Isaias

66 chapters

Chapter summaries

The Douay-Rheims’ own argument for each chapter. Tap a number above to read.

1. 1Isaie prophesying in the days of four kings of Juda, 2. admonisheth both princes and people of their ingratitude, and other sins against God. 7. for which they shall be led captive. 11. Neither shall sacrifices, nor prayers save them, 16. except they cleanse their souls from sins. 20. which they not doing shall be severely punished. 26. Whereby the reliques shall be purged, and the Church shall flourish.
2. 2All nations shall come to the Church of Christ; which shall begin in Jerusalem. 6. And the Jews shall be rejected for their idolatry, avarice, and other sins. 11. Proud men shall be humbled, and God's glory shall increase, 18. Idolatry shall be destroyed.
3. 3The Jews shall be deprived of wise men, 4. and be subject to childish, and effeminate governors, 8. for their grievous sins. 16. The proud, curious, and lascivious attire of their women, 24. shall be turned into ignominy, and sorrow.
4. 4After the destruction of the Jews, many women shall seek to marry with one man, 2. but the relics, repenting of their sins, shall return to God, 5. and flourish under his protection.
5. 5Under the figure of a barren vineyard, is prophesied the rejection of the Jews, 7. for their sins of avarice, 11. intemperance, and other wickedness, 18. one iniquity drawing another, 20. judging good to be evil, and evil good. 25. for which the Gentiles of divers nations shall afflict them.
6. 6The prophet after a glorious vision, 5. lamenteth his former silence; 6. his lips being purified by an Angel, with a hot coal, 8. he is willingly sent and so prophesieth that the people's heart will be hardened; their cities shall be destroyed, but good relics shall be conserved.
7. 7Jerusalem being besieged, 3. the prophet telleth the king, that the enemies shall not prevail (8. but the kingdom of Israel shall be destroyed) 10. giveth for a sign that a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son. 17. prophesieth also the captivity, and desolation of the kingdom of Juda.
8. 8Under the figure of a new name, Christ's birth of a virgin is again prophesied. 4. but first the kingdoms of Syria, and Israel shall be destroyed: and Juda sore afflicted: 8. yet conserved with loss of many. 16. Which is a mystery hidden from the Jews. 21. Great evils hang over them, that depart from the law.
9. 9Theglath Phalasar carrieth some Israelites captive, and Salmanasar many more; in figure of a few disciples converted to Christ in Galilee, and all Jewry, but many more in the whole world. 7. Whose Empire shall be great, and durable: 8. but the Jews' glory, especially of the ten tribes, shall be obscured, for their pride, hypocrisy, and other sins.
10. 10Makers of wicked laws are cursed. 3. For which the Israelites shall be afflicted by the Assyrians. 5. The Assyrians overthrown by extraordinary means sent from God: 21. and the Jews delivered from imminent danger: with divers mysteries of Christ intermixed.
11. 11Christ born of the stock of Jesse, replenished with seven gifts of the Holy Ghost, 4. shall have a spiritual kingdom, most just, and potent. 10. Whereto all nations will repair.
12. 12A Canticle of thanks for the benefits of Christ.
13. 13The Prophet foretelleth the calamity, and ruin of Babylon.
14. 14The Jews shall be released from the captivity of Babylon. 12. Nabuchodonosor most proud and mighty, shall be thrown into extreme misery. 24. In the mean time the Assyrians besieging Jerusalem shall be defeated. 28. Neither shall the Philistines prevail against the Jews, as they presume.
15. 15Unexpected ruin shall fall upon the Moabites: 5. Whereof the Prophet hath compassion.
16. 16The prophet prayeth for, and prophesieth Christ's coming: 6. adding more of the affliction of the Moabites for their pride.
17. 17Damascus with other Syrians shall be afflicted, 4. likewise the ten tribes of Israel. 7. Of which some few persons will return to God. 12. And finally their enemies the Assyrians shall be overthrown.
18. 18The Egyptians, for alluring the two tribes to their confederacy, shall be afflicted, 7. and the Jews return to more sincere service of God.
19. 19Further description of the Egyptians' punishment, 17. With their conversion to Christ in the new Testament.
20. 20The ignominious captivity of Egyptians, and Ethiopians is again foreshowed by the Prophet going naked. 5. whereat the Jews are astonied and afeard, seeing their confederates so confounded.
21. 21The destruction of Babylon by the Medes and Persians is again prophesied, 11. The like of the Idumeans; 13. and of Arabians.
