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Greetings listeners. Have you ever been in a season where everything felt heavy and you wondered if things would ever get better? That's where the people of Judah were heading and that's exactly where the final part of the book of Isaiah speaks hope. Welcome back, friends. We've been walking through the book of Isaiah and today we are reaching part three, the beautiful conclusion. If you've been with us, you'll remember chapters 1 to 39 were filled with warnings, heartbreak and urgent calls to turn back to God. It was heavy, but when we open chapter 40, everything shifts. The very first words comfort, comfort my people. These final chapters Isaiah 40 through 66, are filled with soaring promises, glimpses of a coming Savior and a future where justice, justice, peace and joy will never end. And it's not just ancient history, it's hope for anyone who's ever felt worn down, burdened or unsure about the future. So grab your Bible and let's walk through this part of Isaiah together. Well, welcome everyone.

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I'm your host, Jacqui Adewole, and this is the Bible Basics Podcast, where, weekly, we break down the basics of the Bible into understandable, bite-sized chunks. Whether you've been with us through parts one and two or just jumping in now, you're in the right place. Let's finish the book of Isaiah together and discover the comfort and hope God has in store. We'll start by setting the scene. The first 39 chapters of Isaiah focus on judgment, sin and God's call for his people to return to him. These chapters speak directly to the people of Judah during Isaiah's lifetime, around 740 to 686 BC. But when we reach chapter 40, the tone shifts. Instead of warnings, we hear comfort. Instead of judgment, we find hope.

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Isaiah begins speaking as if the exile, the Babylonian captivity, has already happened, even though it was still more than 100 years in the future. So what is this exile? Well, after King Solomon, the kingdom of Israel split into two. The northern kingdom kept the name Israel and the southern kingdom became Judah. In 722 BC, the northern kingdom was conquered by Assyria. Then, about 136 years later, in 586 BC, Babylon invaded Judah, their capital city, Jerusalem. Their capital city, Jerusalem, was destroyed, the temple was burned down and thousands were taken from their homes and forced to live in exile, far from everything they knew. It was a national and spiritual crisis. The people lost their land, their freedom and, for many, their sense of connection to God.

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But what's so striking is this Isaiah speaks comfort before the pain begins. Through God's Spirit, he tells the people, even before they go into exile, that God is not abandoning them. His mercy, his restoration and his promises are already in motion. That's part of the nature of biblical prophecy it doesn't just describe what is. It can also point to what's ahead, near and far. As God says in Isaiah, chapter 46, verse 10, I make known the end from the beginning. My purpose will stand.

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So now that we've got that background, let's look at how this last section of Isaiah breaks down. There's a key phrase that appears twice and helps divide the chapters. The key phrase is there is no peace for the wicked for the wicked. You'll find it at the end of chapter 48, in verse 22, and again at the end of chapter 57 in verse 21. These two verses mark natural transitions in the book and emphasize a major theme God offers deep comfort to those who turn to him, but no peace for those who act against his will. So here's how we'll break chapters 40 through 66 down. Chapter 40 to 48, we're calling that deliverance from captivity. Second is chapters 49 through 57. That's the Servant who Saves. And chapters 58 through 66, future Glory and a World Made New. Let's walk through each part together and highlight a few verses in each one.

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We'll start with section one, deliverance from Captivity. That's chapters 40 through 48. Isaiah begins this section with one of the most tender openings in all of scripture Comfort, comfort. My people, says your God, speak tenderly to Jerusalem that her sin has been paid for. That's chapter 40, verse 1 and 2. He's speaking to a people who will one day feel abandoned and defeated, and he wants them to know that God has not forgotten them. Then, further in this section, we find Isaiah drawing a powerful contrast between the living God and lifeless idols. With whom will you compare me? They pour out gold and make it into a god, but it cannot save them from their troubles. That's chapter 46, verses 5 through 7. God is not like the idols people build. He's the creator who measures the oceans in his hand, who calls each star by name and who never grows weary. We learn all that in Isaiah, chapter 40. And then one of the most beloved verses in all of Isaiah those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They were sore on wings like eagles. That's chapter 40, verse 31. Isaiah reassures the people that God is still in control, even when it feels like life is falling apart. God is offering comfort to his people. By showing them his character, is offering comfort to his people. By showing them his character, power and strength, he's inviting them to relationship so that they can enjoy the comfort he brings.

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A final point for this section. God even names the future ruler of the empire of Persia who will allow the exiles to return home. His name is Cyrus and we learn about that in chapter 44, 28 through 45, 1. That was a prophecy that came over 150 years before Cyrus was born. It's one more reminder. God is in control. He knows the end from the beginning. No-transcript.

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Isaiah introduces us to the servant. And the servant isn't just here to rescue Judah, he's sent for the whole world. Quote it is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob. I will also make you a light for the nations. That's in chapter 49, 6. This servant is at the heart of God's rescue mission. He'll suffer, he'll be rejected, and yet he'll bring. Nowhere is this clearer than in Isaiah 53. He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities. By his wounds we are healed. That's chapter 53, verse 5. Isaiah is describing Jesus hundreds of years before his birth. In fact, the New Testament writers quote this chapter to explain the meaning of the cross, and we find that both in Matthew and Acts I included a link in the show notes to the Easter episode that expands on this. I encourage you to check it out if you haven't already.

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And Isaiah 55 gives us God's invitation to trust his promises, to receive his comfort and to find real hope. This is a message not just for ancient Judah, but for every one of us today. It reads Come, all you who are thirsty, listen, that you may live. That's chapter 55, verses 1 through 3. This section is not just a description, it's a call. We're invited to stop striving and simply receive the peace, forgiveness and healing the servant offers.

