Isaiah 2:1

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

The word {H1697} that Isaiah {H3470} the son {H1121} of Amoz {H531} saw {H2372} concerning Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389}.

This is the word that Yesha'yahu the son of Amotz saw concerning Y'hudah and Yerushalayim:

This is the message that was revealed to Isaiah son of Amoz concerning Judah and Jerusalem:

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

Commentary

Isaiah 2:1 serves as a crucial introductory statement to one of the most significant prophecies in the Book of Isaiah. It acts as a title or heading, informing the reader about the source, nature, and audience of the subsequent divine message.

Context

This verse introduces the prophetic burden, or "word," that the prophet Isaiah received. Isaiah, whose name means "Yahweh is salvation," was one of the most prominent prophets of the Old Testament, ministering primarily to the Kingdom of Judah during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (as indicated in Isaiah 1:1). The phrase "the son of Amoz" identifies his lineage, lending credibility and historical grounding to his ministry.

The prophecy is specifically "concerning Judah and Jerusalem," indicating that the primary focus of the messages in this section (and much of Isaiah's book) is the southern kingdom and its capital city. At this time, Judah faced both internal spiritual decline and external political threats from powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon. This introductory verse sets the stage for the profound prophetic messages that immediately follow, beginning with the vision of the Lord's house established in the last days.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation: The most prominent theme is that Isaiah's message is not his own opinion but a direct "word" from God. This emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the prophecy.
  • Focus on God's People: The specific mention of "Judah and Jerusalem" highlights God's particular concern and dealings with His chosen people, including both judgment for their unfaithfulness and promises of future restoration and blessing.
  • Prophetic Introduction: This verse serves as an essential literary device, preparing the reader for the significant prophetic content that follows, much like a table of contents or chapter title.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "saw" is chazah (חָזָה), which is more than just physical sight. In a prophetic context, it signifies a deep, spiritual perception or a divine vision. It implies that Isaiah received a revelation from God, often in the form of a vision or a profound understanding of God's will and future plans. This term underscores that the prophet was a recipient of divine communication, not merely an observer. It connects Isaiah's experience to other prophets who "saw" visions, such as the visions received by the prophet Amos.

Practical Application

Isaiah 2:1 reminds us of the divine origin of Scripture. The prophecies contained within the Bible are not merely human wisdom but God's revealed truth, communicated through chosen vessels like Isaiah. For contemporary readers, this verse encourages us to approach the biblical text with reverence, recognizing its divine authority and timeless relevance. It also highlights God's enduring attention to His people and His purposes throughout history, offering both warnings and hope for the future.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 1:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Isaiah 13:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.

  • Amos 1:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.

  • Habakkuk 1:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.

  • Micah 1:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.

  • Micah 6:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ The LORD'S voice crieth unto the city, and [the man of] wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.