teacher, preacher, social reformer, statesman and seer.

Conditions of Israel (The Northern Kingdom). Isaiah began to prophecy
when it was outwardly rich and prosperous under the rule of Jereboam
IL Inwardly it was very corrupt. It soon went to pieces, however (621
B. C.), being conquered and carried into captivity by the Assyrians.

Conditions of Judah (The Southern Kingdom). During the reigns of Ahaz,
Jotham and Uzziah, oppression, wickedness and idolatry existed
everywhere. Ahaz made an alliance with Assyria, which finally brought
destruction to Israel, but Hezekiah listened to Isaiah and made
reforms, and God destroyed the Assyrian army before Jerusalem was
destroyed.

Nature of the Contents of the Book. The contents of the Book have been
said to include: (1) Warnings and threats against his own people
because of their sins. (2) Sketches of the history of his times. (3)
Prophesies of the return of Israel from captivity. (4) Prophesies
concerning the coming of the Messiah. (S) Predictions of the judgment
of God on other nations. (6) Discourses that urge upon Israel moral
and religious reformation. (7) Visions of the future glory and
prosperity of the church. (8) Expressions of thanksgiving and praise.

The Center of Interest. The prophet deals primarily with the nation
and not with the individual. He speaks primarily of the present and
not of the future. These two facts must be kept constantly in mind as
we read and interpret the book.

Analysis.