This is another in a series of excerpts from The Book of Life: What the Bible Says about God’s Registry of the Redeemed from High Street Press and available at Amazon. This except comes from Chapter 8: Whoever Remains in Zion: Isaiah 4:3.

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Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy ​— ​all in Jerusalem written in the book of life … (Isa. 4:3).

Isaiah prophesies in Judah during the reigns of four kings, a period of sixty to seventy years during which Samaria is captured, the northern kingdom of Israel is carried away (722-721 BC), and Judah is invaded (701 BC). 

Isaiah’s messages harken back to the eternal councils of God and gaze forward to the  creation of new heavens and a new earth (65:17; 66:22). Isaiah’s prophecies have a powerful messianic focus. He foretells Messiah’s birth (7:14; 9:6); reveals his deity (9:6-7); describes his ministry (9:1-2; 42:1-7; 61:1-2); foretells his death (52:1 – 53:12); and celebrates his future reign on earth (chaps. 2; 11; 65). 

A high point in Isaiah’s ministry comes in chapter 6 as he encounters God. The enraptured prophet catches a glimpse of Yahweh’s glory, moving Isaiah to despise his uncleanness and declare his sinfulness. He then confesses the people’s sins and responds to the divine call to take them God’s message: “Here I am. Send me” (see Isa. 6:1-8). 

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