22. 22For the sins especially of chief officers, Sion and the temple shall be destroyed. 15. Sobna a wicked ruler shall be removed, 20. and Eliacim put in his place.
23. 23The destruction of Tyrus by the Chaldees, 15. and reparation thereof after seventy years.
24. 24All this world shall be destroyed, 7. whereof many signs shall come before, 18. and general judgement shall follow.
25. 25The Prophet giveth thanks to God for his marvellous works, 7. and great benefits, in lightening many with faith, washing away sins, and giving grace, and eternal glory.
26. 26A Canticle of thanks for changing the old Synagogue into the Church of Christ: Which hath more light of true faith, 12. and more patience in tribulations: 19. Which in the general resurrection shall be made manifest.
27. 27God comforteth the faithful, promising to destroy the wicked. 3. Christ's coming is again prophesied, with propagation of his Gospel, and conversion of all nations.
28. 28Tribulations are threatened to the ten tribes of Israel, for their pride, and voluptuousness. (5. God still protecting some who serve him sincerely) 7. and for contempt of Religion. 16. But God will lay a sure foundation in Sion, 20. Will punish the wicked, 24. and comfort the good.
29. 29The Prophet bewaileth the Jews' destruction, 9. for their blind obstinacy; 17. prophesying the Gentiles' conversion.
30. 30The Jews are blamed for seeking counsel, and help of the Egyptians. 18. but if they repent, they shall find relief, and spiritual riches of the soul. 27. God's judgement will be strict: 33. and hell is most horrible.
31. 31The prophet further bewaileth the Jews' calamity, into which they shall fall for their confederacy with the Egyptians. 5. Yet God will protect Jerusalem: 8. and overthrow Senacharib.
32. 32The prophet comforteth the Jews, foreshowing that their king Ezechias will rule well, and prosper; but most especially prophesieth of Christ. 9. That they shall be rejected for persecuting him, 15. and his Church shall prosper.
33. 33Sennacherib besieging and threatening Jerusalem, shall be overthrown by Angels. 13. that both wicked arrogant infidels may feel the hand of God, and faithful sinners repenting after great terror be comforted.
34. 34A prophecy of the destruction of the whole world, at the day of Judgement, 5. and in particular of Idumea, 9. and Jerusalem, as figures thereof.
35. 35Gentiles converted to Christ shall much rejoice, 5. being comforted and confirmed by his miracles, much more by his internal grace, which bringeth to life everlasting.
36. 36Sennacherib king of the Assyrians having taken other cities in Jewry, besiegeth and threateneth Jerusalem; 4. reproacheth king Ezechias; 7. blasphemeth God; 13. and terrifieth the people.
37. 37King Ezechias requesteth the prayers of Isaias the prophet, 6. Who assureth the king of God's help. (8. In the mean time the enemies threatening and blaspheming, 14. King Ezechias prayeth) 21. God promiseth to protect Jerusalem: 36. and by an Angel killeth in one night an hundred eighty five thousand Assyrians. 37. Their king returneth to Ninive and is slain by his own sons.
38. 38Ezechias being sick, and advertised by the prophet that he shall then die, by prayer obtaineth prolongation of life. 6. with promise of victory, confirmed by a sign. 9. For which he rendereth thanks to God with a Canticle of praise.
39. 39The king of Babylon sent legates, to visit king Ezechias, and congratulate his recovery of health. 2. He showeth them all his riches, 5. for which Isaie reprehendeth him: and prophesieth that the Babylonians will spoil Jerusalem.
40. 40The prophet comforteth the people with Christ's coming to remit sins. 3. Before whom S. John Baptist shall preach penance. 6. sheweth man's imbecility. 9. God's Majesty, 18. the vanity of idols: 27. and fall of them that fear not God.
41. 41God pleading against idolaters, showeth his power and goodness by his benefits bestowed upon the Jews; 17. With promise of perpetual protection. 21. Whereas their vain idols can no way profit them.
42. 42God the Father is well pleased with his Son. 6. whom he sendeth into this world to teach justice, whereby men are justified. 11. Many Gentiles shall be converted. 25. Jews, and other obstinate infidels shall be severely punished.
43. 43God comforteth his Church, promising ever to protect the same: 11. blameth the Jews, expostulating their ingratitude.
44. 44Christ foundeth and establisheth his Church: 6. Inveigheth against idolaters: 16. and promiseth deliverance from the captivity of Babylon.
