When was Isaiah in Israel?

Answer 1

In verse 1:1, Isaiah introduces himself as the son of Amoz and says that he is writing about events in Judah and Jerusalem during the reigns of Kings Uzziah (Azariah), Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. Of course, he does not say his witness includes the entire reign of Uzziah, but even the reigns of just Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah spanned 55 years and Isaiah was a prophet in Judah for at least 40 of those years, during the late eighth and early seventh centuries BCE.

Isaiah, son of Amoz - also known as First Isaiah - should not be confused with an anonymous prophet now known as Second Isaiah, who lived during the latter part of the Babylonian Exile and was the author of Isaiah chapters 40 to 55, or with Third Isaiah, who lived in Judah some time after the Return from Exile.

Answer 2

According to traditional chronology, Isaiah lived around 640 to 530 BCE. Some place him at an earlier date. See also:

Timeline

The Israelite Prophets

Answer 3

Traditional chronology states that Isaiah was alive, living in the land of Judah, at the time that Assyria carried away the Ten Israelite Tribes. This was in the sixth year of King Hezekiah of Judah. See also:

Timeline

Answer 4

Isaiah as a prophet occurs during the years 649 BC to 584 BC, according to the Chart 50 VII (6), page 68 Appendix 50, of the Companion Bible, by EW Bullenger