Theology of Isaiah: Prophecies on the Destiny of Nations in the Bible

This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of the prophecies of Isaiah concerning the destiny of nations, drawing from the theological perspectives presented in the Book of Isaiah. It examines Isaiah's views on the role of nations, their relationship with Israel, and the ultimate judgment and salvation they face. The essay explores specific prophecies related to nations like Moab, Babylon, Assyria, and Egypt, highlighting the historical context and the implications of these predictions. It also delves into Isaiah's understanding of Yahweh's sovereignty, justice, and the ultimate goal of redemption for all nations through faith and righteousness. The essay further discusses the critical interpretations of Isaiah's prophecies, considering their messianic implications and their relevance to Christian theology, ultimately emphasizing the central message of Isaiah: that the destiny of all nations lies in their relationship with God and their adherence to His will. The essay uses the references from multiple sources to explain the context of the prophecies of Isaiah.

Running Head: DESTINY OF NATIONS IN THE THEOLOGY OF ISAIAH
DESTINY OF NATIONS IN THE THEOLOGY OF ISAIAH
Name of the Student:
Name of the University
Author Note

1DESTINY OF NATIONS IN THE THEOLOGY OF ISAIAH
The main message of Isaiah’s prediction is the emergence of Jesus Christ to retrieve
humankind from sin. Naturally, the prediction was made 700 years before the birth of Jesus
Christ. The prophet Isaiah was born in Jerusalem formed the chapter 1-39 in the book of
Isaiah. His prophecies was made for the salvation of people of Jerusalem and Judah during
the reign of Uzziah, Jotham, and Ahaz1. His prophecies summarises that people can achieve
redemption only by trusting God, rather than any dogmatic and military coalitions.
Before measuring the destiny of nations according to the theology of Isaiah, it is very
significant to understand the view of Isaiah about nations. The book of Isaiah perceives the
radical and military events of fifth and ninth century B.C.E from the perspective of lordship
of Yahweh. It states that the nations are surviving under the direction of God of Israel and
serving to fulfil his motives. A comparative study of the book of Isaiah with other prophetic
writings informs that the view of Isaiah is more nuanced and comprehensive. The prophetic
writing of Isaiah build around the dilemma of Israel is going to destroy the nations or worship
the nation.
The argument of this book also states that the only mission of nations is to join Israel
in Jerusalem where they will serve and worship God with Israel. If we study back the history
of Isaiah, his viewpoint will be clear to develop the understanding of nations according to the
prophet. The prophet Isaiah (Son of Amoz) emerged during the critical period of Judah
entertaining the aspiration of serving God to be safe from the almighty’s punishment2. During
1 Hooker, Joy. “Zion as Theological Symbol in Isaiah: Implications for Judah, for the Nations and for Empire.”
In Isaiah and Imperial Context: The Book of Isaiah in the Times of Empire, edited by Andrew T. Abernethy,
Mark G. Brett, Tim Bulkeley, and Tim Meadowcroft, 107-121. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2013.
2 Brett, Marc G. “Imperial Imagination in Isaiah 56-66.” In Isaiah and Imperial Context: The Book of Isaiah in
the Times of empire, edited by Andrew T. Abernethy, Mark G. Brett, Tim Bulkeley, and Tim Meadowcroft,

