By Leslie M. Grant
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” —Isaiah 52:7 NKJV
Isaiah, meaning “save Thou, Jehovah,” stands fittingly at the head of the prophetic books of the Old Testament, being most remarkable for its stirring gospel themes. Like the epistle to the Romans, it begins with the stern and faithful uncovering of man’s guilt (Israel’s guilt in the case of Isaiah) and uses conditions then present to typify its prophecies of future conditions and judgments.
The first 35 chapters show God’s dealings in a general way with Judah, Israel and the nations in allowing no cover-up or excuse for sin. In pure truth, they expose sin.
Then chapters 36-39 are occupied with history, illustrating both the faithfulness of God in the preservation of His people and the failure of the people to rightly value the marvels of His grace.
The ministry of sovereign grace begins with chapter 40. From here on the remedy for Israel’s condition is presented in its various aspects. The following note from F. W. Grant is most helpful here: “From chapter 40 to 48 Israel is seen as the servant, and unfaithful; then from chapter 49 to 60 Christ is the Perfect Servant, and standing under the load of the sins of others; and finally, from chapter 61 to 66, the remnant (of Israel) is now seen and accepted as the servants” (Numerical Bible).
This book, though expressed in Old Testament language, will help us to gain a right perspective of the blessed gospel of God’s grace.
