Prophecy can be confusing. In a book like Isaiah, historical events are presented out of order and right next to future prophecies without obvious distinctions between the two. Plus, it's full of strange symbols like the sprout that grows out of the root of Jesse. What we need is a guide--someone who will tell us what's historic and what's prophetic, and explain all the strange symbolism clearly and simply. This is what the best preachers do, but...