When was Isaiah written?

The book of Isaiah emphasizes the holiness of God during a time of widespread ungodliness in Judah and Israel. As its title suggests, the book documents the ministry of Isaiah, son of Amoz, who prophesied in the southern kingdom of Judah in the late eighth and early seventh centuries BC. God called Isaiah to ministry during the reign of King Uzziah around 739 BC. Isaiah served God faithfully until his death around 681 BC, during the reign of King Manasseh. The book of Isaiah was likely written throughout the prophet’s ministry, between 739 and 681 BC.

The first verse of Isaiah establishes the context of Isaiah’s prophecies within a specific historical period: “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah” (Isaiah 1:1). The first king Isaiah mentions, Uzziah, reigned from about 792 to 740 BC.

Isaiah’s prophetic ministry officially began during Uzziah’s final year, as described in one of the book’s most well-known passages. Isaiah 6:1–8 narrates a defining moment in his calling. In a vision, the prophet sees the throne room of God, where seraphim circle the throne. In flight, they cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3).

As Isaiah 1:1 says, Jotham succeeded Uzziah as king of Judah (750—735 BC), followed by Ahaz (735—715 BC). The last king mentioned in the verse, Hezekiah, reigned next (715 to 686 BC). Although Isaiah does not record Hezekiah’s death, 2 Kings 20:21 mentions it, aligning with the events described in Isaiah 38—39. The book of Isaiah, particularly chapters 1—39, reflects this historical period. These dates align with the late eighth- to early seventh-century timeframe for Isaiah’s ministry and the book’s composition.

Chapters 40—66 of Isaiah were composed between approximately 700 and 680 BC. Unlike chapters 1—39, which mention specific kings, this section primarily focuses on future events and lacks clear historical markers.

Jewish tradition holds that Isaiah was martyred during the reign of Manasseh (697—642 BC). Some traditions say the king ordered that Isaiah be sawed in two. However, the book of Isaiah does not mention his death. Many scholars believe the author of Hebrews alludes to Isaiah’s martyrdom when he writes, “They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated” (Hebrews 11:37).

Despite the opposition he faced, Isaiah responded to God’s call first with humility, then with eagerness. Recognizing his sinfulness in light of God’s holiness, he was cleansed by the Lord and then responded to the Lord’s call. Isaiah wrote, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’” He responded, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). Thus, at a time when many Israelites indulged in the temporary pleasures of the world, Isaiah set himself apart to serve God.