Adult Sunday School Lesson

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2025

September 7, 2025

Isaiah’s Call to Ministry
Printed Text: Isaiah 6:1-8; 38:1-5
Devotional Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5
Background Reading: Isaiah 6:1-13; 7:1-7; 20:1-6; 38:1-22

September 14, 2025

Hezekiah’s Passover
Printed Text: 2 Chronicles 30:1-9, 26-27
Devotional Reading: Psalm 1
Background Reading: 2 Chronicles 30:1-27

September 21, 2025

Hilkiah’s Discovery
Printed Text: 2 Chronicles 34:15-22, 26-27
Devotional Reading: Romans 7:7-12
Background Reading: 2 Chronicles 33:1-33

September 28, 2025

The Servant’s Suffering
Printed Text: Isaiah 53:1-7
Devotional Reading: Matthew 12:14-21
Background: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Zoom Sunday School Classes – 7 September 2025, 09:00 AM EST

Meeting ID: 848-9423-0612
Pass Code: 669872
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84894230612?pwd=Zk1ESitzbGZwTlJyV21UZXY5aTVPZz09

Isaiah’s Call to Ministry
Printed Text: Isaiah 6:1-8; 38:1-5
Devotional Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5
Background Reading: Isaiah 6:1-13; 7:1-7; 20:1-6; 38:1-22

LESSON AIM:

RECOGNIZE that God is worthy of praise and worship;

TRUST God, who is worthy of praise and worship; and

COMMIT to worship God in spirit and in truth.

DISCOVER the motivation for Isaiah's commitment;

EXPLORE the limits of our commitment and identify circumstances in which we might be willing to go beyond those limits; and
MOVE beyond our present limits to expand our commitments to God.

KEEP IN MIND:

"Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. " (Isaiah 6:8, NRSV).

BACKGROUND:

Isaiah was the son of Amoz and a prophet of the southern kingdom of Judah who lived in the eighth century B.C.  Isaiah lived and ministered in Jerusalem for 58 years.  He prophesied during the reigns of kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.  Although the Bible does not record the tribe from which Isaiah is descended, Jewish tradition suggests that Isaiah may have been related to Judah's royal family.  This would explain why Isaiah enjoyed relatively easy access to the kings of Judah.

Isaiah was married, and his wife is referred to as a prophetess (Isaiah 8:3).  It is unclear whether this means that she was married to a prophet or if she acted in the office of a prophet.  Isaiah was the father of at least two children, both of whom were given symbolic names.  One was named Shear-Jashub, which means, "a remnant shall return."  The name of the other was Maher-shalal-hash-baz.

According to the Scriptures, Isaiah had disciples (Isaiah 8:16).  These disciples acted as scribes and may have assisted Isaiah in his ministry work.  This relationship with his disciples appears to have been similar to that which Samuel and Elisha had with the "sons of the prophets" or that Jeremiah had with Baruch.

Isaiah is believed to have been the author of the biographies of King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:22) and King Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:32).  At God's direction, Isaiah humbled himself and he went about for three years "naked" and barefoot (Isaiah 20).  No other prophet predicted the birth of the Messiah, Christ Jesus, to the extent Isaiah did.  He also prophesied extensively about the ministry and the sufferings of the Messiah for the sins of humanity.  While it is not certain exactly how Isaiah died, a pseudepigraphical work called "The Ascension of Isaiah," states that he was sawn in two with a wooden saw during the reign of Manasseh.  It is possible that the writer of Hebrews is referring to this event when he wrote: "They were stoned, they were sawn asunder" (Hebrews 11:37). 

LESSON COMMENTARY:

True Worship Recognizes God’s Holiness (Isaiah 6:1-4), NRSV

¹ In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple.
² Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew.
³ And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory."
⁴ The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke.

As Isaiah began the narrative of his ministerial calling, he set the date as “in the year that king Uzziah died” (Verse 1).  The death of King Uzziah serves as a time reference for Isaiah’s vision by giving the historical context.  According to Isaiah, although his body is inside the temple, his soul is taken up to heaven, and there he saw a magnificent vision of God and the heavenly hosts. Isaiah recounts seeing the Lord Himself, seated upon a throne.  Here we see God’s throne as the representation of God’s supreme authority and power. Isaiah describes God’s position as “high and lifted up.”  We should understand this to mean that God has no equal. He alone is the Supreme Being.  Notice that the God Isaiah is viewing is neither remote nor obscure.  Because Isaiah sees beyond the realm of the visible, he is able to view a God who is both majestic and wonderful.  If God is to occupy the center of our lives, we, too, must not view Him as distant or mysterious. God is concerned in the affairs of humankind, especially those of His chosen people.

Isaiah continued his description of God’s majesty by reporting that the robes of the Lord are so massive that the “train” or the hem of His robe filled the entire temple. This majesty of God is shown in the behavior of the heavenly hosts. These six-winged creatures are seraphs or seraphim. Using two of their six wings, the seraphs cover their faces in reverence for God, recognizing that they are unworthy to look upon Him directly. Hiding one’s face from God in reverence and in fear was also shown in the actions of Abraham, who fell on his face before the Lord (Genesis 17:3); in Moses, who hid his face from God (Exodus 3:6); and also with the prophet Elijah, who wrapped his face with his mantle (1 Kings 19:13). When Peter realized that Jesus was the Messiah, he fell to the ground and asked Jesus to go away and not look on his unworthiness (Luke 5:8).

