Biography of Isaiah

1. Very little is known about Isaiah; unlike Jeremiah he included few autobiographical details in his book. When he did reveal anything about himself it was to further our understanding of the text.
2. Most of what is known about Isaiah's life comes from chapters 6-8 and 36-39.

BRIEF SKETCH OF ISAIAH'S LIFE:

1. His father's name was Amoz (not to be confused with the prophet Amos). Nothing is known for certain about this Amoz--not even what tribe he was from.
2. Jewish tradition suggests that Isaiah may have been related to Judah's royal family.
   1. This could be why he had easy access to the kings of Judah--unless his prophetic office or some other factor(s) allowed him this privilege.
3. He apparently belonged to the higher, wealthier class of Judah.
4. He lived and ministered in Jerusalem (7:3; 22:15; 28:4; 37:2)
5. He was married at least once; 8:3 refers to his wife as a "prophetess."
   1. This designation may simply mean that she was married to a prophet.
   2. She may have been his second wife--and Isaiah may also have been a widower. (This is only conjecture based upon one possible interpretation of 7:14 and following)
6. He had at least two children--both with symbolic names:
   1. Shear-Jashub - "a remnant shall return"
   2. Maher-shalal-hash-baz - "spoil swiftly, rob quickly"
7. Isaiah ministered for at least 58 years.
   1. From before 739 BC (the year King Uzziah died) to after 686 BC (the year King Hezekiah died)
   2. It seems likely that Isaiah outlived Hezekiah because he wrote a biography of him (2 Chronicles 32:32)
8. According to 8:16 Isaiah had "disciples"
   1. His relationship with his disciples may have been similar to that which Samuel and Elisha had with the "sons of the prophets" or that Jeremiah had with Baruch.
   2. These disciples may have assisted in his ministry or helped to perpetuate it (perhaps as scribes).
9. Isaiah wrote biographies of
   1. King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:22)
   2. King Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:32)
10. Isaiah acted out the part of a captive of Assyria in chapter 20. At God's direction, he went about for three years "naked" (perhaps partially) and barefoot (Isaiah 20).
    1. What an example of humility, especially for one who was an aristocrat and polished writer!
    2. In various places throughout this book the Lord enjoins humility and reproves pride. This is a natural corollary to Isaiah's emphasis on the greatness, uniqueness, and holiness of God (Isaiah 40-48).
11. It is not known for certain when or how Isaiah died, but a pseudepigraphical work called The Ascension of Isaiah states that he was sawn in two with a wooden saw during the reign of Manasseh.
    1. Although it is not specified, the writer of Hebrews may have had this event in mind when he wrote Hebrews 11:37: "They were stoned, they were sawn in two…"