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God also speaks comfort over Zion, his people, who feel forgotten and abandoned. He says but Zion said the Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me. Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has born? Though she may forget, I will not forget. You See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Your walls are ever before me. And here's a quick note. You might be wondering what or who is Zion? You'll read that word often in these chapters. At first, Zion referred to a hill in ancient Jerusalem. Over time it became a name for the entire city, israel and even the whole people of God In Isaiah.

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Zion is often used as a symbol of God's presence, his promises and the hope of restoration. It's not just about geography, it's about God coming to dwell with his people again. And the last section is section looks even further ahead, to a renewed future. God's people will be restored, his enemies will be judged and something entirely new will begin. Here Isaiah paints a picture of renewal, justice and joy. God's people, once broken and scattered, will be brought back and restored. And it's not just about returning to a place, it's about returning to right relationship with God.

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Isaiah paints a beautiful vision of what's coming. First there's a rebuilt and radiant Jerusalem. We see that in chapter 60. No longer a city in ruins, but a place overflowing with light, beauty and the presence of God. Next we have true worship restored, and we find that in chapters 58 and 66. But not just outward rituals. God challenges empty religious practices and calls his people back to true worship. Back to true worship, caring for the poor, seeking justice and living with humility before him. Then we have peace that lasts, and we find that in chapter 65. Not the fragile kind, built on wealth or politics, but a deep, lasting peace that flows from being in step with God's heart. And finally, and most importantly from my point of view, god's glory filling the whole earth and a new creation beginning.

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Isaiah shows us a world where God's presence is no longer hidden or limited to one nation. His glory spreads to every people group and he promises something even greater. Quote Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. That's chapter 65, verse 17. A world without death, sorrow or pain, a life filled forever in joy and peace with him. Oh, wow, that is something to look forward to. Isaiah's final chapters close with this sweeping promise what feels broken now won't stay that way forever. God is making all things new and his people will live with him in a world filled with his glory, his peace and his presence. Isn't this the ultimate reason for Christianity that when this life is over, there's an eternal home prepared by God for those of us who put our faith in Him? Now we're going to spend some time on imagery in Isaiah. Now we're going to spend some time on imagery in Isaiah.

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One of the most powerful ways to connect with Isaiah's message is by slowing down and paying attention to the images he uses. The Lord speaks through Isaiah, using vivid, poetic imagery. This poetry isn't just beautiful, it's deeply meaningful. Isaiah often speaks in pictures to stir the heart, spark the imagination and help spiritual truths sink in. Here are just a few examples.

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A bruised reed he will not break. That's chapter 42, verse 3. This is describing the servant who will bring comfort and encouragement to the weak and oppressed. Then there's chapter 61, verse 3. Beauty for ashes. This is an image of God replacing sorrow with joy. In chapter 64, verse 8, we read we are the clay, you are the potter. This is a picture of our surrender and trust in God. Chapter 6110, righteousness as a robe. This robe is a metaphor for a gift of a right relationship with God that we receive through grace, by faith, by faith. And then there's the wolf and the lamb will feed together. This is a vision that in this new world, God is going to transform even nature. So these images aren't random. They're meant to slow us down, to help us feel what God is saying, not just understand it with our minds. So when you're reading Isaiah, don't rush past the poetry. Ask what is this image saying about God, about us, about hope, justice or salvation. Now we'll talk about the names and the titles of the Messiah we find in this book.

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As we walk through this second half of Isaiah, a unique figure begins to stand out Someone Isaiah calls the servant. He's not just another prophet or leader. He's central to God's plan to heal what's broken, bring justice to the nations and offer peace that lasts. The servant is a picture of the Messiah, a word that means anointed one, and in the New Testament we see that Jesus fulfills everything Isaiah wrote about him. What's beautiful is how Isaiah doesn't give just one name or one role for the servant. He gives several, each showing a different side of who Jesus is and what he came to do.

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As we read these chapters, the servant is described with names that reveal the heart and mission of Jesus. Let's look at some of the most frequently used in these chapters. First, there's the servant that describes him as chosen, gentle and sent for the nations. Then he's described as the redeemer, the one who rescues and restores, the one who rescues and restores the anointed one. This is one who set apart to bring good news to the poor. In chapter 53, 1, we see him described as the arm of the Lord. That depicts God's saving power in human form. And throughout Isaiah we see him referred to as the Holy One of Israel. He's set apart, faithful, full of mercy and justice. So each of these names is a window. So as you read Isaiah chapters 40 through 66, window. So as you read Isaiah chapters 40 through 66, keep your eyes open for these names. Together, they help us see Jesus more clearly and remind us that Isaiah's message was always leading us to him.

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Now here are three ways Isaiah chapters 40 through 66 can shape our lives today. First, god sees our suffering and brings comfort. Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 29, says he gives strength to the weary. Where do you need that strength today? Second, we learn that our salvation is a gift, not something we earn. Isaiah 53 shows us a Savior who took our place. Are you still trying to earn what God offers as a free gift? And third, we learn that God's promises stretch beyond.

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Today, Isaiah points to a world made new. That hope isn't just for someday. It also gives us courage for today. And that wraps up our walk through the powerful, poetic and prophetic book of Isaiah. From judgment to joy, from warning to worship, isaiah shows us the full range of God's heart, his holiness, his justice and his deep desire to restore his people through the Messiah. If you've missed parts one and two, I encourage you to go back and listen. They'll help you see the full picture of this incredible book. Next week, we're exploring the book of Micah, a prophet who asked the big question what does the Lord require of you? You won't want to miss it. Until then, keep reading, keep seeking and keep growing in your faith and, as always, if this episode helped you, share it with a friend, leave a review and subscribe if you're on YouTube, so you don't miss what's next.