Isaiah would be based in the southern kingdom of Judah and his ministry would last for over 40 years during the reigns of Uzziah (Azariah) (783-740 BC), Jotham (740-732 BC), Ahaz (732-716 BC) and Hezekiah (716-687 BC).

(2 Kings 15-20 and 2 Chronicles 26-32 give the background to his ministry.)

Isaiah shares first of all what the Lord says about the state of the nation (v2-10). This great nation has rebelled against and forgotten the Lord and even become like Sodom and Gomorrah (v9-10).

They go through the acts of worship (v11-15) but it is not acceptable to the Lord because of the state of their lives (v16-17). Their worship was not connecting with God.

God brings to this rebellious people a great message of hope and cleansing (v18), but they must be willing to repent and come back to the Lord with a determination for a new obedience (v19-20).