The View from the Mountaintop
(Introduction to the book of Isaiah)
Climbing a mountain takes effort, but it also gives you a breathtaking view. That’s what the prophet Isaiah offers us: a higher perspective on God, ourselves, and the world. When we open his book, we’re not just reading ancient poetry—we’re being invited to ascend into the presence of the Holy One of Israel.
For this is what the high and exalted One says—
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
“I live in a high and holy place,
but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite. (Isa 57:15, NIV)
Isaiah’s vision is clear: God is holy, majestic, and utterly set apart. His title, “the Holy One of Israel,” reminds us that our behavior matters. We cannot approach Him with rebellion in our hearts or empty religious ritual. God dwells “with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit” (Isa. 57:15). His holiness calls us to humility.
Isaiah ministered during a time of great political upheaval. Assyria threatened Judah’s survival, and kings faced the choice of trusting themselves or trusting the Lord. That’s our choice too. Do we really trust God with our families, our future, our nation, and our very lives? Isaiah urges us to lift our eyes from earthly fears to the God who reigns forever.
Isaiah’s voice rings out with warnings against empty religion, celebrating sin, forgetting God, rewriting morality, and outright rebellion. Yet even in the face of such unfaithfulness, God continues to pursue His people with love. His warnings are not meant to destroy us, but to destroy the things that destroy us. His goal is not condemnation, but cleansing and restoration.
As we begin this journey through Isaiah, let us humble ourselves before the Holy One of Israel. Let us reject false hopes and idols, and hear His invitation to come. The God who is high and lifted up also stoops low to dwell with the contrite.
Will you climb this mountain with Isaiah? At the top, you’ll see the glory of God, and you’ll discover that ruin is never the end of the story—for with Him, there is always redemption.
4-Day Reading Plan: Historical Context for Isaiah (2 Kings 15–20)
- Day 1: 2 Kings 15–16
- Day 2: 2 Kings 17
- Day 3: 2 Kings 18–19
- Day 4: 2 Kings 20
For more Recommended Resources on the book of Isaiah, click here.
