Isaiah 1:1

KJV

¶ The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

The vision {H2377} of Isaiah {H3470} the son {H1121} of Amoz {H531}, which he saw {H2372} concerning Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389} in the days {H3117} of Uzziah {H5818}, Jotham {H3147}, Ahaz {H271}, and Hezekiah {H3169}, kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the vision of Yesha'yahu the son of Amotz, which he saw concerning Y'hudah and Yerushalayim during the days of 'Uziyahu, Yotam, Achaz and Y'chizkiyahu, kings of Y'hudah:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

American Standard Version

The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 1:1 serves as the authoritative superscription to one of the Old Testament's most profound prophetic books, immediately identifying the prophet Isaiah, the divine origin of his message as a "vision," and the specific historical and geographical scope of his ministry. It firmly anchors the ensuing prophecies in the reigns of four Judean kings—Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah—thereby establishing the historical context for God's unfolding word concerning Judah and its capital, Jerusalem, and signaling that what follows is not mere human opinion but God's authoritative, time-bound revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 1:1 functions as a comprehensive title or superscription for the entire book, a common literary device in prophetic literature, paralleled in other prophetic works like [Jeremiah 1:1](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Introduction") and [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - Hosea's Prophetic Introduction"). This introductory verse immediately establishes the prophet's identity, the divine source of his message ("The vision"), and the specific audience and timeframe. It sets the stage for the dramatic indictment of Judah's sin and rebellion that immediately follows in [Isaiah 1:2-9](/isaiah/1-2-9 "Isaiah 1:2-9 - Judah's Rebellion and God's Judgment"), framing the subsequent prophecies as divinely revealed truth intended for a specific historical moment and people. The superscription thus serves as a hermeneutical key, guiding the reader to understand the entire book as God's authoritative word delivered through His chosen messenger within a defined historical period.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of four specific kings—Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah—provides a crucial historical framework for Isaiah's lengthy ministry, spanning approximately 740-687 BC. This period was marked by significant political upheaval, particularly the rising threat of the Assyrian Empire, which profoundly impacted both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Uzziah's reign (c. 792-740 BC) was largely prosperous but ended with his leprosy (cf. [2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16-21 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")), while Jotham's (c. 750-735 BC) continued relative stability. Ahaz's reign (c. 735-715 BC) saw Judah become an Assyrian vassal state due to his lack of faith and reliance on foreign alliances (cf. [2 Kings 16](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - Ahaz's Reign and Idolatry")). Hezekiah's reign (c. 715-687 BC) was characterized by significant religious reform and a miraculous deliverance from Assyrian siege (cf. [2 Kings 18-20](/2_kings/18-20 "2 Kings 18-20 - Hezekiah's Reign and Deliverance")). Culturally, Judah was grappling with widespread spiritual apostasy, social injustice, and syncretism, despite the presence of the Temple in Jerusalem. Isaiah's prophecies directly address these internal moral failings and external political pressures, consistently calling Judah back to covenant faithfulness.

* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several foundational themes that permeate the book of Isaiah. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Revelation** is paramount; the "vision" underscores that Isaiah's message originates from God, not human wisdom, establishing its authority and truthfulness. This concept is central to all prophetic literature, emphasizing God's active communication with humanity. Secondly, **Prophetic Authority** is affirmed through Isaiah's identification as "the son of Amoz," grounding his ministry in a recognized lineage and divine appointment. This personal identification lends credibility to his role as God's spokesperson. Thirdly, the **Historical Anchoring** provided by the named kings emphasizes that God's word is not abstract but deeply embedded in human history, addressing real-world events and the specific challenges faced by Judah and Jerusalem. This historical precision highlights God's sovereignty over nations and time, particularly evident in the unfolding of events during the reigns of kings like [Ahaz](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - Ahaz's Reign") and [Hezekiah](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah's Reign"). Finally, the explicit focus on "Judah and Jerusalem" establishes the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Judgment**, as the prophecies primarily concern God's chosen people who have strayed from their covenant obligations, setting the stage for both divine judgment and ultimate restoration, as seen throughout [the book of Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vision (Hebrew, _châzôwn'_):** From H2377, this term refers to a "sight (mentally), i.e. a dream, revelation, or oracle." In the context of prophetic literature, it signifies a divinely imparted message or revelation, often experienced by a prophet in a profound, spiritual, or even ecstatic state. It implies direct communication from God, distinguishing Isaiah's message from mere human insight or political analysis. The "vision" is the authoritative content of the book, representing God's revealed truth.
* **Saw (Hebrew, _châzâh'_):** From H2372, this primitive root means "to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of; behold, look, prophesy, provide, see." When applied to a prophet, it denotes the act of receiving and comprehending a divine revelation. Isaiah didn't just "see" in a physical sense; he "saw" with spiritual understanding, perceiving the divine truths and future events God revealed to him. This verb underscores the active reception and profound nature of the _châzôwn_, indicating a direct, spiritual apprehension of God's message.
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this word means "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." In this context, "son of Amoz" establishes Isaiah's lineage and identity within his community. It grounds him in a human family, yet he is chosen by God. This phrase provides a human anchor for the divine message, indicating that the prophet is a real person from a specific background, lending credibility and relatability to his prophetic office, while also subtly hinting at the generational continuity of God's work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz":** This opening phrase immediately identifies the human author, Isaiah, whose name means "Yahweh is salvation," and the divine nature of his message. "Vision" (Hebrew: _châzôwn_) signifies a direct, authoritative revelation from God, not merely human insight or political foresight. The phrase "son of Amoz" grounds the prophet in a specific lineage, establishing his personal identity and perhaps his social standing, though Amoz is otherwise unknown in Scripture. This human designation underscores that while the message is divine, it is delivered through a real person within a specific historical context.
* **"which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem":** This clause clarifies the primary recipients and geographical focus of Isaiah's prophetic burden. The verb "saw" (Hebrew: _châzâh_) emphasizes the prophet's spiritual reception and comprehension of this divine revelation. "Judah and Jerusalem" represent the southern kingdom and its capital city, the heart of Israel's religious and national life. This specific targeting indicates that the prophecies are primarily directed at God's covenant people, addressing their spiritual and political state, their failures, and God's plans for their future.
* **"in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah":** This final clause provides a precise historical framework for Isaiah's extensive ministry. By naming four successive kings of Judah, the verse anchors the prophecies within a specific period of Judah's history, spanning several decades of political and spiritual turmoil. This historical anchoring underscores the relevance of Isaiah's message to the real-life circumstances and challenges faced by the people of his time, from periods of relative stability to times of severe crisis and apostasy, thereby validating the message's timeliness and God's active involvement in history.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 1:1 employs several significant literary devices that establish the nature and scope of the book. Primarily, it functions as a **Superscription**, serving as a formal title or heading for the entire prophetic collection. This device immediately establishes the author, the nature of the content (a divine "vision"), and the geographical and temporal scope of the prophecy, effectively preparing the reader for the profound message that is to follow. The specific naming of the kings—Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah—is a form of **Historical Anchoring**, firmly situating the prophecies within a verifiable timeline of Judah's history. This not only lends credibility to the prophet's message by connecting it to known historical events but also highlights God's engagement with human affairs. Furthermore, the phrase "the vision... which he saw" exemplifies **Prophetic Framing**, emphasizing that Isaiah's words are not his own human insights but are divinely inspired revelations, thus establishing the authoritative and supernatural origin of the entire book and demanding the reader's serious attention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 1:1 is foundational for understanding the nature of biblical prophecy and God's interaction with His people. It asserts that God actively communicates His will, judgment, and redemptive purposes through chosen messengers, grounding His divine word in the concrete realities of human history. The "vision" underscores the concept of divine revelation as a direct, authoritative disclosure of God's perspective on human affairs, particularly concerning covenant faithfulness and rebellion. This initial verse sets the stage for the unfolding drama of God's righteous judgment against Judah's pervasive sin, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite their apostasy, and His ultimate plan for salvation and restoration. It highlights God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His meticulous oversight of His people's spiritual journey, even amidst their deepest failures, demonstrating that history is not random but unfolds according to His divine purpose.

