Isaiah – a Prophet of the peace

The people of Israel lived in times of wars. The Assirians nearly reached  Israel. The people of Israel split into the Northern and Southern Empire.
The Northern Empire, the so-called 10-tribe-land with the capital Samaria, was heading for disaster. The dynasties of the kings often changed – mostly by murder, and the worship of false gods spread.
In the Southern Empire this development was similar but happened more slowly.
Isaiah worked in the Southern Empire for about 50 years from about 740 to  690 BC during the reigns of four kings. It is said that he died amartyr’s death in Menasse.
We learn in the book of Isaiah 8, 1-4 that he was married to a woman-prophet, and that he had a son to whom he had given the name “quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil” (Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz).
We learn a lot about the social conditions and occurrences of his time e.g. in Isaiah 1,10-17; 5,1-24; 10,1-4. Isaiah lived in hard times of wars. He experienced the misery of war and the cruelties of soldiers, but still he didn’t give up his hope for peace. The prophet brought his peace visions to the people of Israel (Isaiah 2,1-4; 11,1-10) and combined with these announcement the coming of the Prince of Peace, Jesus (Isaiah 9,1-6; 7,14-15). We learn that God wants to create a unique peace, established universally for all peoples at all times.
Isaiah who is called "the poet among the prophets" uses catchy images in his language.
Isaiah's vision of the coming kingdom of peace- Isaiah 11, 1-10
In Isaiah 11,1-10 he describes parable-like the new living together of animals to show people how peaceful it will be in this "Kingdom of Peace". This coming "kingdom of peace" is linked with the coming of the "Prince of Peace" or "Messiah" – it’s the trailer for Jesus.
Isaiah's vision of the coming peace- Isaiah 2, 1-4
In Isaiah 2,1-4 he uses powerful words and  parables of the living and working conditions to explain to people that one can produce life-keeping things instead of war-material e.g. ploughshares instead of swords. This means for us: instead of wasting money on armaments we should be spending the money for education, the growth of the country or helping poor people or countries. Today we can also compare swords with military conflicts, and ploughshares with dialogues and negotiation instead of waging war. Thereby establishing and safeguarding peace.