Highlights From the Book of Isaiah​—II

ISAIAH is faithfully carrying out his commission as a prophet. The pronouncements he has uttered against the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel have already come true. Now he has further word about the future of Jerusalem.

The city of Jerusalem will be destroyed, and its inhabitants will be taken captive. The desolation, though, will not be permanent. After a time, true worship will be restored. This is the basic message of Isaiah 36:1–66:24.a

“LOOK! DAYS ARE COMING”

(Isaiah 36:1–39:8)

In the 14th year of King Hezekiah’s reign (732 B.C.E.), the Assyrians invade Judah. Jehovah promises to defend Jerusalem. The threat of invasion ends when Jehovah’s angel single-handedly kills 185,000 Assyrian soldiers.

Hezekiah falls sick. Jehovah answers his prayer and heals him, adding 15 years to his life. When the king of Babylon sends emissaries to congratulate him, Hezekiah unwisely shows them all his treasures. Isaiah delivers Jehovah’s message to Hezekiah, saying: “Look! Days are coming, and all that is in your own house and that your forefathers have stored up down to this day will actually be carried to Babylon.” (Isaiah 39:5, 6) A little over 100 years later, the prophecy comes true.

“SHE WILL BE REBUILT”

(Isaiah 40:1–59:21)

Immediately after foretelling the destruction of Jerusalem and the resulting captivity in Babylon, Isaiah prophesies about restoration. (Isaiah 40:1, 2) “She [Jerusalem] will be rebuilt,” states Isaiah 44:28. Idols of Babylonian gods will be carried away like “pieces of luggage.” (Isaiah 46:1) Babylon will be destroyed. All of this comes true two centuries later.

Jehovah will give his servant as “a light of the nations.” (Isaiah 49:6) The Babylonian “heavens,” or ruling class, will be “dispersed in fragments just like smoke,” and her subjects “will die like a mere gnat”; but the ‘captive daughter of Zion will loosen for herself the bands on her neck.’ (Isaiah 51:6; 52:2) To those who come to him and listen, Jehovah says: “I shall readily conclude with you people an indefinitely lasting covenant respecting the loving-kindnesses to David.” (Isaiah 55:3) Living in harmony with God’s righteous requirements leads to finding “exquisite delight in Jehovah.” (Isaiah 58:14) The errors of the people, on the other hand, ‘cause division between them and their God.’​—Isaiah 59:2.