Isaiah

Theme 1 : (1-10): The Lord judges and disciplines those whom he has a friendship with to make them closer to himself. Isaiah noted that the Lord had been merciful to Israel choosing not to judge the nation like he did Sodom and Gomorah (1:2-9). The Lord works through difficult circumstances to make those who seek him more godly and to strengthen his relationship with us. ( 1:21-31). The Lord will judge those who take advantage of others and do not obey his commands to care for other people. ( 3: 13-17). The Lord in his mercy does not punish the entire nation of Israel but spares a remenant. ( 4:2-4). The Lord uses various experiences to guide and direct us and to allow us to grow closer to him ( 5:26-30) , in order to give us a desire to seek and serve him( 6). The Lord foretold his plan to save the world through Jesus in advance (7:14-16) and promised to save all people from their sin and allow them to come and know him (9:6-7). Even in his judgement the Lord promised to restore his relationship with the nation of Judah during the exile. ( 10:20-34).

Theme 2: (11-20): The Lord is to be thanked for his goodness as he allows all people the opportunity to change their ways and trust in him. A key characteristic of the Kingdom or reign of God is the abundance of peace and righteousness. ( 11:1-10). The Lord is to be thanked for the salvation he gives to the nations. (12:1-2). The Lord planned to redeem the nations of Israel and Judah (14:1-3) and to discipline those who disobey his commands. ( 16: 6-7). Although he disciplines people , the Lord uses this to draw people back to himself and to bless the nations. (17:1-9). Those who trust in things other than the Lord will face judgement (19:10) and those who attempt to control everything in their life will be frusturated for the Lord is sovereign over all.( 20).

Theme 3: 21-30: The Lord is in control of all and those who trust in him will be secure. Chapters 21-30 contain prophetic judgements against various nations for refusing to obey the Lord and his commands.

Theme 4: 31-40: The Lord in his sovereignty works through human history to accomplish his plans for the world. Isiah 31 warns the nation of Judah against trusting in Egypt rather than the Lord. Isiah 32 speaks of the kingdom of God which will be characterized by righteousness. (17). Isiah 33 speaks of the restoration of Jerusalem as the place where the Lord dwells and as a place of salvation and wisdom. Isiah 34 contains judgements against the nations for not obeying the Lord. ( 16-17). Isiah 35 tells of the goodness of the Lord in restoring his people to their land with joy (35:10). The deliverance of Judah from Assryia by the Lord is an example of his sovereignty. ( 36&37). The Lord showed his mercy by choosing to heal King Hezekiah ( 38) and his sovereignty is shown when he rebuked Hezekiah for boasting of his riches to the envoys from Babylon telling him of the forecoming conquest of Judah by Babylon.(39). The goodness of the Lord in responding to his people and caring for them is also noted. ( 40:39-41).

Theme 5: 41-50 : Salvation from the Lord is avaliable to all but in order to receive it we must repent and change our ways. The Lord promised to be with and to restore Judah (41:10) but urged them to follow the Lord and repent of their ways , so they might be a light to the nations.(42:6). The Lord promised to restore and provide for his people following the exile.(43: 18-19). The Lord is the one through whom restoration is possible ( 45:18-22)and his salvation is readily avaliable to all who seek it. ( 46:9-13). The Lord will judge all who seek things other than himself ( 47:12-15) , but will use the exile to teach and guide his people in goodness , allowing us to be blessed. ( 48:17-19). In his love he calls us back to him when we wander away from him. ( 49: 14-21) and saves and supports us through life's events. ( 50: 1-7).

Theme 6: 51-60: Obedience and sincerity in desiring to know Christ are key qualities for growing in our relationship with and serving him. All who trust in the Lord will be filled with joy. ( 51: 1-4). The Lord sent Christ to redeem us from our sins and bring us back to him. ( 52:13-15, 53:5-8). He promised to work through Israel and Judah after restoring them( 54:1-9) by allowing them to be a witness to all the nations, who he would call to himself. ( 55:4-6). Happiness is avaliable to all people who seek the Lord. ( 56:1-8) and his salvation is universal. ( 57: 16-21). The Lord promised to redeem Jerusalem ( Zion) and all people who repented and changed their ways. ( 59:20, 60:1-11).

Theme 7:61-66: The Lord plans a new world in which we will emulate the Lord becoming more godly , through Jesus Christ. The Lord's righteousness will spread through Christ's ministry of liberty (61: 9-11). The Lord will not forsake Israel (62: 7-12) and will restore them to himself. (63:13-19). The new world, the Lord will establish will be one in which peace abounds.( 65:18-24). The Lord has a new world planned in which all people will seek him. (66:23).