JOHN COPIC

In the time of the prophet Isaiah, many questioned whether his writings could have come from one person. Some scholars in the 1800s believed that the book had been written by two or even more authors because of the different styles found within it. Yet Isaiah’s message is unified. It tells of prophet chosen by God who served for more than forty years, speaking to the people of Judah during the reigns of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.

Isaiah began his ministry when Uzziah ruled Judah. Uzziah was a strong and faithful king for much of his life, but pride led to his downfall when he tried to take on the role of a priest by burning incense in the temple. This act brought God’s judgment on him, and he was struck with leprosy. His son Jotham shared the throne with him until Uzziah’s death. Even during these times of relative peace, Isaiah’s words carried warnings about the nation’s growing spiritual sickness.

When Uzziah’s son Ahaz became king, Judah’s condition worsened. The nation turned to empty religious practices while ignoring true devotion to God. They offered sacrifices, kept holy days, and prayed often, but their hearts were far from Him. Isaiah warned that these outward actions meant nothing without faith and obedience. God’s people were compared to Sodom and Gomorrah where people lived in places of great sin and had little knowledge of God. Judah, however, had been blessed with truth and light yet chose to live in rebellion. He told them that their cities would burn and their land would be left in ruins but reminded them that God had kept a small remnant from Sodom and Gomorrah. the remnant was a faithful few who had not turned away. This idea of a remnant runs throughout the book, showing that God always preserves a people for Himself even in times of judgment.

The prophet also pointed out the hypocrisy of their worship. God had given them sacrifices and holy days, but He rejected them when they were done without sincerity. He said their hands were covered in blood, and He refused to hear their prayers. Instead, God called them to change their ways. And then came one of the most powerful promises in Scripture: “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” Forgiveness was possible if the people would turn back to God, they would find mercy. If they refused, they would face destruction.

Later in the chapter, Isaiah compared Jerusalem to a once-faithful woman who had become unfaithful. The city that was meant to be full of justice had turned to corruption. Leaders chased after bribes, and the poor were ignored. Yet even in this dark picture, God promised hope. He would purify His people like metal refined in fire. Their judges and counselors would be restored, and the city would once again be called “the city of righteousness.”

God’s message through Isaiah is not only about wrath. It was also about redemption. Those who turned back to God would be restored. The unfaithful could become faithful again. While outward religion is empty without a sincere heart. True faith shows itself in obedience, justice, and mercy. The promise of cleansing from sin points ahead to Jesus Christ, who would bring complete forgiveness through His sacrifice.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9