In this introduction to what is sometimes called Isaiah 2, we discuss the question of authorship of the second half of thos book. We take the approach that the similarity of style and the consistency of the messages in both halves indicate the unity of authorship of this book. However, as the book was not written by Isaiah himself, over time there were various additions of verses here and there that were added to reference events that were more current.

In a tragic moment, the King Hezekiah fails to understand the message of Isaiah, as he seeks an alliance with the Kingdom of Babylon. This failure leads to the prophecy of Isaiah that one day the Kingdom of Judah will fall to Babylon.

In this podcast we complete Chapter 37, and then study the account of the illness of Hezekiah. Hezekiah was on his deathbed, and God answered his prayer and gave him 15 more tears of life. However, Hezekiah thanked God with a beautiful song of thanks for his own salvation. but neglected his duty as King to the people of Judah. He failed to sing a song of thanks to God for the salvation of the people, and neglected to establish the Justice and Righteousness that Isaiah had so fervently hoped for.

Hezekiah prays to God to save Jerusalem. You God are the one and only God, not like the false gods of the other nations. God responds that the Assyrians will be sent right back to Assyria and that they won't even be able to shoot one arrow at Jerusalem.

Assyria conquers most of Judah and lays it to waste. King Hezekiah and the people of Judah retreat behind the walls of the capital Jerusalem as the mighty Assyrian Army lays a siege. Rav-shakeh the turncoat Jew who now leads the Assyrian Army tries to convince the population of Jerusalem that their attempt to defy Assyria will be futile and surrender is the only way. The people of Jerusalem are shaken and afraid but they remain loyal to God.

Through the beautiful trees and blossoms and animals of nature, a path to Zion opens up. The just and righteous people of the world follow the path to Zion in song. Worry and anxiety are things of the past, as the world turns to God in joy.

Isaiah describes how when humanity is corrupt, God gives his cities back to nature. Listen carefully! He tells the nations of the world, if you continue to live unjust and corrupt lives, your cities will revert to trees and flower and the birds and animals of the wilderness.

Isaiah tells us who will survive the apocalypse and live in the future? Those that are honest. just, righteous and kind will live with God. Those that worked through the hard times and kept faith. But those who took advantage of others when they had their chance, those people will perish.

Isaiah turns to the women he can trust. The women who will remain faithful and strong through the good times and the bad, until that day when God finally ends the suffering and brings joy back to the land.

Isaiah tells us about the King who rules with justice, and he describes the qualities necessary for a good government.