The seraphim use another pair of their wings to cover their feet as they bow down in honor before God. This action symbolizes that their authority is derived not from them but from the God they worship. The seraphim use two wings to fly, showing that they are in constant service to God. The holiness the angels recognize, in the presence of God, is reflected in their continuous praise: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:3). The use of the word “holy” three times perhaps signifies their recognition of the plurality of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah further reported on the effectiveness of God. As the seraphs cried “holy,” the doorposts of the temple shook and the temple became filled with the glory of God. As creatures created for the glory of God, how much more ought we to recognize His majesty and strive to serve Him in reverence and humility? 

True Worship Acknowledges Sinfulness (Isaiah 6:5, NRSV)

⁵And I said: "Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!"

The symbolic use of the “lips” or mouth to reveal what is in our hearts is used frequently in Scripture. Jesus tells the Pharisees, “Out of the fullness . . . of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Isaiah’s reference to “unclean lips” may mean that his sense of unworthiness stemmed from something he may have said or perhaps something he should have said. He also refers to living among “people of unclean lips.” Notice that as Isaiah viewed the majesty of God, his immediate reaction was to view himself and those around him in a new light.

True Worship Receives God’s Grace (Isaiah 6:6-7, NRSV)

⁶Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs.
⁷The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: "Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out."

In response to God’s awesome presence, Isaiah humbled himself in worship and confessed his sinfulness before God’s holiness. God’s response to Isaiah’s confession was immediate. He dispatched one of the seraphim to take a burning hot coal and touch Isaiah’s lips. Note that the hot coal was removed from the brazen altar where the sacrifices were offered. This symbolizes redemption, or the price paid to obtain forgiveness. The seraph told Isaiah, “Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged” (Isaiah 6:7). This action is symbolic of God’s cleansing and His forgiveness. We should note that God did not chastise Isaiah. Rather, God, in response to Isaiah’s humility, immediately reacted to Isaiah’s need. God cleansed, forgave, and equipped Isaiah. We should be reminded how deeply God loves us and wants to be reconciled to us, His most beloved creation.

We should ask ourselves whether there are areas in our lives that need God’s cleansing. If so, we must be willing to allow Him. Many times, these areas are secret. Our family and friends may be unaware that we struggle in these areas. Only God is able to reach in and cleanse us from all unrighteousness that we have hid from others.

The live coal placed in Isaiah’s mouth must have been excruciatingly painful. This reminds us that God’s cleansing may entail discomfort or pain. But that can’t deter us from our willingness to let God into those areas that need cleansing. Are you willing to allow Him into those places that really need His touch—those places that you would rather no one know about? Are you willing to let Him take that burning coal and touch your lips with it? There is no getting around the fact that the cleansing God wants to do in our lives is hard—really hard at times— and that the process can be difficult. Despite how much it may hurt, our usefulness to God is dependent on our willingness to allow Him to cleanse and forgive us. Our call or commission from God follows His cleansing and forgiveness.

True Worship Responds to God’s Call (Isaiah 6:8, NRSV)

⁸Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I; send me!"

God’s majesty and splendor serves to point out humankind’s helplessness and unworthiness.  It is this realization that prompted Isaiah’s response when he witnessed the tremendous heavenly scene: “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (v. 5).  We have to admire Isaiah’s honesty.  Isaiah received a glimpse of the power and presence of God and in doing so recognized (Isaiah’s) sinfulness by openly confessing it to God.

Isaiah was being commissioned to be an instrument of God’s mercy, grace, and God’s prophetic words.  Isaiah’s response was swift and certain: “Here am I.  Send me!”  He told the Lord that he was ready to go wherever God wanted him to go, and he was prepared to do whatever God wants him to do.  As an act of worship, Isaiah made this commitment without even knowing what God would ask him to do.  Isaiah’s commitment to serve God was so sincere that he was willing to go before he knew where he would have to go!

This should make us examine our response to God’s call.  Our lifestyle should be an act of worship unto the Lord in response to His goodness.  How often are we quick to respond, “Use me”?  Or are we fearful and reluctant?  Saying “Send me” to God means giving up control of our lives.  Our wishes and desires will no longer be our priority.  His will and His Word will be all that matters.  This loss of control is frightening only if we forget that the benefits are God’s blessings.

Put Your House in Order (Isaiah 38:1-5 (NRSV)

¹In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, "Thus says the LORD: Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover."
²Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the LORD:
³"Remember now, O LORD, I implore you, how I have walked before you in faithfulness with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
⁴Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah:
⁵"Go and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the LORD, the God of your ancestor David: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.

Isaiah's role as a messenger reminds us of the importance of listening to God's word through His appointed servants.  We should seek to understand and apply God's messages in our lives.  God uses His prophets to communicate important truths.  We should be attentive to God's word and its implications for our lives.

Life is fragile, and we must be prepared for the reality of death.  Hezekiah's situation reminds us to live with an eternal perspective.

Hezekiah's response to his illness was to pray fervently.  This teaches us the importance of turning to God in times of crisis.  This text is important in emphasizing the importance of spiritual readiness.  "Put your house in order" is a call to ensure our lives are aligned with God's will.  We should regularly evaluate our spiritual condition.

God's response to Hezekiah's tears shows His deep compassion for His people.  We can be assured that God sees our struggles and cares for us deeply.  The extension of Hezekiah's life by fifteen years illustrates God's sovereignty over life and death.  It also highlights His mercy, as He chooses to grant life in response to sincere prayer.  Hezekiah's earnest prayer demonstrates the importance of turning to God in times of distress.  We are encouraged to bring our concerns to God, trusting in His ability to intervene.

THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

1. How does understanding the historical context of King Uzziah's reign enhance our comprehension of Isaiah's vision?
2. In what ways does the vision of God on His throne challenge or comfort you in your current life circumstances?
3.  What parallels can you draw between Isaiah's vision and the description of God's throne in Revelation 4, and how do these visions impact your view of God's majesty?
4. Reflect on a time of transition in your life. How can Isaiah's vision encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty and plan during such times?
5. Read Joshua 5:13-15.  How does Joshua’s encounter with the “captain of the host of the Lord” (v. 14) compare with Isaiah’s vision of God and encounter with the heavenly hosts?  How are the two encounters similar?  In what ways do they differ?
 

LESSONS TO LIVE BY:

It is only when we have a proper vision of the majesty of God and His holiness that we will come to understand just how sinful and unworthy we are.  Without a clear recognition of the awe of God, we may wrongly believe that we have something to boast about.  Our celebrity-obsessed society can tempt us to think that boasting is a virtue and that we should strive to exalt ourselves and draw admiration from others for our appearance or achievements, real or imagined.  It is only after we truly encounter God that we will see ourselves clearly and know the full measure of our unrighteousness.  Only God through His Son Jesus Christ can cleanse and forgive us of our sins so we can enter into His presence and worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Zoom Sunday School Classes – 14 September 2025, 09:00 AM EST

Meeting ID: 848-9423-0612
Pass Code: 669872
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84894230612?pwd=Zk1ESitzbGZwTlJyV21UZXY5aTVPZz09

Hezekiah’s Passover
Printed Text: 2 Chronicles 30:1-9, 26-27
Devotional Reading: Psalm 1
Background Reading: 2 Chronicles 30:1-27

LESSON AIM:

DESCRIBE King Hezekiah's national reform and

ANALYZE the events that led to Judah's restoration, repentance, obedience, and commitment and

REALIZE that their personal renewal must begin with obedience to God.

KEEP IN MIND:

"There was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon son of King David of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem." (2 Chronicles 30:26, NRSV).

BACKGROUND:

Following the reign of King Solomon and the division of the United Kingdom into the northern nation of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, the latter had been ruled by a succession of both godly and evil kings. King Ahaz had committed atrocious acts before God, including sacrificing his own sons to the idol god, Molech. Idol worship was rampant in Judah under Ahaz, and under his direction, the temple was looted and shut down. As a result, God permitted Judah to suffer at the hands of her enemies, particularly Assyria, the rising world power during this time. Ahaz's son, Hezekiah, was the complete opposite of his father. Hezekiah proved to be one of Judah's most outstanding kings, a man who was committed to following God's commandments, reviving true worship, and restoring his people to God's favor.

From the beginning of his reign, Hezekiah promoted true worship in Judah and Israel by reopening and cleansing the temple and reestablishing public worship of the LORD. Hezekiah's restoration was both external and internal. He also organized the daily temple services, organizing the Levites in their service and reestablishing the arrangement of the musical instruments and praise singing.

With equal enthusiasm and energy, Hezekiah began the work of restoring the hearts of the people. He called for a national celebration of the Passover in Jerusalem. Hezekiah's commitment to the LORD extended beyond his own kingdom. He insisted that the northern kingdom of Israel be included in the celebration as well. In spite of the nation's idolatrous and sinful past, King Hezekiah was determined to lead his people into spiritual revival.

LESSON COMMENTARY:

Hezekiah's Urgent Call (2 Chronicles 30:1-5, NRSV)

¹Hezekiah sent word to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to keep the passover to the LORD the God of Israel.
²For the king and his officials and all the assembly in Jerusalem had taken counsel to keep the passover in the second month
³(for they could not keep it at its proper time because the priests had not sanctified themselves in sufficient number, nor had the people assembled in Jerusalem).
⁴The plan seemed right to the king and all the assembly.
⁵So they decreed to make a proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beer-sheba to Dan, that the people should come and keep the passover to the LORD the God of Israel, at Jerusalem; for they had not kept it in great numbers as prescribed.

Among all of Judah's kings, Hezekiah is distinguished because he "did . . . right in the sight of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 29:2). Immediately after he came to the throne of Judah, Hezekiah began a national program of religious restoration of the worship of the true God. He began by reopening and restoring the temple. He organized the priests and the Levites, and supervised cleansing the temple of the wicked influences of his father, King Ahaz.

Throughout Judah, the altars were torn down and the pagan idols were removed. Under Hezekiah's leadership, public worship of the LORD was reestablished and music was again brought into the worship. The singing and instrumental music that had been introduced by David were restored.

This commitment to the spiritual revival of the nation was further demonstrated in the planning of a national celebration of the Passover at the temple in Jerusalem. This feast was organized by Hezekiah, along with the priests and princes of Judah. The word "prince" is derived from the Hebrew verb sar, meaning to exercise dominion. Though it is often translated "prince," it does not necessarily apply only to the son of a king. An army chief or a tribal head was also referred to as sar, meaning ruler, captain, or official.

Passover was normally celebrated during Nisan (within the months of March—April). However, the impurity of the people and the uncleanness of the temple had prevented the celebration of Passover at the regular time. Hezekiah very shrewdly took advantage of the law that allowed for the unclean to celebrate the Passover a month later (Numbers 9:10-11). Hezekiah sent letters of invitation, not only to the people of Judah, but to the neighboring kingdom of Israel, to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, the Jewish feast of redemption.

