Isaiah consists of 66
chapters representing the prophetic ministries of three inspired authors.
"First Isaiah" (chs. 1-39) was written by Isaiah - the 8th century BC prophet
who teaches about God's holy sovereignty, social justice, and God's plan in
history (including messianic expectations).
"Second Isaiah" (chs. 40-55)
was written by an unknown 6th century BC author whose main theme is Israel's
redemption and mission to the world and who is, perhaps, best known for his
writings about the "Suffering Servant of God.”
"Third Isaiah" (chs. 56-66) was
written between 530 and 510 BC concerning the return of the Jewish exiles to
Jerusalem and the building of a new society there.
An editor assembled
Isaiah as a "moving vision of the assured hope of God's people in a
world whose times are in God's hands." (The New Oxford Annotated Bible,
p. 866). Isaiah is quoted more often in the New Testament than any other
Old Testament book and has played a central role in Christian liturgy and
theology. During Advent through the second Sunday after the Epiphany the Old
Testament Readings for Sunday Eucharists are from Isaiah.