ISAIAH 1, 2, or 3 . . . The Academic Debate!
Isaiah 1
Chapters 1 - 39:
1 – 12 Words against Judah and Jerusalem
13 – 23 Oracles against Foreign Nations
24 – 27 Isaianic apocalypse
28 – 32 Assyrian Cycle
33 – 35 Salvation appendix
36 – 39 Historical materials, 2nd Kings 18:17 – 20:19 Hezekiah and Isaiah (Ahaz and Isaiah in chap. 7). Exile to Babylon!
Events:
Syro Ephraimitic war...734 – 32 B.C...Ahaz king (chaps. 6 – 8)
Revolt of Ashdod vs. Sargon II...711 B.C...Hezekiah king (chap. 20)
Invasion of Sennacherib...701 B.C...Hezekiah king (chaps. 36 – 37)
Unity?:
Isaiah 1, Isaiah 65 – 66...
Cultic abuses disrupt the relationship with God. I, Yahweh, am fed up with sacrifices. (1:11; 65:3; 66:3)
There must be a separation between the righteous and the impious. All flesh will worship me…corpses of wicked who rebelled.
Judgment of impious leads to a resumption of relations with God. You will be “faithful city.”
Isaiah 1 and 65 – 66 form an inclusion.
Disobedience of Ahaz in 7 – 8, Faithfulness of Hezekiah in 36 – 39
Anticipation of Exile in 39; Exile presupposed in 40 – 55
This unity is literary or redactional, not historical
Did 1 – 39 ever exist as a unit? Did 40 – 55 exist separately?
Themes:
The fate of Zion...
conditional on faith (28:14 – 22..."Therefore, hear the word of the LORD, O scoffers, Who rule this people who are in Jerusalem, Because you have said, "We have made a covenant with death, And with Sheol we have made a pact. The overwhelming scourge will not reach us when it passes by, For we have made falsehood our refuge and we have concealed ourselves with deception." Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone {for} the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes {in it} will not be disturbed. "I will make justice the measuring line And righteousness the level; Then hail will sweep away the refuge of lies And the waters will overflow the secret place. "Your covenant with death will be canceled, And your pact with Sheol will not stand; When the overwhelming scourge passes through, Then you become its trampling {place.} "As often as it passes through, it will seize you; For morning after morning it will pass through, {anytime} during the day or night, And it will be sheer terror to understand what it means." The bed is too short on which to stretch out, And the blanket is too small to wrap oneself in. For the LORD will rise up as {at} Mount Perazim, He will be stirred up as in the valley of Gibeon, To do His task, His unusual task, And to work His work, His extraordinary work. And now do not carry on as scoffers, Or your fetters will be made stronger; For I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts Of decisive destruction on all the earth." (NASB)) ...One who TRUSTS will not panic...after defeat of Zion, its final vindication
Future of Kingship...
conditional on faith (7:9..."and the head of Ephraim is Samaria and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you will not believe, you surely shall not last."' (NASB)) ...If you do not stand firm in FAITH, you will not stand firm at all....after end of kingship, a new messianic figure in chaps 9 and 11
Exodus and covenant--absent in Isaiah 1 – 39!
Outline of Isaiah 5 - 12:
(5:1 – 7) Song of the Vineyard...(v. 1a) Prophet’s introduction...(vv. 1b – 2) Prophet comments on the vineyard owner’s expectations...(vv. 3 – 4) Owner’s (Yahweh) first address...(vv. 5 – 6) Owner’s second address/sentence...(v. 7) Prophet’s explanation (vineyard = Israel)
(5:8 – 23) Woes specifying the indictment...(5:8 – 10) people gobble up land...(5:11 – 17) people drink wine to avoid social responsibility...(5:20) people call good evil and vice versa...U. S. missiles are “peacemakers”...(5:23) people acquit guilty for a bribe
(5:25) Refrain: for all this his anger is not turned away….
Hence (5:26 – 30) God will summon Assyrians as his agent
(6:1 – 9:7) Memorandum about Syro-Ephraimitic War...
(6) Call of Isaiah--legitimizes judgment that befalls Judah...(6:1 – 2) What the prophet saw--Yahweh enthroned...(6:3 – 4) What the prophet heard--chorus of Seraphim...(6:5 – 7) Prophet’s uncleanness and purification...(6:8) Yahweh’s question and prophet’s response...(6:9 – 10) Commission report...(6:11 – 13) Prophet’s question and Yahweh’s response
(7) Shear Yashub and Immanuel...
(7:1 - 9)...Context in Syro-Ephraimitic War ¨Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel tried to force Ahaz, king of Judah, into an anti-Assyrian coalition...They intended to install the “son of Tabeel” (v. 6) as a puppet king...Isaiah takes along Shear Jashub...Only a remnant of the invading army will return home in safety,” “those who return to Yahweh in repentance will survive,” or “only a very few people will survive this catastrophe”...(10:21) a remnant will return to the mighty God; (30:15)...In returning and rest you shall be saved
(7:10 - 14)...Ahaz refuses the sign offered by Isaiah (Deuteronomy 6:16)...“Young woman” or “virgin”: Four things I do not understand: the way of eagle in the sky, of a serpent on a rock, of a ship on the seas, of a man and young woman making love. (Proverb 30:19)
(8) Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz...