These letters were sent by runners from Beersheba to Dan (the southernmost and northernmost parts of the kingdom). The tribal territories of Ephraim and Manasseh, two tribes in the northern kingdom that were descended from Joseph's two sons, were also singled out. As the most prominent and influential tribe of the northern kingdom, Ephraim came to stand for the entire kingdom of Israel. The spiritual reforms undertaken many years earlier by King Asa prompted many Manassehites to desert the northern kingdom of Israel. Although inter-tribal conflicts had existed between Ephraim and Manasseh, both tribes were generally united in their opposition to Judah (Isaiah 9:20-21). Hezekiah's inclusion of Israel points to his sincerity in seeking to restore a right relationship with God for the entire kingdom. The northern 10-tribe kingdom of Israel was in even worse shape than Judah. Because of her gross sins against God, Israel had become a tributary to Assyria, and many of her people had been carried away to foreign lands. Under his father's (King Ahaz's) reign, the relationship between Judah and Israel was openly hostile.

Hezekiah did not let this strained past deter him. His invitation was extended to the remnant that remained in the land. He was convinced that the hearts of all of God's people needed renewing.

Urged to Return to Faithfulness (2 Chronicles 30:6-9, NRSV)

⁶So couriers went throughout all Israel and Judah with letters from the king and his officials, as the king had commanded, saying, "O people of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that he may turn again to the remnant of you who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria.
⁷Do not be like your ancestors and your kindred, who were faithless to the LORD God of their ancestors, so that he made them a desolation, as you see.
⁸Do not now be stiff-necked as your ancestors were, but yield yourselves to the LORD and come to his sanctuary, which he has sanctified forever, and serve the LORD your God, so that his fierce anger may turn away from you.
⁹For as you return to the LORD, your kindred and your children will find compassion with their captors, and return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him."

The cleansing of the temple was merely the beginning. Under Hezekiah's direction, Judah sought to ask God's forgiveness and restore their relationship with Him by offering both sin and peace offerings at the temple. Hezekiah urged the people not to be obstinate or "stiff-necked" like their fathers, whose stubborn refusal to adhere to true worship had landed them in this condition. It was their fathers who had joined with the unbelievers living in the land and had adopted their abominable practices of idol worship, divination, and even child sacrifice. Hezekiah appeals to them to renew their covenant relationship with God and obey Him. The appeal to enter into "his sanctuary" implies more than simply returning to the temple in Jerusalem. The "sanctuary," it can be argued, need not refer to a special building, but rather to Judah and Israel's position as God's chosen people. God had promised that He Himself would become a "sanctuary" for His people (Ezekiel 11:16). Similarly, Hezekiah's request included a special appeal to the nation of Israel. If they yielded themselves, obeyed wholeheartedly, returned to Jerusalem, and were reconciled with God, then "the fierceness of his wrath" or anger would be abated.

No doubt, Hezekiah was aware that the people could have reverted to their former idolatrous ways. In order for this revival to bring about a lasting change, there had to be reformation! Revival begins with the admission of guilt; reformation begins with the actual repentance relating to the acts that caused the guilt. Under Ahaz's wicked leadership, Judah had turned their backs on the LORD. Yet in a relatively short period of time, Hezekiah sought to lead his people in a tremendous swing back to the LORD.

The Response and Hope (2 Chronicles 30:26-27, NRSV)

²⁶There was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon son of King David of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem.
²⁷Then the priests and the Levites stood up and blessed the people, and their voice was heard; their prayer came to his holy dwelling in heaven.

Many prayers were put up to God with the peace-offerings.  In these Israel looked to God as the God of their fathers, a God in covenant with them.  There was also abundance of good preaching.  The Levites read and explained the Scriptures.  Faith cometh by hearing, and true religion preaching has abounded.  They sang psalms every day: praising God should be much of our work in religious assemblies.  They kept the festivities going for the seven days of the feast in this religious manner, they had so much comfort in it that they kept it other seven days also. They did this with gladness.  Holy duties should be done with holy gladness.  Those who taste this happiness will not soon grow weary of it, but will be glad to prolong their enjoyment.

THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

1. Think about why it was so important to Hezekiah that the entire nation come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.  What similarities might we observe between Judah's present condition and that of the Jews during the Egyptian captivity?

2. Hezekiah sent his letter throughout Judah and to the neighboring nation of Israel as well.  How did the people of Israel receive this invitation?  What does this act tell us about Hezekiah's character and motivation?

3. We hear a lot of discussion these days about the importance of working together, and we frequently salute "team players" on our jobs.  How was cooperation evidenced in Hezekiah's attempt to rally the nation?

4. How does Hezekiah's invitation to celebrate the Passover reflect God's desire for unity among His people, and how can we apply this principle in our church communities today?

5. In what ways does the celebration of Passover serve as a reminder of God's deliverance, and how can we incorporate similar practices of remembrance in our spiritual lives?

LESSONS TO LIVE BY:

The need for revival in the lives of the men and women of God is just as great today as it was in Hezekiah's time.  Over the last 30 years, violent crime increased by 560%, the divorce rate quadrupled, illegitimate births increased 400%, single-parent homes tripled, and teenage suicide rose by 200%.  It is hard to remember that America is a country that was supposedly founded on biblical principles and Judeo-Christian values.  So, what happened?  Before personal revival can begin, the temple must be restored. Today Christians are the temples of the Holy Spirit, both individually (1 Cor. 6:19), and collectively as the Church (1 Cor. 6:16).  Restoration to God means that unholiness must be cleansed from our temple. 

