Son of Amoz (not the prophet Amos). Tradition says he was of royal blood, perhaps a cousin to King Uzziah. He had easy access to the kings of Judah (Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah).

Unlike the rugged Elijah or the rural Amos, Isaiah was a city man—urbane, educated, and wealthy. He lived in Jerusalem and was married to a "prophetess."

He was formed by National Crisis. He saw the Northern Kingdom fall to Assyria. He saw the moral rot of his own people hidden under religious rituals. He knew the system was broken from the inside.

He was shaped by Purification. The angel touched his lips with a live coal from the altar. Painful but cleansing. He learned that holiness is not achieved; it is received.

1. The Vision (Isaiah 6).
2. The Sign of Immanuel (Ahaz).
3. The Assyrian Siege (Hezekiah).
4. The Healing of the King (Sun dial).

The Messianic Prophet. Isaiah carried the clearest picture of Jesus in the Old Testament. He saw the Virgin Birth, the Galilee ministry, the Suffering Servant, and the New Heavens/Earth.

He provided Hope in Judgment. While he preached destruction, he always pointed to the "Remnant" and the "Holy Seed" that would remain in the stump.

Jerusalem. During the siege of Sennacherib, the city's survival depended on Isaiah's word from the Lord: "He will not enter this city."

Isaiah 53 ("He was pierced for our transgressions") is the gospel foundation. It explains *why* the Messiah had to die.

He held fast to The Holiness of God. In a time of political alliances and military panic, Isaiah consistently pointed to the Holy One of Israel as the only true defense. "In quietness and trust is your strength."

He did not break under the pressure to speak "smooth things." He told Hezekiah that his treasures would be carried off to Babylon. He spoke truth to power, even when it was unwelcome.