SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
Isaiah 60:1 through 66:24

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.” (Isaiah 60:19)

BACKGROUND

The final chapters of Isaiah are filled with consolation and hope as Isaiah unfolds God’s promise of future blessings through His Messiah. There are many beautiful descriptions of a new creation in which God will rule as King, judging the wicked and establishing eternal peace.

Our text proclaims the prophecy of the glory of Jerusalem in the last days. It begins by saying that the Messiah will come to Jerusalem. This light that shined is not just for Jerusalem alone but for all mankind. God will send the Messiah, as a Servant, who would die to take away sins. Later, God will set up His own kingdom as the faithful Prince of Peace who rules with righteousness. He will then come as sovereign Lord.

Isaiah proclaimed that God promises comfort, deliverance, and restoration in His future kingdom. The Messiah will rule over those who have faithfully followed Him. What a bright future for those who are faithful!

These last seven chapters are like windows that allow a glimpse into a future time. The Hebrew writers often did not cover events in a chronological manner. Many people today are used to thinking sequentially, so it is important to realize that prophecies that are together in Scripture may cover different time periods. Some of the events in Isaiah happen at Christ’s first coming to earth as Redeemer; others pertain to Israel returning to its homeland to become a nation (1948); some of the events occur during the Millennial Reign; and some deal with the New Heaven and New Earth. We understand the order of these events by looking at the whole of God’s Word.

Isaiah predicted many events right down to the finest detail. He prophesied that Jerusalem would fall more than 100 years before it happened (586 B.C.), and that the Temple would be rebuilt about 200 years before it occurred. In more recent times Israel has, as promised, become a nation again after 2000 years. This very small country (slightly smaller than the state of New Jersey) is featured in the daily news of the world. Israel has received billions of dollars in aid and assets from all over the world as prophesied throughout today’s text. Surrounded by enemies, Israel has one of the most-feared military forces in the world. This tiny country is blossoming and has become an object of international attention to the superpowers of the earth.

QUESTIONS

1. Consider for a moment a time when you have had to cope with a circumstance that left you feeling like you were in total darkness. Perhaps you could see no way out. Why is it appropriate to portray God in terms of light?
   
2. According to Isaiah’s prophecy, what are some of the things in store for those who remain faithful?  
   
3. God has given us many beautiful promises (Isaiah 61:1-3). There are those who have nothing but ashes to show for their lives. Some suffer from depression or a “heavy spirit.” Some are broken-hearted. What are some of the promises God offers these people? How can you apply these promises to your own life?
   
4. Isaiah predicted that a change of name would reflect a change of status for Israel (Isaiah 62:4). What name changes did God pronounce for His people? Why are they significant?  
   
5. The prophet calls for the people to prepare the way (Isaiah 62:10). He entreats them to make a highway, gathering out the stones, and to lift up a standard. What is he calling the people to do? In what tangible way can you “prepare the way,” and “lift up a standard” for the Lord?  
   
6. Isaiah described a figure approaching Jerusalem who was glorious in apparel, traveling in greatness of strength. The source of the red stain on His garments depicts the blood of His enemies after He had trodden them down in the winepress (Isaiah 63:1-3). How does this prophecy of Christ have significance today? How can we be encouraged by this victory?
   
7. God tells us that all our righteousness is like filthy rags (64:6). Does this mean there will be no good works in our lives? Explain. List some good works that God would have us do.
   
8. God says that He does not care much for great feats or sacrifices that one may make for Him (Isaiah 66:1-2). He promises to look to the one who has a poor and contrite spirit. What does it mean to be poor and contrite in spirit?
   
9. According to Isaiah 66:7-13, why does God know how to comfort us?

CONCLUSION

Isaiah concluded his prophecy in these final chapters. His message was one of denunciation of sin, and hope for people who seek the Lord. How relevant His message is today!