Zoom Sunday School Classes – 21 September 2025, 09:00 AM EST
Meeting ID: 848-9423-0612
Pass Code: 669872
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84894230612?pwd=Zk1ESitzbGZwTlJyV21UZXY5aTVPZz09

Hilkiah’s Discovery
Printed Text: 2 Chronicles 34:15-22, 26-27
Devotional Reading: Romans 7:7-12
Background Reading: 2 Chronicles 33:1-33

LESSON AIM:

ANALYZE the true meaning of covenant;
REFLECT on our commitment to obey God; and
SURRENDER our desires in order to obey God's Word.

KEEP IN MIND:

"Hilkiah said to the secretary Shaphan, "I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD"; and Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan." (2 Chronicles 34:15, NRSV).

BACKGROUND:

Judah was once again under the leadership of a godly king.  The hearts of the people had no doubt been pricked by the dire message of God delivered by the Prophet Zephaniah.  You must remember that the people of Judah were notoriously stubborn.  The fact that altars had to be torn down and images ground up lets us know that these vestiges of immorality remained throughout the kingdom despite the intensive efforts of King Hezekiah.  Now that they have heard the Word of God from the man of God, their hearts are ready to be revived.

Following the death of Solomon in 930 B.C., his son, Rehoboam, inherited the throne of Israel.  Solomon's extensive building program had been a great burden to the people physically and financially.  When a representative group asked the new king for leniency, Rehoboam arrogantly opposed their suggestion (see 2 Chronicles 10).

Because of this, the people of the north chose Jeroboam to rule over the 10 tribes of Israel, leaving Rehoboam to rule the remaining tribes under the banner of Judah.  Fearing that Israel would eventually return to Jerusalem, Jeroboam built places of worship in the north.  This split of the nation led to a history of sin and idol worship (see 1 Kings 11-14).

Josiah's grandfather, Manasseh, and father, Amon, were wicked leaders who led the people of Judah deeper into idolatry.  Josiah was anointed king of Judah when he was 8 years old.  Because he sought God's direction for his life, he made a covenant, a promise to keep God's commandments and statutes.

LESSON COMMENTARY:

The Discovery of God's Law (2 Chronicles 34:15-20, NRSV) 

¹⁵Hilkiah said to the secretary Shaphan, "I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD"; and Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan.
¹⁶Shaphan brought the book to the king, and further reported to the king, "All that was committed to your servants they are doing.
¹⁷They have emptied out the money that was found in the house of the LORD and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers and the workers."
¹⁸The secretary Shaphan informed the king, "The priest Hilkiah has given me a book." Shaphan then read it aloud to the king.
¹⁹When the king heard the words of the law he tore his clothes.
²⁰Then the king commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, the secretary Shaphan, and the king's servant Asaiah:

Josiah recognized the idolatry within the land and at the age of 20 started to remove the signs and places of idol worship.  He removed the poles built by his grandfather that were dedicated to Asherah, a Canaanite fertility goddess.  Josiah destroyed and scattered the idolatrous images in various areas in Judah including Bethel, Simeon, and Naphtali. In addition, Josiah began a renovation of the temple that had been built by Solomon.

Josiah funded the temple restoration through the collection of a temple tax.  The restoration involved repairing the foundation, walls, and various sections of the building.  This was an extensive repair of the place of Jewish worship.  During this process, Shaphan, the King's scribe, was responsible for keeping the records that included the specifications of the temple, the record of daily repairs, and funds collected and spent.

During the renovation, Hilkiah, the high priest, was responsible for oversight of the temple work.  It was during this task that he discovered the Book of the Law that was given to Moses.  This particular discovery was believed to have been the book of Deuteronomy.  In the modern Bible as well as the Jewish Scriptures, the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch, are included in the Law.  God had allowed the Book of the Law to survive the wicked, idolatrous periods of the kings before Josiah, and He allowed Hilkiah to find it.

This discovery of the Book of the Law began a revival throughout Judah.  Following protocol, Hilkiah took the book to Shaphan to be recorded and then taken to the king.  When the contents of the book were read to him, Josiah tore his clothes in despair and repentance.  He realized the depth of Israel's spiritual misconduct was far greater than he imagined.  Josiah wanted to know what God desired him to do in order to restore the nation to godly living.  So, he humbled himself before the Lord and sought godly counsel.

Josiah respected and feared God.  His effort to remove the signs of idolatry and return the people to wholehearted reverence of Jehovah was proven by the destruction of the high places and the remodeling of the temple.  It is not known who Josiah's teachers were.  Obviously, his ascent to the throne at age 8 meant that someone godly taught him about David and the history of the nation as followers of Jehovah.  Undoubtedly, what this verse makes very clear is that Josiah and those who were faithful to the Lord were faithful based on their hearing about the deeds God had performed in the past. They had not read the Law! 

The Rediscovery of the Law (2 Chronicles 34:21-22, NRSV)

²¹"Go, inquire of the LORD for me and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that has been found; for the wrath of the LORD that is poured out on us is great, because our ancestors did not keep the word of the LORD, to act in accordance with all that is written in this book."
²²So Hilkiah and those whom the king had sent went to the prophet Huldah, the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe (who lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter) and spoke to her to that effect.

So far everyone had done what was right in their own eyes; every god was okay. The people rejected absolutes in religion and morality.  But to be renewed, they had to rediscover divine absolutes.  The rediscovery of the law must be accompanied by genuine acceptance of its weight.  But this book could not be discovered while the temple was in shambles.

The second act of reformation undertaken by Josiah was the clearing and renovation of the temple. Under King Manasseh, his grandfather, and King Amon, his father, the temple had fallen into disrepair.  During the cleaning, the high priest Hilkiah "found a book of the law of the LORD given by Moses" (v. 14).  This book (possibly the original copy of Deuteronomy) had been lost for many years.

