St. Isaiah

Isaiah was one the foremost Old Testament prophets. His name, which is also spelled Isaias, means “Yahweh is salvation.” The exact date of Isaiah’s birth is unknown; scholars believe he was likely a native of Jerusalem and that he was around twenty when he began his mission. He is thought to have prophesied for around fifty years. He was married and had two sons. Isaiah lived in a time of great turmoil for the Israelites and his prophecies refer to the current troubles the people were facing, but Isaiah’s prophecies also contain the most explicit references found in the Old Testament to the coming Messiah. In the “Suffering Servant” prophecies (Isaiah 52:13-53:12), Isaiah predicts the suffering of Christ.