My Study Notes on Isaiah 1:1

Read Isa 1:1.

This opening verse is often designated with the generic term superscription because it is multi-functional. It is titular, archival, and prefatory; in other words, it serves as a title, an archival record, and a preface; literary features that can be designated with the single word superscription.

According to St Thomas Aquinas the purpose of the verse is to make the work that follows manifest. It is made manifest, however, from four things: first, from the genus of the work; second, from the author, where it says, Isaiah; third, from the matter, where it says, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem; fourth, from the time, where it says, in the days of Ozias (Uzziah), Joathan (Jotham), Achaz (Ahaz), and Ezechias (Hezekiah), kings of Judah. [St. Thomas Aquinas. 2021. Commentary on Isaiah. (Trans.) Louis St. Hilaire. Steubenville, OH; Green Bay, WI: Emmaus Academic; Aquinas Institute ¶17].

Here is some information on each of these kings, along with relevant biblical texts:

1. King Uzziah (also known as Azariah)

• Reign: Approximately 792-740 BC
• Background: Uzziah became king at the age of 16 and reigned for 52 years. His reign was marked by significant military success and prosperity for Judah.
• Achievements: Uzziah strengthened the kingdom, built towers in Jerusalem and fortified the city, developed agriculture, and expanded the military.
• Downfall: Despite his successes, Uzziah’s pride led to his downfall. He unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense, a duty reserved for priests, and was struck with leprosy as a result. He spent the remainder of his reign isolated in a separate house while his son Jotham governed the palace and the people.
• Biblical Texts:
  • 2 Kings 15:1-7: A brief account of Uzziah’s reign and his affliction with leprosy.
  • 2 Chronicles 26: A detailed account of Uzziah’s reign, his achievements, and his downfall.

2. King Jotham

• Reign: Approximately 750-735 BC (co-regent with Uzziah during his leprosy and sole ruler afterward)
• Background: Jotham became king after his father Uzziah was stricken with leprosy. He reigned for 16 years.
• Achievements: Jotham continued his father’s policies, strengthened Judah, built the Upper Gate of the Temple, and constructed cities, fortresses, and towers.
• Faithfulness: Jotham is described as a king who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, following the example of his father but without repeating Uzziah’s mistake of entering the temple.
• Biblical Texts:
  • 2 Kings 15:32-38: Overview of Jotham’s reign and his death.
  • 2 Chronicles 27: A more detailed account of Jotham’s reign and his building projects.

3. King Ahaz

• Reign: Approximately 735-715 BC
• Background: Ahaz became king at the age of 20 and reigned for 16 years. His reign was marked by idolatry and political turmoil.
• Religious Practices: Ahaz is known for his unfaithfulness to God. He introduced idol worship, sacrificed his children in the fire, and made offerings on high places, hills, and under every green tree.
• Political Alliances: Facing threats from the kingdoms of Israel and Aram (Syria), Ahaz sought help from Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria, which led to Judah becoming a vassal state.
• Biblical Texts:
  • 2 Kings 16: Detailed account of Ahaz’s reign, his idolatry, and his alliance with Assyria.
  • 2 Chronicles 28: Highlights Ahaz’s idolatrous practices and the consequences for Judah.

4. King Hezekiah

• Reign: Approximately 715-686 BC
• Background: Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, became king at the age of 25 and reigned for 29 years. His reign is often seen as a period of religious reform and revival in Judah.
• Religious Reforms: Hezekiah removed high places, smashed sacred stones, cut down Asherah poles, and destroyed the bronze serpent Moses had made because the Israelites had been burning incense to it.
• Trust in God: Hezekiah is noted for his faithfulness to God. During the Assyrian invasion under Sennacherib, Hezekiah prayed to God for deliverance, and Jerusalem was miraculously spared.
• Biblical Texts:
  • 2 Kings 18-20: Detailed account of Hezekiah’s reign, his reforms, the Assyrian invasion, his illness, and interactions with the prophet Isaiah.
  • 2 Chronicles 29-32: Highlights Hezekiah’s religious reforms, Passover celebration, and the defeat of Sennacherib.
  • Isaiah 36-39: Parallel account of the Assyrian invasion, Hezekiah’s prayer, and his interactions with Isaiah.