2DESTINY OF NATIONS IN THE THEOLOGY OF ISAIAH
the initial stage of Isaiah’s ministry, Assyrians also started their procedure of building a new
empire intending to destroy Israel. This was the responsible reason to determine Ahaz (king
of Judah) as a crucial ruler.
The book of Isaiah constitutes some fragments of aspects that constitutes the
discussion of the prophet’s writing3. If Israel trusts the nations instead of God, it will destroy
itself. The only way of expressing glory by the God is to deliver Israel from the nations.
God’s regulations for the nations will come into conduct through Israel. This prophetic
writing comes to conclusion with the argument of either nations will oblige Zion or juncture
with Zion through revering Yahweh.
The prophecies of Isaiah includes that God’s power will destroy the enemies. His
oracle was becoming a reality with his ongoing predictions. Isaiah anticipated that a young
lady (Almah, in original Hebrew language it refers to an adult woman with no evidence of
being virgin) will give gift this world her child named Immanuel will diminish the threat
from the enemy kings4. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the divinations of Isaiah largely
fulfil the ministry of Jesus.
Christianity interprets Isaiah’s predictions as a messianic prophecy contented by
Jesus5. They interprets the sins of others are responsible for the suffering of an individual.
Jesus is there to attend the prediction through crucifixion. This article demands to discuss
167-181. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2013.
3 “Writing and Reading the Scroll of Isaiah: Studies of an Interpretive Tradition, V 1”, In Broyles, Craig C., and
Craig A. Evans, eds. Vol. 1, Supplements to Vetus Testamentum.. Leiden: Brill, 1997.
4 Goldingay, John. The Theology of the Book of Isaiah. Downers Grove, III: IVP, 2014.
5 Oosting, Reinoud. The Role of Zion/Jerusalem in Isaiah 40-55: A Corpus-linguistic Approach. Vol.59 of
Studia Semitica Neerlandica. Leiden: Brill, 2013.

3DESTINY OF NATIONS IN THE THEOLOGY OF ISAIAH
about the destiny of nations according to the prophecies of Isaiah6. The book of Isaiah bears
prophecies about the city Moab. The country was named so after the name of son of eldest
daughter of Lot. This book keeps a record of an alliance between the two nations Moab and
Syria. According to the prophecy mentioned in chapter 18 of Isaiah, the nations will be
“scattered and peeled” and be trampled underfoot.
The reason behind this comment made by Isaiah is the present corruption in Jerusalem
as a territory of Jewish7. Isaiah’s prophecies about destiny of Babylon is they will raise
themselves as an epitome of power and will revolt against Judah. During the period of 587
B.C.E the kingdom of Babylon will defeat Jerusalem and carry forward their reign until the
conquer of Babylon by the Medes. The hidden will of God behind the prophecies of Isaiah
about Babylon is, it is already destined that Babylon will play a significant role in Judah’s
history.
Isaiah prophecies about Assyria’s destiny states that God will decrease the power of
Assyria as he will do for Babylon’s authority8. The Philistines were prophesised not to
alliance with Judah for redemption. Isaiah’s prophecies for Moab will take place within three
to four years after his prediction. The suffering of Moab is already mentioned and Isaiah’s
prophecies provides a glimpse of upcoming activities of the Messiah. Moab will be formed
on the strong bases of ‘Love’ and ‘faithfulness’ promoting ‘righteousness’.
6 Poe Hays, Rebecca W. “Sing Me a Parable of Zion: Isaiah’s Vineyard (5:1-7) and Its Relation to the
“Daughter Zion” Tradition” Journal Of Biblical Literature 135, no. 4 (2016): 761-743.
7 Trudinger, L Paul. “To Whom Then Will You Liken God : A Note on the Interpretation of Isaiah 40:18-20.”
Vetus Testament 17, no. 2 (Ap 1967): 220-225
8 Lundbom, J. R. (2013). Biblical Rhetiric and Rhetorical Criticism (45). Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press.

