William H. Barnes, Th.D.


                       OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF ISAIAH


     I.  Introduction and call of the prophet (chs. 1-6)

    II.  Contemporary and future deliverance (chs. 7-12)

   III.  Judgment against the nations (chs. 13-23)

    IV.  The Isaianic Apocalypse (chs. 24-27)

     V.  Judgment and restoration for Israel (chs. 28-35)

    VI.  Jerusalem's judgment delayed (chs. 36-39; generally = 2 Kgs 
             18:13-20:21)

   VII.  Restoration of Israel at hand (chs. 40-55) = 2nd Isaiah?

  VIII.  God's universal kingdom envisioned (chs. 56-66) = 3rd Isaiah?



The Four Servant Songs--in one sense, referring to Israel, in another 
sense, referring to a mysterious redeemer for Israel.

     1.  42:1-9.  Chosen by Yahweh, filled with his Spirit--
                      note the tension between vv 1, 8.

     2.  49:1-7.  (Vv 1-4) Qualifications of the Servant--
                      note that he, himself, is speaking.
                  (Vv 5-7) Scope of the work of the Servant.

     3.  50:4-11.  The obedient Servant, suffering for others.

     4.  52:13-53:12.  "The most important poem ever written" 
                           (Gleason Archer)

         A   (52:13-15)  Prologue: the Servant exalted and degraded 
                         (Yahweh speaking)

             B   (53:1-3)  The appearance of the Servant: wholly unexpected 
                           reversals (Israel speaking)	

                 C   (53:4-6)  Various judgments of the Servant: 
                               the bringer of SHALOM (Israel speaking)

             B'  (53:7-9)  The suffering of the Servant: totally 
                             unmerited (Israel speaking)

         A'  (53:10-12)  Epilogue: the Servant punished and vindicated 
                         (Yahweh speaking [at least in vv 11b-12]).


Note the ironic principle of glory obtained through suffering; 
cf. Col 1:24-27.