Isaiah’s own title for the entire book. The term “vision” here denotes the revelation itself rather than the process by which it was imparted. In earlier times a prophet was called a “seer” (1 Sam. 9:9), but the term eventually fell into disuse. Prophets, nevertheless, continued to be seers in the sense that, with inspired insight, they were able to see things not revealed to common men. In vision the eyes of the prophet pierce the veil that separates this world from the world of the spirit, and see such things as the Lord sees fit to reveal to him. The Lord might reveal the significance of current events, the shape of things to come, or the divine purpose concerning individuals or nations. Warning, admonition, and instruction were frequently given. All of these are found in Isaiah’s “vision.” In the “vision of Obadiah” (Obadiah 1) and “the book of the vision of Nahum” (Nahum 1:1) the Lord revealed to those prophets His purpose concerning Edom and Nineveh. Isaiah’s visions were chiefly concerned with Judah and Jerusalem, but also dealt with the surrounding nations and with the world as a whole. In “the vision of Isaiah” it is our privilege to see things as God sees them and chose to reveal them to us through His prophet.

According to the chronology employed in this commentary, Uzziah died in 740/739 B.C., and Hezekiah in 687/686 (see p. 88).

 See chs. 2:1; 3:1; 4:3; 5:3; 40:2; 52:1; 62:1; 65:9, 19. Isaiah’s messages were addressed primarily to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, and were intended for their benefit. Many of the messages were probably spoken directly to the people in the form of sermons.

The only occurrence of this name in the Bible. Nothing further is known of Isaiah’s father. The name Amoz should not be confused with Amos. In Hebrew the two are distinctly different.