Simplified Overview of Isaiah

Isaiah 1–39 Isaiah 40–55 Isaiah 56–66
Date and Setting The eighth century B.C. (700s); the Assyrian threat Prophecies for the sixth century B.C. (500s); the Babylonian exile Prophecies about all times and occasions until the end
Audience God’s rebellious people craving worldly security God’s defeated people under worldly domination All who hold fast to God’s covenant
Actions God purifies a remnant of his apostate people through judgment God encourages his discouraged people in exile God prepares all of his true people for his promised salvation
Message “In returning and rest you shall be saved; . . . But you were unwilling” (30:15) “the glory of the LORD shall be revealed” (40:5) “Keep justice, and do righteousness” (56:1)