Isaiah son of Amoz
Isaiah begins by identifying its prophet plainly: Isaiah, the son of Amoz. His visions concerned Judah and Jerusalem during the reigns of four kings of Judah, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Isaiah 1:1). The book therefore presents him as a real prophet speaking into the life of his own nation, not as an unnamed writer looking back from a later age.
Isaiah lived through grave national pressure. During Hezekiah's reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria came against Judah's fortified cities (Isaiah 36:1). Isaiah spoke into that fearful setting with warnings about sin and misplaced trust, but also with a steady hope in God's mercy and rule.
The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
Called to speak for God
Isaiah's call gives a window into the whole book. In the temple vision, he saw the Lord's holiness, recognised his own need, and willingly accepted God's call (Isaiah 6:1-8). His task would not be easy. God told him to speak to people whose hearts had become dull and who would not truly hear or understand (Isaiah 6:9-10).
That difficult commission helps explain Isaiah's direct tone. He did not soften God's concern over injustice, idolatry, or empty worship. Yet he never treated judgement as the final word. Isaiah kept pointing people towards God's promised cleansing, rescue, and future peace.
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Why is authorship discussed?
Some modern scholars think different writers or later followers may have shaped parts of Isaiah. They note that the book moves from warnings to Isaiah's own generation to words that address the future Babylonian exile and comfort for God's people. Others hold that Isaiah himself delivered these prophecies, which were then preserved in the book bearing his name.
The book itself includes striking forward-looking prophecy. Isaiah told Hezekiah that treasures and members of his royal house would one day be taken to Babylon (Isaiah 39:6-7). It also speaks of Jerusalem being rebuilt and of Cyrus carrying out God's purpose, including the rebuilding of the temple (Isaiah 44:26-28). For readers who accept prophecy, these passages fit naturally with Isaiah speaking of events still ahead.
That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
How the New Testament reads Isaiah
The New Testament consistently refers to Isaiah by name when it draws from this book. John connects Isaiah's vision of God's glory with words from Isaiah about people rejecting God's message, treating Isaiah as the prophetic witness behind both themes (John 12:38-41).
Jesus also read Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth and applied its announcement of good news, freedom, and healing to his own ministry (Luke 4:17-21). That is why Isaiah has such a central place for Christians. Its pages help us see Jesus' mission, while still calling every reader to take God's holiness, compassion, and promises seriously.
These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.