45. 45Cyrus, by God's providence overcoming Babylon, will deliver the Jews from captivity. 4. Yet is reprehended because he acknowledgeth not God. 8. Upon which occasion the prophet foresheweth the coming of Christ; 14. in figure of whom he addeth more of Cyrus: 18. and avoucheth that there is but one true God.
46. 46Bel, Nabo, and other idols shall be destroyed, 3. Whereupon the Jews are admonished to return from sin, to God's true service. 12. And salvation is promised by Christ.
47. 47The destruction of Babylon is further prophesied, for their pride, 8. arrogancy, 10. and sorcery.
48. 48The prophet inveigheth against the Jews' vain boasting of the name of Israel, not having true virtues. 3. Only God, not idols, foreshoweth things to come: 9. for his own name's sake, conserveth his people, 16. Inviteth them to repent, and to be grateful for his benefits.
49. 49Christ shall lead the Gentiles to salvation, even of the islands and uttermost parts of the world. 10. By him the faithful shall receive much grace, 14. and comfort. 18. The Church still increasing, 21. admiring her own felicity: 25. and the destruction of her enemies.
50. 50The synagogue shall be divorced for her iniquities. 4. Christ will omit no ordinary means, but for her sake will endure ignominious afflictions. 10. All which she contemning shall perish.
51. 51God encourageth Sion to trust in his promised comfort, by example of Abraham. 3. For the spiritual Sion, the Church of Christ, shall receive much grace by his Evangelical law: 12. and her children shall not fear persecution, nor be overcome; 23. but her enemies shall fail.
52. 52The prophet, alluding to the deliverance of Sion and Jerusalem from Babylonical captivity, stirreth up the Church of Christ, to rejoice for the deliverance from sin: 7. which Christ's Apostles preached: 10. with great fruit in all nations.
53. 53All will not believe Christ's Gospel to whom it shall be preached: 2. as the mystery of his ignominious death for all men's sins: 7. which he will suffer most meekly: 10. for which his name shall be glorified in all places.
54. 54Gentiles who were barren, shall multiply in the Church of Christ: 10. from which God's mercy shall never be separated.
55. 55God promiseth abundance of spiritual graces to the faithful, 4. that shall believe in Christ of all nations: 7. and sincerely serve him.
56. 56God inviteth all men in thought and deed to keep his law: 4. promiseth blessing and reward to those that profess, and keep perpetual chastity. 9. and reproveth evil pastors.
57. 57The prophet lamenteth that men regard not, when the just die; 3. reprehendeth those that scorn the godly; 5. and commit horrible idolatry; 11. forgetting God: 14. who useth all benignity to recall them: 20. but they contemn him.
58. 58God commandeth the Prophet, to cry unto the sinful people vehemently, and incessantly to keep the law, not only in show and presence, but sincerely, leaving their own wills, and seeking God's will: 9. so they shall receive their good desires, and reward of well doing.
59. 59Sins do separate men from God: 3. as manslaughter, theft, and lying, with contempt of judgement and justice. 12. Men are otherwise judged just or unjust in the world, then in deed they are before God: 16. who seeth and judgeth all rightly.
60. 60In the Church of Christ shall shine the light of true faith, and sincere charity: 8. which shall be spread in all nations, and continue all times: 15. replenished with many joyful graces: 18. and eternal glory.
61. 61Christ announceth himself to be sent from heaven to teach the truth, to heal and pardon the penitent, to comfort the desolate, and strengthen the weak. 4. whose Apostles shall constantly preach justice in all the world. 10. And his Church shall rejoice.
62. 62The prophet avoucheth that he will not cease from preaching Christ, 4. to whom all nations shall be converted: 8. & whose Church shall continue for ever.
63. 63Christ is described as a victorious conqueror, ascending into heaven with triumph, imbrued with blood. 7. For all whose benefits the Prophet rendereth thanks: 10. expostulating the people's ingratitude, that provoked God to wrath.
64. 64The Jews in captivity pray to God for release: 4. acknowledging his former great benefits, and their own sins, fleeing now to his mercy.
65. 65The Gentiles shall seek and find Christ, 2. Whom the Jews will persecute, and shall be rejected, only a few relics reserved. 13. So the Church shall multiply, and abound in graces.
66. 66God who filleth heaven and earth, will dwell in the heart of the humble. 3. For the sins of the Jews Jerusalem shall be destroyed. 5. The faith of Christ shall be propagated by the preaching of the Apostles. 15. And Christ coming to judge, 19. all shall receive according to their deserts.