant of HIs people just like Israel in the day they came up out of Egypt.
In that day, Israel will say, "Oh Lord, I will praise you. though You were angry with me, your anger has turned away, and You comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid. For the Lord is my strength and song. He also has become my salvation." With joy, they will draw waters from the wells of salvation and praise the Lord. They will call upon His name and declare His deeds among the people and sing to Him, saying He has done excellent things. "Great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst."
Thoughts/discussion questions:
What beautiful imagery is given to describe what it will be like when Jesus makes all things new.