Isaiah was an 8th-century BC Israelite prophet. The Book of Isaiah is named after him, with some scholars believing he authored at least part of it. It is thought Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. This timeline places his ministry somewhere between 740 BC and 686 BC. Jewish tradition suggests Isaiah was of royal descent. He was married to a woman referred to as "the prophetess," and they had two sons, Shear-Jashub and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, whose names carried prophetic meanings.
Isaiah is renowned for his prophecies and is considered one of the most important prophetic voices in the Old Testament. He delivered messages of warning, judgment, and hope to the leaders and people of Judah. A major theme in Isaiah's prophecies is the coming of the Messiah. His writings are known for their beauty, style, imagery, and profound theological insights. More than any other Old Testament prophet, Isaiah points to Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Isaiah is frequently quoted, particularly concerning John the Baptist and Jesus.
Recently, in Minnesota, an organization named ISAIAH led over 1,000 people of faith in a nonviolent action at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on January 23, 2026. They protested ICE deportation flights as part of a wider response to attacks on immigrant communities. Also, as of February 11, 2026, Isaiah Stewart, a center for the Detroit Pistons, was suspended for seven games after a brawl during a game against the Charlotte Hornets.
