Isaiah 52: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 52 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Zion is called to awake and put on her strength and beautiful garments, as the uncircumcised and unclean will no longer enter Jerusalem (vv. 1-2). Yahweh speaks of redemption, stating that His people were sold for nothing but will be redeemed without money (vv.

Key verse

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Isaiah 52:7 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 52:1–2 Call to Awaken and Prepare
Isaiah 52:3–5 Promise of Redemption and Freedom
Isaiah 52:6–8 Recognition of God's Sovereignty
Isaiah 52:9–10 Joy in Redemption
Isaiah 52:11–12 Call to Purity and Departure
Isaiah 52:13–15 The Suffering Servant Foretold

Discussion questions

In v1, why is Jerusalem called the 'holy city'?
In v10, what does it mean that Yahweh has 'made bare his holy arm'?
Yahweh's blasphemy, v5: why does he ask what he should do about it?
The servant's appearance, v14: what does 'marred' imply about his role?
When have you felt called to 'awake' and embrace change like Jerusalem?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 52: Romans 10, Isaiah 41, Isaiah 49.

Before next time: read Isaiah 53.