When interpreting the prophets it is always important to understand the historical context in which the prophetic message was uttered, lest that particular word of the LORD, delivered to a particular people, in a particular situation becomes a mere “timeless truth.”

Isaiah, the son of Amoz, who prophesied from 742 until 701 BCE, addressed the events of the latter half of the eighth century, especially the invasions of Judah by the coalition of Syria and the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and soon thereafter by Assyria, itself. Isaiah’s consistent message was to stand fast, eschewing military strength in favor of firm trust in the LORD. As a result, Jerusalem was delivered. Nevertheless, dire announcements of Jerusalem’s eventual judgment for its sin run throughout these chapters (Isaiah 1-39).

The latter half of the book (Isaiah 40-66), however, describes a radically different situation:

• Jerusalem has experienced destruction, not deliverance
• at the hands of Babylon, not Assyria
• and a new power, Persia, under Cyrus, has become the successor to Babylon.
• In this new setting we hear of comfort, pardon, and restoration instead of judgment.

Clearly, this new message addresses the new situation that now obtained. The simplest explanation ...