When Josiah had the law read to him, his reaction was extraordinary.  He tore his clothes, symbolizing how strongly he was grieved by what he had heard.  Upon hearing the exact commandments of God, the king was distressed when he realized how far his people had strayed from God.  The Word of God had a profound impact on the king because it revealed the sins of the people with absolute clarity.

The rediscovery of the law must lead us beyond fear of what may happen to us personally.  It must lead us back to the Lawgiver.  Josiah knew this, so he desired an audience with the God whose laws had been breached.  Josiah immediately commissioned a delegation of religious officials to "inquire of the LORD."  In other words, Josiah wanted to know what God wanted him to do about the situation.  Josiah expressed his certainty that because the people had strayed so far from God's commandments, the "wrath of God" was forthcoming.  Now that he had heard the Word of the LORD, he was ready to take action and do the right thing.

God's Servant Consulted (2 Chronicles 34:26-27, NRSV)

²⁶But as to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus shall you say to him: Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard,
²⁷because your heart was penitent and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you have humbled yourself before me, and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, says the LORD.

The Old Testament speaks of four women who functioned as prophetesses speaking God's word to the people.  These were Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), Noadiah (Nehemiah 6:14), and Huldah, who is mentioned in today's lesson.  Hilkiah, Shaphan, and other emissaries were sent by Josiah to ask Huldah to consult God on behalf of the nation.  God told Huldah to say that all the curses in the book would befall Judah because of the sin the people had committed.  But she continued, because Josiah humbled himself before the Lord, Judah would not incur God's wrath during his reign.

THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

1. How does King Josiah's response to the discovery of the Book of the Law challenge us to respond to God's Word in our own lives?
2. In what ways can we seek God's guidance in our daily decisions, and how can we ensure we are listening to His voice?
3. How does the account of Josiah's reforms encourage us to take action against idolatry and sin in our own contexts?
4. What role does humility play in our relationship with God, and how can we cultivate a humble heart before Him?
 

LESSONS TO LIVE BY:

A covenant relationship requires knowing the other person.  Judah and Israel turned their backs on God because they didn't know Him.  They stopped hearing His Word and following His directives.  Unless you know God, you can't really be true to the covenant He requires today.

When we desire to live for God, we must humbly seek God's direction.  The Word of God provides direction from God, but we cannot live for God unless we have a relationship with Him.  Develop a relationship with God by spending time with God through prayer and reading the Bible.

When Josiah heard the Book of the Law, he realized that the nation had drifted from God's principles.  He expressed sorrow by tearing his clothes and seeking God's direction through a prophetess, Huldah.  Today, you can speak to God directly through Jesus Christ, His Son.  God cannot excuse sin; but we can turn to Jesus, who died that our sins might be forgiven and we might live according to God's principles and directions. 

There are five teaching points I’d like to emphasize from this lesson:

1.    The Importance of Seeking God - Josiah's decision to inquire of the LORD demonstrates the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of uncertainty and decision-making.

2.    The Role of God's Word - The discovery of the Book of the Law underscores the transformative power of Scripture.  It serves as a reminder to prioritize reading and applying God's Word in our lives.

3.    God's Response to Humility - Josiah's humble response to God's Word led to a favorable message from the prophetess.  Humility before God invites His grace and guidance.

4.    The Influence of Godly Leadership - Josiah's reforms show how one person's commitment to God can lead to widespread spiritual renewal.  Leadership rooted in faith can inspire others to follow suit.

5.    The Value of Prophetic Voices - Huldah's role highlights the importance of listening to those who speak God's truth, regardless of their societal status or gender.

Zoom Sunday School Classes – 28 September 2025, 09:00 AM EST
Meeting ID: 848-9423-0612
Pass Code: 669872
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84894230612?pwd=Zk1ESitzbGZwTlJyV21UZXY5aTVPZz09

The Servant’s Suffering
Printed Text: Isaiah 53:1-7
Devotional Reading: Matthew 12:14-21
Background: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

LESSON AIM:

REFLECT on Jesus' sacrifice

UNDERSTAND that suffering is a part of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ;

BE ENCOURAGED to trust God in the midst of the most trying circumstances.

KEEP IN MIND:

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6, NRSV).

BACKGROUND:

At the start of today's lesson, the community of exiles have been singing psalms of thanksgiving for their rescue by the servant of the Lord.  The exiles are surprised to have been rescued by one so lowly.  Servants in the Bible were often of lowly origins, many times using their status in life to argue why they were not worthy of the task to which the Lord had called them.

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 represents the fourth, last, and longest of what scholars refer to as the "Servant Songs" (42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4- 9; 52:13-53:12).  The Lord has promised in Isaiah 52:13-53:12 that the servant Israel, who has suffered greatly during the exile, will be exalted so that the nations will be astonished by Israel's recovery and restoration to prominence.  These same nations, who had despised and rejected Israel, will be astonished because Israel was such an insignificant, unassuming nation from whom such a recovery would not be expected.  Even kings will be amazed at the transformation of Israel from a decimated nation rejected by God to one restored to life by God.

LESSON COMMENTARY:

The Servant to Be Exalted (Isaiah 52:13-15, NRSV)

¹³See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high.
¹⁴Just as there were many who were astonished at him —so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of mortals—
¹⁵so he shall startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which had not been told them they shall see, and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate.

“Behold, My Servant will prosper” introduces the Servant, a central figure in Isaiah's prophecies.  The term "Servant" is often understood as a reference to the Messiah, who Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.  The concept of prosperity here is not limited to material success but encompasses the fulfillment of God's purposes.  The Servant's prosperity is seen in His successful mission to redeem humanity.  