* [Jeremiah 1:1](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1-3 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Call and Context")
* [Amos 1:1](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - Amos's Prophetic Introduction")
* [Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 1:1 serves as a powerful reminder that God's word is always rooted in real history and addresses the tangible realities of human life. Just as Isaiah's vision was directly applicable to the political and spiritual crises of Judah and Jerusalem in his day, the timeless truths contained within his prophecy continue to speak to contemporary societies and individuals. This verse challenges us to consider the source of truth we rely upon and to recognize that genuine insight into our world's challenges and our own spiritual state comes from divine revelation, not merely human wisdom or prevailing ideologies. It calls us to heed God's warnings against spiritual complacency, social injustice, and idolatry, and to embrace His offer of salvation and restoration through repentance and faith. Understanding that God speaks into specific historical moments encourages us to seek His perspective on our current circumstances, trusting that His word remains relevant and powerful for guidance, correction, and hope, shaping our understanding of both past and future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the historical context of Isaiah's ministry deepen your appreciation for the relevance and urgency of his message for both ancient Judah and contemporary society?**
* **In what ways do you believe God communicates His "vision" or truth to humanity today, and how can we better discern His voice amidst the clamor of other messages?**
* **What parallels can you draw between the spiritual and social conditions of Judah in Isaiah's time and those of our contemporary society, prompting us to consider areas needing repentance?**
* **How does the divine origin of Isaiah's message (a "vision") impact your view of the authority, trustworthiness, and transformative power of Scripture in your own life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of naming four kings in Isaiah 1:1?**

Answer: The naming of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah serves as a crucial historical anchor for Isaiah's prophetic ministry. It indicates that Isaiah's prophecies were not abstract or timeless pronouncements but were delivered over a specific period (roughly 740-687 BC) and directly addressed the concrete political, social, and spiritual conditions of Judah during these reigns. This historical precision helps readers understand the specific contexts for the various warnings, judgments, and promises found throughout the book, linking divine revelation to real-world events and the unfolding history of God's covenant people. For example, the reign of Ahaz saw Judah's disastrous alliance with Assyria, a context frequently addressed by Isaiah, as seen in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Sign of Immanuel").

**What does "vision" mean in the context of Isaiah 1:1?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "vision" (_châzôwn_, H2377) in Isaiah 1:1 signifies more than just a dream or an ordinary sight. It denotes a divinely imparted revelation, an oracle, or a prophetic burden. It implies that Isaiah received his message directly from God, often through spiritual perception or a profound encounter, rather than through human reasoning or political analysis. This emphasizes the supernatural origin and absolute authority of the prophecies contained within the book, establishing them as God's authoritative word to His people, a truth further elaborated in passages like [Numbers 12:6](/numbers/12-6 "Numbers 12:6 - God Speaks Through Visions").

**Why is Judah and Jerusalem specifically mentioned as the focus of the vision?**

Answer: Judah and Jerusalem were the heart of the southern kingdom and the center of Israelite religious life, housing the Temple and the Davidic monarchy. By specifying them, Isaiah 1:1 highlights that the prophecies are primarily directed at God's covenant people, particularly those who had remained in the land after the division of the kingdom. The book of Isaiah frequently addresses the spiritual apostasy, social injustice, and political failures of Judah and Jerusalem, calling them to repentance and promising both judgment for their disobedience and ultimate restoration through God's faithfulness, as vividly depicted in [Isaiah 1:2-4](/isaiah/1-2-4 "Isaiah 1:2-4 - Judah's Rebellion"). This focus underscores God's particular concern for His chosen people and His covenant relationship with them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 1:1, by establishing the divine origin of the prophetic "vision" concerning Judah and Jerusalem, lays the groundwork for the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. The "vision" that Isaiah "saw" was not merely for his immediate historical context but pointed forward to the coming Messiah, who would embody God's salvation. Isaiah's name itself, "The Lord is Salvation," foreshadows the person of Jesus, who is the very embodiment of God's saving act (cf. [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")). The prophecies concerning Judah's sin and God's judgment, introduced in this opening verse, find their ultimate resolution in Christ's atoning work, where He bears the judgment for humanity's sin, offering true salvation and reconciliation (cf. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). Furthermore, the focus on Jerusalem, the city of the Great King, points to the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city where God's presence dwells perfectly, a reality inaugurated by Christ's first coming and consummated at His return (cf. [Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem")). Thus, the historical vision of Isaiah ultimately culminates in the person and work of Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, King, and Savior, who perfectly fulfills the divine plan revealed through the ages, bringing about the new covenant and a new creation (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 26:1

¶ Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who [was] sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.

2 Chronicles 32:33

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

2 Kings 18:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, [that] Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.

2 Kings 20:21

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

Psalms 89:19

¶ Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon [one that is] mighty; I have exalted [one] chosen out of the people.

Numbers 24:16

He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, [which] saw the vision of the Almighty, falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open:

Isaiah 2:1

¶ The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.