4DESTINY OF NATIONS IN THE THEOLOGY OF ISAIAH
Next prophecies were made on the two intriguing nations involved in league with
each other namely Syria and Israel. Isaiah confirms the destruction of Syria that is the rule of
Aram. Syria’s alliance with the northern territory of Israel will bring misfortune for both the
nations. In addition, from that point of view they will start worshipping the creator9. Next
prophecy is recorded for Ethiopia a nation featuring natural beauty. According to Isaiah, the
nation is unnecessarily assigning their peace with Assyrian enemies. God’s will can bring
them deliverance from Assyrian threats.
Most significantly, the prophecy for Egypt was remarkable. Isaiah predicts about
God’s final judgement against Egypt’s idolatry. Isaiah also predicted that Egypt will victim a
disastrous natural calamity through the over flourishing Nile river that will lead Egypt
towards economic chaos. Egyptians will turn for the Messiah with assistance of Judah. As a
final evaluation of Isaiah’s prophecy Assyria, Israel, and Egypt will be united for
worshipping Yahweh. To put is simply, Isaiah’s prophecy keeps on reminding Judah not to
rely on Egypt.
The focused prophecy of the book of Isaiah is the prediction about Jerusalem. There is
a historical context behind Isaiah’s prophecy of Jerusalem. According to that context, the
reason behind the celebration of can be the liberation from Sennacherib’s violence on
Jerusalem during 701 B.C.E. Isaiah also questions the merriment of Jerusalem at the time of
repentance to the God by the entire kingdom10. In reply the entire kingdom defenced that they
have faith on their own activities rather than God’s power. In the words of the Hebrew
9 The Art of Biblical Narrative. Rev. & updated ed. New York: Basic Books, 2011.
10 “Imperial Influence on the Language and Content of Isaiah 40-55.” In Isaiah and Imperial Context: The Book
of Isaiah in the Times of Empire, edited by Andrew T. Abernethy, Mark G. Brett, Tim Bulkeley, and Tim
Meadowcroft, 122-136. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock Publisher, 2013.

5DESTINY OF NATIONS IN THE THEOLOGY OF ISAIAH
prophet, the valley of Vision (Jerusalem) is going to face the wrath of the almighty. To
discuss it more precisely it can be said that all the prophets already destine the fall of
Jerusalem.
Chapter 23 of Isaiah’s book comprises the prophecy about the capital city of the
Phoenician empire namely Tyre. The prophecy says that Tyre will be defeated by the attacks
of Assyrian leaders. The prophecy also predicts that during the 630 BC, the power of the
Assyrians will be decreased and Tyre will be able to return in the throne. The book of Isaiah
is not a long narrative story. According to the religious significance of the concept of
prophets, it is mandatory to mention that a prophet is an individual with some divine powers.
According to the Christian belief, a prophet is considered to have a connection with the lord
and foretells about something on behalf of the divine entity.
The prophecies of Isaiah cannot be considered as positive predictions for the nations.
The statements of all the prophecies leads to one conclusion that is all the nations will be
subjected to salvation without the blessing of Yahweh. These prophecies discourages
aggressiveness, arrogance, and disobeying the Lord. The primary lesson Isaiah promotes for
the universal population that the entire world is accountable to the creator. The central
message of the book of Isaiah is Yahweh the Lord is there to take care of the destiny of all
nations.
Isaiah competes with the other best commentaries mentioned in the Old Testament
including that of Psalms. Critics have imposed three divisions for the evaluation of the book
in regards to understand the destiny of the nations. According to the Christian criticism the
entire book of Isaiah can be anonymously cited from the outside sources. They are not willing
to entitle the entire book named Isaiah.

6DESTINY OF NATIONS IN THE THEOLOGY OF ISAIAH
This book of Isaiah holds a strong position in the Old Testament as it provides the
most ample picture of Jesus Christ11. The book somewhat prepares the entire world rather
alarming the entire world about the emergence of Jesus Christ to redeem the world from
suffering. According to the criticism it can be said that the continuous mention of the Lord
echoes his name referring salvation of Yahweh. The destiny of the nation depending on
worshipping the Lord. Hence, he goes on mentioning about the ongoing corruption and
arrogance among all the nations.
The only way to be protected from the rage of God is to worship him. His furious
nature is mentioned by the corruptive nature of the four kings (Uzziah, Jotham, Hezekiah,
and Ahaz) of the empire of Judah. Isaiah was not a believer of worshipping the Idol,
oppression, sidelining the poor. As mentioned earlier Isaiah’s book has a historical context
that in some respect anchors the history of Judah12. Mention of some mountain range are
there as a characteristic feature of Isaiah’s book. To achieve the gracious redemption from
God’s end the nations must pray to God.
The book further promises to be recorded for the future generation13. The nations are
treated with various ways according to the prophecies of Isaiah. Many of the critics have
mentioned that the relation of Isaiah with the nations is skeletal according to the structured
theology of the book. He also mentioned that God has not determined any punishment for the
su'fferers as a mean of redemption. A rule of justice and peace will be established by
11 Berges, Ulrich F. The Book of Isaiah: Its Composition and Final Form. Vol. 46 of Hebrew Bible
Monographs. Sheffield, UK: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2012.
12 Biddle, Mark e. “The City of Chaos and the New Jerusalem: Isaiah 24-27 in Context.” Perspectives in
Religious Studies 22, no. 1 (1995): 4-12.
13 Tucker, G.M. (1971). From Criticism and the Old Testament. Philadelphia: Fortress Press.

