The Prophet Isaiah proclaimed God’s message to the people of Judah and Jerusalem between approximately 742 and 687 BC. He lived during a turbulent period in Israel’s history, when the Northern Kingdom was conquered by Assyria and Judah lived under the growing threat of the Assyrian Empire.
Isaiah strongly condemned social injustice, oppression, and unfaithfulness to God, showing that Israel’s outward religious practices were meaningless when separated from obedience to God’s commandments. He called the people to place their complete confidence in the Almighty God and urged them to live lives—both privately and publicly—that reflected their covenant with Him.
Beginning particularly with Chapters 40–66, Isaiah develops the theme of God’s sovereignty over history. Historical events are shown as part of God’s greater plan of creation, judgment, salvation, and redemption. The prophet looks beyond the immediate circumstances of Israel toward the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.
Among the most important passages are the Suffering Servant oracles, which describe the suffering, rejection, and ultimate vindication of God’s Servant. The Orthodox Church understands these passages as prophetic references to the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, and sees their fulfillment especially in Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
The Book of Isaiah has always held a place of exceptional importance in the Orthodox Church. Of all the Old Testament prophetic books, Isaiah is quoted and used most extensively in the Church’s liturgical life. This is especially evident during Great Lent, when the Book of Isaiah is read daily at the service of the Sixth Hour.
Because of its profound emphasis on repentance, God’s sovereignty, salvation, and the coming of the Messiah, Isaiah occupies a central place in the Church’s preparation for Pascha and the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.