Believers should seek divine wisdom and insight through prayer and study of the Scriptures.  Kings and rulers will be silenced by the truth of the Gospel.  This teaches us that God's wisdom surpasses human authority and power, encouraging trust in His sovereignty.  The fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in Christ strengthens our faith in the reliability of God's Word and His promises.  As the nations will see and understand, believers are called to be witnesses, sharing the Gospel so others may come to know the truth of Christ.

1. How does the description of the Servant in Isaiah 52:13 enhance your understanding of Jesus' mission and character?

The Suffering Messiah (Isaiah 53:1-3, NRSV)

¹Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
²For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
³He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account.

As today’s lesson begins, Isaiah gives prophetic revelation about the Lord Jesus Christ hundreds of years before He comes to earth to be the Saviour and Deliverer of humankind.

Though Jesus was the true Messiah and Saviour of the world, there were relatively few believers among the Jews at His first coming. Many chose not to believe in Him and therefore failed to receive the free gift of salvation.  There were several reasons why the Jews did not believe what was prophesied by Isaiah (John 12:38-39).  However, their decision about Jesus Christ brought God’s judgment.  The hardening of their hearts concerning the Word of God demonstrates that Israel was broken off because of their unbelief (Romans 11:20; Psalm 95:8; Hebrews 3:8).

The Gospel will never leave unchanged the people who hear it.  It will cause people either to repent and receive Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, or to reject Him and continue to be condemned (John 3:18).  Even though many of the Jews rejected Jesus at His first coming, many believed in Him and became His followers after Pentecost (Acts 2:41).

John the Baptist was a forerunner of Jesus.  John was given the assignment of awakening the people and preparing them for the Messiah.  Jesus’ ministry came at a time of spiritual drought on earth; the hearts of the people were hardened.  They were walking in darkness as slaves to sin, as Satan’s demonic strongholds, and as those who easily succumbed to the traditions of the religious leaders.

Because Jesus lacked physical attractiveness and earthly grandeur or status, many despised and rejected Him.  He was hated and mocked by Israel’s religious leaders.  He was often misunderstood and accused of blasphemy as He preached throughout Jerusalem.  The religious leaders even accused Jesus of casting out demons by the work of Satan.  His authority was challenged and questioned many times.  His life was threatened constantly, even though He came to earth to bring salvation and healing to many.  The suffering Messiah was even rejected and betrayed by one of His own disciples, even though they had been taught by Jesus Himself and had witnessed many of the miracles He performed.

Jesus’ mission involved great pain and suffering.  He experienced grief and disappointment because of the sins of humankind.  Jesus gave His life that we may experience the free gift of salvation through receiving Him as Saviour and Lord.

The suffering Messiah was crucified because humankind was guilty and had sinned against God (Psalm 22:16; Zechariah 12:10; John 19:34).  Jesus became our substitute and took our punishment, paying the penalty for our sins so that we may be forgiven and have peace with God the Father (Romans 5:1; 6:23).

The Servant Was Wounded for Our Transgressions (Isaiah 53:4-6)

⁴Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.
⁵But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
⁶All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

The speakers of this passage declare that the servant has borne their sins and been wounded for their transgressions.  Scholars have debated who the speakers are. Some contend that the speakers represent the nations, who initially took the sufferings of Israel as a sign of God's rejection of the nation, but have come to realize that Israel's affliction was to atone for their sins. Others maintain that the speakers are the community of exiles, to whom the servant addressed the song in the first place to explain why God allowed them to be punished by being carried away to Babylon and to suffer.

Another source of debate is the identity of the servant in Isaiah 53 (see 53:11).  There are those scholars who identify Israel as the servant—not the whole people of Israel but the community of exiles, whose sufferings and restoration will lead to the redemption of the whole earth.  The New Testament (e.g., 1 Peter 2:24) and first century Christian traditions interpret the "servant" as referring to Jesus and especially the suffering He endured during His ministry and at His crucifixion.  The speakers' acknowledgment that they had "esteem[ed] him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted" (Isaiah 53:4) is a testament to the fact that they viewed the servant's suffering as a sign that God had abandoned His people.  However, the people now realize that the servant's sufferings were to atone for their sins so that they could be made whole.  The King James Version reads "peace" for "made us whole" (v. 5, RSV).  The Hebrew word shalom means "completeness," "soundness," "welfare," or "peace."  To be made whole or at peace is to be made righteous and restored to right relationship with God.

The Servant and the Will of the Lord (Isaiah 53:7-11)

⁷He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
⁸By a perversion of justice he was taken away. Who could have imagined his future? For he was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people.
⁹They made his grave with the wicked and his tomb with the rich, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.
¹⁰Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him with pain. When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the LORD shall prosper.
¹¹Out of his anguish he shall see light; he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge. The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.

The speakers reiterate what they have pronounced before: the suffering of the servant was part of God's divine plan in order that the sins of the many might be forgiven.  The servant is punished so that others do not have to suffer for their transgressions.  Yet the servant's suffering also offers an explanation for the deportees' situation in exile.  They can accept that their exile is deserved punishment from God toward a greater end.

Christians accept the identity of the autonomous servant as Jesus, the promised Messiah, sent by God to die for our sins.  Jesus offered Himself for our sins, suffering and dying on the Cross to make us whole in our relationship to God.  The idea of someone suffering in the place of others is an almost foreign notion in today's society.  Many people refuse to accept responsibility for their own sins and shortcomings, and when given the opportunity, they will blame others for their offenses. How could they fathom that Jesus died for their sins so that they could have eternal life?  How do we make relevant today the message of Jesus' death on the Cross to atone for our sins, so that we can be brought into right relationship with God?

