Isaiah 2: Group Study Handout

Overview

Isaiah begins by proclaiming a prophetic vision of Judah and Jerusalem, predicting that the mountain of Yahweh’s house will be exalted above all (vv. 1-2). Many nations will seek to learn Yahweh’s ways and follow his paths, as his law will go out from Zion (vv. 3-4). The people of Jacob are called to walk in Yahweh’s light (v. 5). However, the text condemns the house of Jacob for their idolatry and reliance on foreign practices (vv. 6-9). The glory and terror of Yahweh will humble the proud and exalted (vv. 10-11). A day will come when pride will be judged, and all lofty things will be brought low (vv. 12-19). Finally, people will abandon their idols and stop trusting in man, recognizing the futility of such reliance (vv. 20-22).

Key verse

“He will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

Isaiah 2:4 (WEB)

Outline

1. Isaiah 2:1–2 A Prophetic Vision of Zion's Glory
2. Isaiah 2:3–4 Invitation to Learn Yahweh's Ways
3. Isaiah 2:5 A Call to Walk in Light
4. Isaiah 2:6–9 Condemnation of Idolatry
5. Isaiah 2:10–11 Terror of Yahweh's Majesty
6. Isaiah 2:12–19 The Day of Yahweh
7. Isaiah 2:20–22 Abandoning Idols and Trust in Man

Discussion questions

1. In v2, what will happen concerning the mountain of Yahweh's house in the 'latter days'?
2. In v6, what practices have filled Judah that lead to their forsaking by Yahweh?
3. The phrase 'beat their swords into plowshares' in v4: how does this express the vision of peace?
4. In v11, what does it mean for 'the lofty looks of man' to be brought low?
5. When have you turned away from something you once pursued, as in v22's warning against trusting in man?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 2: Psalm 46, Micah 4, Psalm 57.

Before next time: read Isaiah 3.