7DESTINY OF NATIONS IN THE THEOLOGY OF ISAIAH
worshipping the almighty, as he is not the saviour of only one nation but the entire world. As
a prophet Isaiah is the servant of God to make the humankind aware about the emergence of
Jesus. God will come to rescue through Zion. In the book of Isaiah the nations appear three
places for a significant reason. To conclude this decision it should be mentioned that the book
of Isaiah destined only one way for the nations for avoiding the suffering. The almighty will
bring peace for the nations if they chose peace over aggression.

8DESTINY OF NATIONS IN THE THEOLOGY OF ISAIAH
References
“Imperial Influence on the Language and Content of Isaiah 40-55.” In Isaiah and Imperial
Context: The Book of Isaiah in the Times of Empire, edited by Andrew T. Abernethy, Mark
G. Brett, Tim Bulkeley, and Tim Meadowcroft, 122-136. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock
Publisher, 2013.
“Isaiah 40-55: A Judahite Reading Drama.” In Daughter Zion: Her Portrait, Her Response,
edited by Mark J. Boda, Carol J. Dempsey, and LearnSnow Flesher, 55-75. Atlanta: SBL,
2012.
“The Cosmological and Protological Language of Beutero-Isaiah.” Catholic Biblical
Quarterly 45, no. 3 (1983): 353-363.
“Writing and Reading the Scroll of Isaiah: Studies of an Interpretive Tradition, V 1”, In
Broyles, Craig C., and Craig A. Evans, eds. Vol. 1, Supplements to Vetus Testamentum..
Leiden: Brill, 1997.
Berges, Ulrich F. The Book of Isaiah: Its Composition and Final Form. Vol. 46 of Hebrew
Bible Monographs. Sheffield, UK: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2012.
Biddle, Mark e. “The City of Chaos and the New Jerusalem: Isaiah 24-27 in Context.”
Perspectives in Religious Studies 22, no. 1 (1995): 4-12.
Brett, Marc G. “Imperial Imagination in Isaiah 56-66.” In Isaiah and Imperial Context: The
Book of Isaiah in the Times of empire, edited by Andrew T. Abernethy, Mark G. Brett, Tim
Bulkeley, and Tim Meadowcroft, 167-181. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2013.
Goldingay, John. The Theology of the Book of Isaiah. Downers Grove, III: IVP, 2014.

9DESTINY OF NATIONS IN THE THEOLOGY OF ISAIAH
Hooker, Joy. “Zion as Theological Symbol in Isaiah: Implications for Judah, for the Nations
and for Empire.” In Isaiah and Imperial Context: The Book of Isaiah in the Times of Empire,
edited by Andrew T. Abernethy, Mark G. Brett, Tim Bulkeley, and Tim Meadowcroft, 107-
121. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2013.
Lundbom, J. R. (2013). Biblical Rhetiric and Rhetorical Criticism (45). Sheffield: Sheffield
Phoenix Press.
Oosting, Reinoud. The Role of Zion/Jerusalem in Isaiah 40-55: A Corpus-linguistic
Approach. Vol.59 of Studia Semitica Neerlandica. Leiden: Brill, 2013.
Poe Hays, Rebecca W. “Sing Me a Parable of Zion: Isaiah’s Vineyard (5:1-7) and Its
Relation to the “Daughter Zion” Tradition” Journal Of Biblical Literature 135, no. 4 (2016):
761-743.
The Art of Biblical Narrative. Rev. & updated ed. New York: Basic Books, 2011.
Trudinger, L Paul. “To Whom Then Will You Liken God : A Note on the Interpretation of
Isaiah 40:18-20.” Vetus Testament 17, no. 2 (Ap 1967): 220-225