We should be thankful to God for sending His Son to die for our sins so that we could have the gift of salvation.  Additionally, we should acknowledge the sacrifice of others on our behalf.

The Servant's Reward (Isaiah 53: 12)

¹²Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

The subject shifts from the speakers to the Lord.  The Lord concludes the song by declaring that since the servant endured the pain of exile in accordance with God's will and borne the grief of the many, interceding on their behalf, he will be exalted among the great and strong. He will also see the restoration to the people of Israel, of the land that had been destroyed.

The writer of the gospel of Luke, in describing the final days of Jesus' earthly ministry, includes the words of Jesus telling the disciples that the Scripture must be fulfilled in Him. Then Jesus quotes Isaiah 53:12—"And he was numbered with the transgressors"—to foretell that He would be put to death among criminals (Luke 22:37).

This verse signifies the reward and exaltation of the Servant after His suffering.  In biblical context, receiving a portion with the great implies honor and recognition, which can be seen as a fulfillment of the promise that those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).  The Servant's victory is not just spiritual but also involves a recognition of His authority and triumph over sin and death.

Jesus’ act of self-sacrifice is central to the Christian understanding of atonement, where Jesus' death is seen as the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:14).  “He was numbered with the transgressors,” highlights the identification of the Servant with sinners.  It is directly fulfilled in the New Testament when Jesus is crucified between two criminals (Mark 15:27-28).  This identification with sinners is crucial for the doctrine of substitutionary atonement, where Jesus takes on the sins of humanity (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The Servant's role as a sin-bearer is central to the prophecy.  This phrase underscores the vicarious nature of His suffering, where He takes upon Himself the sins of others.  This is echoed in 1 Peter 2:24, which states that Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross.  The "many" indicates the vast scope of His redemptive work, encompassing all who believe.  The Servant's work does not end with His death; He continues to intercede for sinners.  This intercession is seen in Jesus' prayer on the cross, "Father, forgive them" (Luke 23:34), and is a continuing ministry as described in Hebrews 7:25, where He is said to always live to intercede for those who come to God through Him.  This highlights the ongoing nature of Christ's priestly role.

THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

1. Why do you think that the people of Israel strayed from God?

2. Why do you think that a just God allowed His servant to take the punishment for the sins of others upon Himself?

3. Why do some people make fun of or put down others when they are at their lowest point?

LESSONS TO LIVE BY:

People are often taught that when a Christian suffers, we either have sin in our lives or we lack faith in God.  However, God’s Word tells us that we must enter into the kingdom of God through much tribulation (Acts 14:22) and that those who are godly will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).  The persecution we suffer can come in a variety of ways, including as a result of our refusal to compromise our Christian convictions.  We may be rejected, despised, and mocked because of our devotion to and love for Jesus Christ.  The persecution will not only come from the world, but also from lukewarm Christians.  Because God’s kingdom and His principles are usually in opposition to the world, committed Christians may sometimes face injustice and unfair treatment.  However, we must not lose hope; instead, we must look to Jesus for our help and strength.  He is our example and suffering Messiah, the One who has stayed true to His calling, and the One who blesses His people.

SOURCES:

Achtemeier, Paul J. Harper's Bible Dictionary. 1st ed. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1985.

Berlin, Adele, The New Interpreter's Bible Commentary Volume IV: Ezra, Nehemiah, Introduction to Prophetic Literature, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Baruch, Letter of Jeremiah, Lamentations, New York: Abingdon Press, 2015.

Brown, Raymond E., S. S., Joseph A. Fitzmyer, S. J.; Roland E. Murphy, O Carm. The Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1968.

Dillard, Raymond B., Word Biblical Commentary Volume 15, 2 Chronicles. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1988

Dummelow, J. R., M.A. Rev. The One Volume Bible Commentary. New York: The Macmillan Company Publishers, 1961.

Gaebelein, Frank E., Richard D. Patterson, The Expositor's Bible Commentary (Volume 4) 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1988.

Gaebelein, Frank E., The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Volume 6, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishers, 1986.

James Orr, M.A., D.D., International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Electronic Edition, Parsons Technology, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 1998.

Leslie, Allen, Ralph W Klein, New Interpreter's Bible Volume III: 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Tobit, Judith, New York: Abingdon Press, 1998.

Morris, William, ed., Dictionary of the English Language, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1981.

Smith, Gary V., New American Commentary: Isaiah 1-39, An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture, Volume 15A. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2007.

Smith, Gary V., New American Commentary: Isaiah 40-66, An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture, Volume 15. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2009.

Spence-Jones, H. D. M. (Hrsg.): The Pulpit Commentary: 2 Chronicles. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2004

Spence-Jones, H. D. M., The Pulpit Commentary: Isaiah Vol I, Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2004

Spence-Jones, H. D. M., The Pulpit Commentary: Isaiah Vol II, Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2004

Strong, James, Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries, Electronic Edition STEP Files, QuickVerse, a division of Findex.com, Inc., Omaha Nebraska. 2003.

Thompson, J. A.: The New American Commentary 9: 1, 2 Chronicles. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994

Vine, W.E. Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Edited by Merrill F. Unger and William White Jr., Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1996.

Watts, John D. W., Word Biblical Commentary, Isaiah 1-33: Volume 24. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1985.

Watts, John D. W., Word Biblical Commentary, Isaiah 34-66: Volume 25. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1987.