Studying the Bible is one of the most life-giving things a person can do, but knowing how to study and what to read can feel like a challenge. We are naturally drawn to books of the Bible that contain historical narrative, such as Genesis or 1 & 2 Samuel. Often we sit with familiar, practical books such as Philippians or James. But the Bible is more than just stories and how-tos.
At its very core, the Bible is meant to draw our eyes to God so that we may know Him and love Him more. This is why every book, every chapter, every word is essential for life and godliness.
Overcoming the Hesitation
For some time I’ve had the desire to study the book of Isaiah, but its length and prophetic nature held me at bay. I knew Isaiah’s "one-hit-wonder" passages like Isaiah 40 and 53. I was familiar with the Christmas portions, but to read the book as a whole and try to understand it as a lay Christian caused me to hesitate.
When I decided to pick up Isaiah, I decided to focus on two key thoughts: Who is Isaiah about? What is Isaiah’s purpose? These two questions could be filled with many answers, but I decided to narrow it down to a main focus.
All Scripture, including Isaiah, is about God. Isaiah’s primary focus is justice and righteousness.
“But the LORD of Armies is exalted by his justice, and the holy God demonstrates his holiness through his righteousness.” - Isaiah 5:16
The Standard of Justice and the Reality of Rebellion
The first half of Isaiah is filled with judgment and punishment for the nations and Israel for rejecting God. Israel’s job had been to be agents of God’s justice and righteousness, but they had rebelled against the LORD instead. God establishes himself as the ultimate rule and authority. He is God alone; there is no other.
“For the vineyard of the LORD of Armies is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah the plant he delighted in. He expected justice but saw injustice; he expected righteousness but heard cries of despair” - Isaiah 5:7
Despite man’s rebellion, God is kind. In his holiness, he offers deliverance for his people.
Reading Prophecy through Multiple Lenses
Prophetic books are meant to be read in light of the original audience and their present circumstances, and in light of modern readers and all of eternity. God’s promised deliverance was always pointing toward the Messiah, but the people also saw real-time fulfillment and help from mortal rulers used by God.
The first half of Isaiah highlights King Hezekiah, who honors the LORD and stands against the enemy Assyria who wishes to overcome Jerusalem. The second half of Isaiah foretells an unlikely source whose kingship comes from God. Cyrus, King of Persia, would be used by God to restore Israel to their promised land.
“This is what the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb says, I am the LORD, who made everything; who stretched out the heavens by myself; who alone spread out the earth; who says to Cyrus, “My shepherd, he will fulfill all my pleasure” and says to Jerusalem, “She will be rebuilt,” and of the temple, “Its foundation will be laid.”’ - Isaiah 44:24, 28
An Intentional Revelation of Character
There are countless prophecies where God uses unlikely men to fulfill his will. Some of these prophecies are wild and hard to ascertain. Others contain narratives easier to lean into. The point I want us to see, though, is how intentionally and personally God reveals himself. In just the four verses already listed, God reveals himself as:
- LORD of Armies
- Exalted by justice
- Holy
- Righteous
- Redeemer
- Creator
Prophecy is a beautiful and mysterious union of past, present, and future. It recounts past truths to show who God is and remind us of how He has already worked. Prophecy reveals present struggle both for the original audience and the modern reader. Finally, it points to future implications of judgment, righteousness, reckoning, and salvation.
The Ultimate Goal: To Know Him
The most beautiful part of prophecy is not the mystery but the revelation—the revelation of the person, character, and acts of God. We do not study prophecy to learn every detail of what has and will happen, though that is good to study. We study prophecy and other difficult books in Scripture to uncover the depths of a mighty God, Yahweh. We learn how to honor him as King, follow him as LORD of Armies, worship him as Creator, and respond in awe to the Holy One.
Old Testament prophets implored Israel to look to God alone as their source of help and comfort. They rehearsed past events with present circumstances to spur future faithfulness.
New Testament authors encourage the church in the same way. They point back to God’s character and acts, highlighting Christ’s redemptive work. They urge us to know Christ deeper, lean into the Spirit, and remember the Father daily so that we may find hope and comfort to endure future suffering.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Whether reading Old Testament narrative, prophecy, or a New Testament epistle, the theme of Scripture remains the same: Know God. Love God. Remember God. Live in pursuit of eternity with God.
Take the Leap
So, what book have you been interested in but avoid because of intimidation? Here’s your encouragement to try the hard book next and ask yourself the question on every page: “What does this say about God?” You may be surprised that the “hard” book becomes your favorite book because God is in all of it.
