Isaiah apparently lived in Jerusalem, the capital city of the southern kingdom of Judah, and he and his nation soon had to face the ruthless and cruel Assyrian Empire as well. Assyria had captured Samaria, the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, and deported the Israelites to other lands. Isaiah prophesies during Sennacherib’s siege of Jerusalemĭuring Isaiah’s lifetime, the nation of Assyria was the predominant power in the Middle East. His prophecies are still “signs and wonders” for us today. Isaiah and his family would be for “signs and wonders in Israel” ( Isaiah 8:18). They were Shear-Jashub ( Isaiah 7:3, meaning “a remnant shall return”) and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz ( Isaiah 8:1-4, meaning “speed the spoil, hasten the booty”).
They had two sons whose names had prophetic meanings. Isaiah was married to a prophetess ( Isaiah 8:3). It was at least a 40-year ministry during the last half of the eighth century B.C. The time covered is from the end of King Uzziah’s reign ( Isaiah 6:1) to the Assyrian King Sennacherib’s siege of Jerusalem. The biblical account in chapter 1, verse 1 of the book he authored says he received visions from God during the reigns of four kings of Judah-Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. This may have given him access to the kings of Judah in Jerusalem.
Jewish tradition says he was of royal descent, and he may have been a cousin to King Uzziah. His name means “YHWH (the LORD) is salvation.” He lived in Jerusalem and the prophecies God gave him were directed toward Israel, Judah and other nations.
Isaiah is widely regarded as one of the greatest prophets of the Bible.