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The Prophet Isaiah proclaimed his message to Judah and Jerusalem between
742 and 687 B.C., when the Northern Kingdom was conquered by Assyria
and Judah lived uneasily in its shadow. Isaiah attacks social injustice
which shows Israel’s weak adherence to God’s laws. He exhorts the people
to place their confidence in the Almighty (Omnipotent) God and to lead
private and public lives which demonstrate this. In Chapters 40-66,
this theme is extended further and the author demonstrates the
significance of historical events in God’s plan, which extends from
Creation to Redemption and beyond. In this section we find the beautiful
Suffering Servant oracles, referring to the Messiah our Lord Jesus
Christ. The book of the Prophet Isaiah has always been held in
highest esteem by the Orthodox Church, and is quoted and used above all
other prophetic books of the Old Testament in her liturgical life. This
is especially evident during the Great Lent when it is read every day at
the service of the Sixth Hour. |