Isaiah was one who expersed his prophetic role in Judea between 740 BC and 700 BC. It is in his name that this book with its 66 chapters is known. Bible authors hold that taking into consideration the historical background of its contents, the literary style used,the variety of ideas and themes, this book was written at different times by different individuals. It is one person who has codified the book into its present form. This is one of the Old Testament books most often quoted in the New Testament.

The book of Isaiah can be divided into three sections. In the first part from chapters 1 to 39, is contained the threat and warning that God will punish the people who have gone away from him. The chief themes in this book are as follows:

1. God is the Lord and Master of history. Political powers cannot save Israel. Assyria and Egypt, apparently mighty kingdoms, are only tools in God's hands. God is their Lord too.

2. God's supreme holiness (6:1-8). As God is holy, those who approach him also should be holy. They must give up the life of sin (1:4-20) and be ready to repent.

3. The imminent punishment of Israel. Though the Israelites were the vineyard carefully tended by God they would be rejected because they would not bear fruit.

4. The Prophecy regarding the Saviour (7:14). The prophecy, "The young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel" given against the background of the Syro-Ephraim battle gave hope to the people of God. It is in Jesus Christ that this prophecy is totally fulfilled (Mt 1:22-23).

The second section (chapter 40 to 55) is known as Second Isaiah. The message here gives hope to those grieving and despairing in exile.

The chief themes of this section are as follows :

1. God will renew Israel. God will give consolation to Zion.

2. The power of the word of God (40:8;55:10). The prophet reminds the people that God's promise to them will be fulfilled.

3. The suffering servant (42:1-9; 49:1-7; 50:3-11; 52:13; 53:12). The servant of God, specially chosen by him and favoured with his love and protection, fulfils God's will through the endurance of suffering. Innocent and guileless, he maintains his lively faith in God, and suffers persecution of body and mind without any complaint. His suffering and death, bring about the liberation and salvation of the people. After his death he is glorified and his life and work are acknowledged by the people. The evangelists record that the prophecies regarding the suffering servant of God are fulfilled in Christ.

In the third section (chapters 56 to 66) the message given is to the people when they return to Jerusalem after the exile. God will save his people and will prepare a new heaven and a new earth for them. This is a gift God gives to his people. They should co-operate with him. Even gentiles will be saved and they too will behold the glory of God. The book comes to a close with a message of hope.