Summary

Isaiah’s ministry spanned the reigns of these four kings, each with distinct challenges and characteristics. Uzziah’s reign was marked by prosperity but ended in pride and leprosy. Jotham continued Uzziah’s policies faithfully. Ahaz was characterized by idolatry and misguided political alliances. In contrast, Hezekiah brought significant religious reforms and demonstrated remarkable faith in God during a critical invasion. Isaiah’s prophecies addressed the issues of their times, calling for faithfulness to God and foretelling both judgment and hope for Judah.

CRISIS DURING ISAIAH’S MINISTRY

Isaiah had to deal with several crisis during his ministry; the first being a crisis which predated the beginning of his ministry (circa 740 BC) by some 180-190 years. This crisis was the division of the kingdom which ushered in the period of the divided monarchy

FIRST CRISIS: THE DIVISION OF THE KINGDOM Circa 930-925 BC)

Background of the Division of the Kingdom

The division of the Kingdom of David occurred after the death of Solomon around 930 BC. The united kingdom, which had flourished under Saul, David, and Solomon, was split into two separate entities: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The primary reasons for the division included:

1. Heavy Taxation and Forced Labor: Solomon’s extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem, required significant resources. This led to heavy taxation and forced labor, particularly burdensome for the northern tribes. This along with Rehoboam’s folly (see #3) was the human motivation for the division. The divine motivation for the split was instigated by Solomon’s apostasy and his breaking of the Deuteronomic law the king was to follow (compare Deut 17:14-20 with 1 Kings 11:1-10). When there is conflict between God’s motivations and that of humans, it will always end badly for humans.
2. Solomon’s Apostasy: Solomon’s marriages to foreign women and his subsequent idolatry angered God, leading to a divine prophecy that the kingdom would be divided after his reign (1 Kings 11:9-13).
3. Rehoboam’s Folly: Upon Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne. The northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, requested lighter burdens. Rehoboam, rejecting the counsel of older advisors, instead followed the advice of his peers to increase the burden, leading to the secession of the northern tribes (1 Kings 12:1-17).

Biblical References and Aftermath

1. The Division Itself:
   • 1 Kings 12:1-24: This passage details the events leading to the division, including Rehoboam’s unwise response to the people’s demands and the subsequent secession of the northern tribes under Jeroboam’s leadership.
   • 2 Chronicles 10: This parallel account in Chronicles provides additional details and insights into the division.
2. The Northern Kingdom of Israel:
   • Jeroboam’s Reign: After becoming the first king of the northern kingdom, Jeroboam established golden calves in Bethel and Dan to prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem for worship (1 Kings 12:25-33). This idolatry set a pattern for the northern kingdom’s history.
   • Succession of Kings: The northern kingdom experienced political instability, with numerous coups and assassinations. Notable kings include Ahab, who, under the influence of his wife Jezebel, promoted Baal worship (1 Kings 16:29-34).
   • Prophetic Ministry: Prophets like Elijah and Elisha ministered in Israel, calling the people back to the worship of Yahweh and challenging the prevailing idolatry and injustice (1 Kings 17-2 Kings 2).
3. The Southern Kingdom of Judah:
   • Rehoboam’s Reign: Rehoboam reigned in Judah and faced continuous threats from both internal and external sources. His reign saw the invasion of Shishak of Egypt, who plundered the temple and royal palace (1 Kings 14:25-28).
   • Succession of Kings: Unlike the northern kingdom, Judah experienced a relatively stable dynasty under David’s lineage. However, it also had its share of idolatry and apostasy. Kings like Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah brought reforms, while others like Manasseh led the nation into deep sin (2 Kings 18-20, 2 Chronicles 29-32).
   • Prophetic Ministry: Prophets like Isaiah, Micah, and Jeremiah ministered in Judah, calling the nation to repentance and warning of impending judgment while also offering hope for future restoration (Isaiah 1-39, Micah 1-7, Jeremiah 1-52).
4. Continued Conflict and Consequences:
   • Wars Between Israel and Judah: The divided kingdoms often engaged in conflict with each other (1 Kings 14:30; 1 Kings 15:16-22). The mutual animosity weakened both kingdoms, making them vulnerable to external threats.
   • Assyrian and Babylonian Conquests: The northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC (2 Kings 17:1-23). The southern kingdom of Judah survived longer but eventually fell to the Babylonian Empire in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:1-21). These conquests were seen as divine judgment for the nations’ persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness.

