The Book of Isaiah
in a Nutshell

The Book of Isaiah is one of the most influential and far-reaching prophetic books in the Bible. Spanning over sixty chapters, it speaks both to the immediate crises of the prophet’s day and to the distant future, blending judgment and hope in a powerful message about Jehovah’s holiness, justice, and plan for redemption. Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of several kings in Judah, warning the nation about its unfaithfulness and the coming consequences.

The first part of the book (chapters 1–39) contains messages of judgment against Judah and the surrounding nations for idolatry, injustice, and pride. Jehovah is portrayed as the Holy One of Israel, calling His people to repentance and righteousness. Though judgment is announced, including the Assyrian and Babylonian invasions—Jehovah also promises to preserve a faithful remnant and speaks of a future King from David’s line who will rule in righteousness and bring peace.

Chapters 40–55 shift dramatically to words of comfort, as Jehovah speaks tenderly to His exiled people. He reminds them of His power as Creator, His unmatched wisdom, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. These chapters introduce the figure of the “Servant of Jehovah,” who suffers on behalf of others, bearing their sins and bringing healing, a clear prophetic foreshadowing of the Messiah’s atoning work through Jesus Christ.

The final section (chapters 56–66) looks even further into the future, painting a picture of the restored people of God and a new heavens and earth. Jehovah promises justice for the oppressed, inclusion for foreigners and outcasts, and ultimate vindication for His people. The closing vision emphasizes that Jehovah’s plan includes the nations, and that His glory will be revealed throughout the earth.

Isaiah is a sweeping book of judgment and hope. It reveals Jehovah as holy and merciful, condemning sin while extending grace through a promised Redeemer. Its prophetic vision points ahead to the Messiah and the coming Kingdom of God, when peace, justice, and true worship will be restored.

JJ Bowks, ©CDMI

The Bible in a Nutshell Series

Hebrew Scriptures

(Old Testament Books)

Outline of the Book of Isaiah

I. Prophecies of Judgment and Hope for Judah and Jerusalem (1:1–12:6)A. Indictment of Judah’s sin and call to repentance – 1:1–31
B. Future exaltation of Jehovah’s house – 2:1–5
C. Judgment against pride and idolatry – 2:6–4:1
D. Restoration through Jehovah’s cleansing – 4:2–6
E. Parable of the vineyard and six woes – 5:1–30
F. Isaiah’s commission and call – 6:1–13
G. Prophecies concerning King Ahaz and Immanuel – 7:1–25
H. Judgment and hope amid Assyrian threat – 8:1–9:7
I. Judgment on pride and injustice – 9:8–10:4
J. Assyria as instrument, then judged – 10:5–34
K. The coming righteous branch – 11:1–16
L. Songs of salvation and praise – 12:1–6

II. Oracles Against the Nations (13:1–23:18)

A. Babylon’s downfall – 13:1–14:23
B. Assyria’s fall and Philistia’s warning – 14:24–32
C. Moab’s lament and judgment – 15:1–16:14
D. Damascus and Ephraim condemned – 17:1–14
E. Judgment on Cush – 18:1–7
F. Egypt’s decline and restoration – 19:1–20:6
G. Fall of Babylon confirmed – 21:1–10
H. Edom and Arabia’s fate – 21:11–17
I. Oracle against Jerusalem – 22:1–25
J. Judgment on Tyre – 23:1–18

III. The Apocalypse of Isaiah – Global Judgment and Restoration (24:1–27:13)

A. Judgment on the whole earth – 24:1–23
B. Songs of praise for Jehovah’s victory – 25:1–12
C. Blessings for the faithful – 26:1–21
D. Defeat of Leviathan and restoration of Israel – 27:1–13

IV. Woes and Warnings to the Rebellious (28:1–33:24)

A. Woe to Ephraim and Judah’s leaders – 28:1–29
B. Woe to Ariel (Jerusalem) – 29:1–24
C. Woe to those seeking Egypt’s help – 30:1–33
D. Woe to those trusting Egypt’s horses – 31:1–9
E. A righteous King and renewed Zion – 32:1–20
F. Jehovah will judge and deliver – 33:1–24

V. Final Judgment and Universal Salvation (34:1–35:10)

A. Judgment on Edom and the nations – 34:1–17
B. The way of holiness and restoration – 35:1–10

VI. Historical Interlude: Hezekiah’s Faith and Failure (36:1–39:8)

A. Assyria threatens Jerusalem – 36:1–22
B. Hezekiah’s prayer and deliverance – 37:1–38
C. Hezekiah’s illness and recovery – 38:1–22
D. Hezekiah’s pride and Babylonian envoys – 39:1–8

VII. Comfort and the Coming of the Servant (40:1–48:22)

A. Comfort for Jehovah’s people – 40:1–31
B. The greatness of Jehovah vs. idols – 41:1–29
C. The servant of Jehovah introduced – 42:1–25
D. Redemption and assurance for Israel – 43:1–44:5
E. Condemnation of idols – 44:6–23
F. Jehovah’s use of Cyrus – 44:24–45:25
G. Fall of Babylon and false gods – 46:1–47:15
H. Jehovah’s call to depart Babylon – 48:1–22

VIII. The Suffering Servant and Coming Glory (49:1–57:21)

A. The servant’s mission to Israel and nations – 49:1–26
B. Jehovah’s comfort to Zion – 50:1–11
C. Call to trust Jehovah – 51:1–23
D. Redemption and good news – 52:1–12
E. The suffering and exaltation of the servant – 52:13–53:12
F. Restoration of the barren woman (Zion) – 54:1–17
G. Invitation to abundant life – 55:1–13
H. Salvation for foreigners and eunuchs – 56:1–12
I. Condemnation of wicked leaders and false religion – 57:1–21

IX. True Worship and the Coming Glory (58:1–66:24)

A. False and true fasting – 58:1–14
B. Sin separates from Jehovah – 59:1–21
C. Future glory of Zion – 60:1–22
D. The servant proclaims good news – 61:1–11
E. Restoration of Zion and new name – 62:1–12
F. Jehovah’s day of vengeance – 63:1–6
G. A prayer for mercy and deliverance – 63:7–64:12
H. Jehovah’s answer and judgment – 65:1–25
I. Final judgment and new heavens and earth – 66:1–24