The Book of Isaiah is one of the prophetic works in the Old Testament that is full of social criticism and divine warnings in the midst of a tense political and social situation. In it, we find not only a rebuke to leaders and society, but also a call to persevere and build collective hope as the people of God. In the context of national fear that gripped Judah and Israel, Isaiah's wisdom appears as a prophetic voice that transcends the situation of his time and remains relevant to be reread in our reality today.

Isaiah and Social Criticism: A Voice of Justice in the Midst of Crisis
The Book of Isaiah consistently shows its side for justice and truth. The social criticism conveyed by Isaiah is not destructive, but constructive. This criticism is directed primarily at those who hold power—kings, leaders, and elites of society—who have abused their authority for their own benefit and ignored the public interest.

Isaiah 5, for example, voices condemnation of injustice with calls such as “Woe indeed to those who call evil good and good evil, who change darkness for light and light for darkness, who change bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter” (Isaiah 5:20 TB2). This call is not simply a moral judgment, but a warning that manipulation of truth and justice will bring collective destruction. This is where Isaiah's prophetic role becomes important, he voices God's voice to a nation that has strayed from light into darkness.

Contexts of Fear: The Syria-Ephraim War and Leadership Response
The crisis of national fear that gripped Judah was primarily rooted in external threats and internal weakness. In the context of the Syria-Ephraim War, Israel and Damascus united to pressure Judah to join the coalition against Assyria. King Ahaz, in his panic, chose not to listen to the prophet Isaiah's advice calling for faith in God and national solidarity, but instead sought help from Assyria (Isaiah 7–8).

Ahaz’s decision reflects the tendency of leaders to choose the “waters of the Great River”—a symbol of foreign military and political power—over the slow-flowing “waters of Shiloah”—a symbol of faith, justice, and the tranquility of living together under God’s protection (Isaiah 8:6-8). This is where national fear turns into a collective crisis of faith.

In the midst of the threat of destruction and fear that grips the nation, Isaiah delivers a powerful and prophetic message: “Do not consider any conspiracy of these people as a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not be afraid. But the LORD Almighty, you shall acknowledge as Holy; fear him and be afraid of him” (Isaiah 8:12-13). This call not only calls for trust in God, but also critiques the systematic use of fear to control and silence society. Fear is used as a tool of power, and Isaiah refuses to submit to that logic.

Isaiah does not stop at criticism, but offers a way out: persisting in faith and social justice. Its wisdom lies in its call for the nation to remain in solidarity with the poor and oppressed, and to continue to seek peace and justice as its top priority, rather than strengthening power through misleading political alliances (Isaiah 5:8, 11).

Isaiah’s message is collective: moral and social revival can only occur if the people together reject fear, refuse to submit to injustice, and begin to move as a community of light bearers (Isaiah 9:1).

Contextual Relevance for Indonesia Today
In the context of Indonesia today, we are faced with a “dark period” or poly crisis: economic uncertainty, government policies with minimal study, concerns about militarism, and a lack of support for the common people. Fear is widespread, both structurally and culturally, and society is often silenced from speaking the truth.

Isaiah’s message speaks directly to this condition, “Do not be afraid of what they fear, and do not be afraid.” When social criticism is considered subversive, Isaiah teaches that criticism is part of the ethical and spiritual responsibility of the faith community. The church and religious communities have a prophetic role not to simply remain silent, but to move together to face injustice. We are called to be a light that shines in the midst of darkness, no matter how small that light is. Like the farmers in Sumba and Poso who continue to fight to defend their land and the dignity of their lives, we are invited to persist in resistance to injustice and not submit to fear.

Isaiah's wisdom is wisdom for times of crisis, reminding us that true strength does not lie in military alliances or political power, but rather in justice, truth, and collective faith in God. National fear is not a reason to give up, but rather a call to rise together in solidarity.

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light…” (Isaiah 9:1).

Are you ready to walk together toward that light?