1:1
Isaiah is introduced as the son of Amoz, and the kings during whose reigns he prophesied are named. There is a clear ending at the time of Hezekiah. As mentioned in the introduction most commentators believe in a second or even third Isaiah, starting at chapters 40 and 55, respectively. We need to be clear that there is no textual nor manuscript evidence for this hypothesis, indeed no evidence whatsoever. The only reasons for not accepting the single authorship are the assumptions that either God could not speak of things well before their time, or that He would not do so. There is absolutely no foundation to either of these assumptions.
The “commissioning” of Isaiah, as Motyer notes, does not occur until the well known chapter 6, so chapters 1-5 are like a preface to the prophecy, setting the scene to this majestic prophecy. The humanity of the authors of Scripture is important and must not be neglected, but we also need to remember that all Scripture is God-breathed, the ultimate author is God Himself. If we over-focus on the human authors we belittle Scripture and miss out on its true greatness. Only when we see God as its underlying author can we grasp the magnificence of what is said.
1:2,3
Prophecy was not unknown among other nations, but the nature of Biblical prophecy was quite different, quite unique. It was unique initial historically and geographically grounded news, and in that its primary concern was with the moral state of Israel. Verse 2 and 3 set out the basic problem. God had formed the nation of Israel. No God, no Israel! He had formed her and brought her up, He had taught and instructed her. Yet Israel did not know her God, they had rebelled against God. They did not know nor understand their Lord and master.
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