Summary

The division of the kingdom marked a significant turning point in Israel’s history, leading to a period of political instability, religious apostasy, and eventual conquest by foreign empires. The biblical narrative highlights the consequences of forsaking God’s covenant and underscores the prophetic calls for repentance and faithfulness. The division’s aftermath set the stage for the ministries of many prophets, including Isaiah, who called the people to return to God and foretold the hope of future restoration.

SECOND CRISIS: THE SYRO-EPHRAMITE  CONFLICT (Circa 736-732 BC).

The Syro-Ephraimite War was a conflict where the kingdoms of Aram (Syria) and Israel (Ephraim) allied against Judah. King Ahaz of Judah faced pressure to join this alliance against the rising Assyrian Empire. Isaiah counseled Ahaz against joining the coalition and instead to trust in God’s protection. This event is particularly significant in Isaiah 7:14, where Isaiah gives the prophecy of Immanuel, assuring Ahaz that God is with Judah. The conflict underscored Isaiah’s role as a counselor to the king and his advocacy for reliance on divine rather than foreign intervention.

THIRD CRISIS: AHAZ APPEALS TO ASSYRIA FOR HELP (Circa 733-732 BC).

In response to the Syro-Ephraimite threat, King Ahaz appealed to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria for help, effectively making Judah a vassal state of Assyria. Isaiah strongly opposed this decision, seeing it as a lack of faith in God and a political move that would bring long-term subjugation and suffering. Isaiah’s prophecies during this period often included warnings about the consequences of foreign alliances and emphasized the need for trust in God’s power and provision (e.g., Isaiah 30-31).

FOURTH CRISIS: THE ASHDOD REBELLION (Circa 714-711 BC).

The Ashdod rebellion was an uprising against Assyrian control by a coalition of Philistine cities, supported by Egypt. Isaiah used this crisis to demonstrate the futility of relying on Egypt for help. In Isaiah 20, he performs a symbolic act by walking barefoot and naked for three years to signify the impending captivity of Egypt and Cush (Ethiopia) by Assyria, urging Judah not to depend on these powers. This crisis reinforced his message against forming alliances with foreign nations and emphasized that salvation could only come from God. Some scholar claim that King Hezekiah was implicated in fomenting the rebellion but backed out before the Assyrian hammer fell, thus avoiding the fate of Ashdod.

 FIFTH CRISIS: THE INVASION OF SENNACHERIB (Circa 701 BC).

The Assyrian king Sennacherib’s invasion of Judah was a critical event during Isaiah’s ministry. Hezekiah, who succeeded Ahaz, initially resisted Assyria but later paid tribute. When Sennacherib laid siege to Jerusalem, Hezekiah sought Isaiah’s counsel and prayed for divine intervention. Isaiah’s prophecy assured Hezekiah that Jerusalem would be spared, which was miraculously fulfilled when the Assyrian army was decimated (Isaiah 36-37). This event demonstrated the power of faith and prayer and validated Isaiah’s role as a prophet who accurately communicated God’s will and protection.

Throughout these crises, Isaiah’s ministry consistently emphasized themes of faith, repentance, and the sovereignty of God. He called for trust in divine rather than political solutions and warned of the dangers of alliances with foreign powers. His prophecies also provided hope for a future redemption and restoration under a righteous, divinely appointed king.