His prophecies were directed at a divided kingdom. Israel, the ten tribes, had left Jerusalem and were known by the names, Samaria, Ephriam and Israel. The remaining tribes in Jerusalem were called Judah. The listing of the names of the kings of Judah in the first chapter tell us that his ministry was in the eighth century before Christ. The kings of Judah during his ministry were Uzziah, (strength of Jah or Jehovah). Jotham,(Jehovah is perfect). Ahaz, (possessor or to seize). Hezekiah, (strengthened of Jehovah). Isa.1:1 Study the lives of these kings and see how the prophetic name given them was fulfilled in their reign. The kings of Israel or Samaria during this time were Zachariah, (Jehovah has remembered). Shallum, (recompense or reward). Menahem, (Comforter). He missed his calling. Pekahiah, (Jehovah has observed). Pekah, (watch). Hoshea (deliverer). In some instances these men failed to live up to the positive side of the meaning of their names. Their history is certainly interesting.
There is not a great deal to be known about Isaiah other than he was the son of a man named Amos, meaning strong. He was married and had two sons. Both of them were given prophetic names. Shear-Jaashub, (a remnant shall return). Words of comfort and rebuke to Ahaz. Isa.7:3 The other, Maher-shalal-hashbaz, (hastening to the spoil, hurrying to the spoil). A prophetic name showing the coming invasion of Assyria. Isa.8:3 Note that his wife, unnamed, was a prophetess.
The sign of the virgin birth. Isa.7:14 A virgin to conceive. If man can produce a child by artificial insemination or by cloning, how much more is God able to bring forth a son. Luke 1:35 The message of the angel was the impending manifestation of the Holy Ghost in her life. The power of the One who created her was to come upon her. This was the work of the Most High God. She would be overshadowed (Strongs, to cast a shade upon, i.e. (by analogy) to envelope in a haze of brilliancy; figuratively, to invest with preternatural influence). It is small wonder that men do not understand this miraculous act of God. It can only be comprehended by those who have experienced in some fashion the glories of the power of God in their lives.