THE BOOK OF ISAIAH
The prophet Isaiah ben Amos, Isaiah son of Amos, lived during the reign of Hezekiah and his successors; however, the book that bears his name is most likely a compilation of several writers, including the historical figures Isaiah.
There are several reasons why scholars believe that chapters 40–65 were written by at least one other person. First there is the historical situation. Chapters 40–55 reflect a time of exile and return from Babylon, which occurs several hundred years after the time of the original Isaiah. Second, the prophet of chapters 40–55 is anonymous. Third, there is a sudden shift in style, language, and theology.
The portions of the book beginning with chapter 40 point to Cyrus the Persian as the deliverer of the exiles in Babylon. For example, “Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus . . .” (Is. 45:1) and “Go out from Babylon, flee from Chaldea!” (Is.48:20).
The first 39 chapters of Isaiah constitute a judgment on the people or turning away from the Lord and from obedience to maintain justice and righteousness. The prophet warns those who are haughty and proud and live off the people to beware God’s judgment.
Whoever put together this remarkable book realized the power of God to be with the people in times of trial. And here the writer moves from the commonly accepted belief of the time that God was above other gods to the realization that the other gods are not gods at all. “I am the first, and I am the last. Besides me there is no other god.” These idols are nothing more than stone.
As we consider the poetry in the Book of Isaiah, who can read the words of chapter 40 and not hear the strains of Handel in their ears.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bT-pClK46G4
Comfort ye! Comfort ye, my people!
Saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem,
and cry unto her that her warfare is accomplish'd, that her iniquity is pardon'd.
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be exalted,
and every mountain and hill made low,
the crooked straight, and the rough places plain.