(8:16 – 18)...The Prophet and His children as signs...Isaiah retires temporarily--waits for Yahweh, hopes in him...Isaiah himself = Yahweh saves...Shear-jashub = only a remnant will survive the coming disaster...Immanuel = God is with us...Maher-shalal-hash-baz = the spoil speeds, the prey hastens
(9:1 – 7) Birth of new royal child
(9:8 – 21) Refrain: for all this his anger is not turned away...
(10:1 – 4a) Woes specifying the indictment (refrain 10:4b: for all this his anger is not turned away)
(10:5 – 34) Words against Assyrians
(11) Messianic promises
(12) Hymn of Thanksgiving (“my salvation” in v. 2 may be a pun on the name Isaiah)
Isaiah 7 – 8 / 36 – 39: Isaiah and Ahaz, Isaiah and Hezekiah...
Ahaz shows unfaith in the crisis of 734 – 32 chaps 7 – 8
Hezekiah shows his faith in the Assyrian crisis of 701 when Jerusalem is threatened with death 36 – 37
Hezekiah trusts in Yahweh during mortal illness chap 38
Isaiah 36 - 39: purpose - confirms prophetic power of Isaiah (hence no report of capitulation by Hezekiah or fall of Jerusalem to Assyrians)...Yahweh cares for city during reign of faithful king Hezekiah...Provides bridge between previous prophecies of Assyrian period and those of Babylonian exile...Yahweh spared Jerusalem in the Assyrian period, but these chapters warn of darker days ahead--chaps 7 – 8...Isaiah’s words of judgment in the Assyrian period are to be fulfilled in the Babylonian period
36:1 – 37:38, 2nd Kings 18:13; 18:17 – 19:37...2nd Kings 18:14 – 16 Hezekiah capitulates to the Assyrian king—not included in Isaiah—no blemish on Hezekiah’s faith
38:1 – 22 Hezekiah’s illness, recovery, prayer of thanksgiving, 2nd Kings 20:4 – 11. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria.
38:9 – 20 Psalm of Hezekiah--without a parallel in Kings--shows Hezekiah’s faith
39:1 – 8, 2nd Kings 20:12 – 19 Hezekiah welcomes a delegation from Babylon and Isaiah’s response...What is to be the fate of Jerusalem and the Davidic dynasty in view of threat posed by Babylon? Introduces Isaiah 40 – 55
The Kings of Babylon:
Nebuchadnezzar 604 – 562 B.C.
Amel Marduk (Evil-Merodach [2nd Kings 25:27]) 562 – 560 B.C.
Neriglissar 560 – 556 B.C.
Labashi Marduk 556 B.C. (one month rule)
Nabonidus 556 – 39 B.C. (Belshazzar, [Daniel 5] was his regent)--he reigned while Second Isaiah prophesied though there is no reference to him by this prophet
1 – 12 Words against Judah and Jerusalem
13 – 23 Oracles against Foreign Nations
24 – 27 Isaianic apocalypse
28 – 32 Assyrian Cycle
33 – 35 Salvation appendix
36 – 39 Historical materials, 2nd Kings 18:17 – 20:19 Hezekiah and Isaiah (Ahaz and Isaiah in chap. 7). Exile to Babylon!
Events:
Syro Ephraimitic war...734 – 32 B.C...Ahaz king (chaps. 6 – 8)
Revolt of Ashdod vs. Sargon II...711 B.C...Hezekiah king (chap. 20)
Invasion of Sennacherib...701 B.C...Hezekiah king (chaps. 36 – 37)
Unity?:
Isaiah 1, Isaiah 65 – 66...
Cultic abuses disrupt the relationship with God. I, Yahweh, am fed up with sacrifices. (1:11; 65:3; 66:3)
There must be a separation between the righteous and the impious. All flesh will worship me…corpses of wicked who rebelled.
Judgment of impious leads to a resumption of relations with God. You will be “faithful city.”
Isaiah 1 and 65 – 66 form an inclusion.
Disobedience of Ahaz in 7 – 8, Faithfulness of Hezekiah in 36 – 39
Anticipation of Exile in 39; Exile presupposed in 40 – 55
This unity is literary or redactional, not historical
Did 1 – 39 ever exist as a unit? Did 40 – 55 exist separately?
Themes:
The fate of Zion...
conditional on faith (28:14 – 22..."Therefore, hear the word of the LORD, O scoffers, Who rule this people who are in Jerusalem, Because you have said, "We have made a covenant with death, And with Sheol we have made a pact. The overwhelming scourge will not reach us when it passes by, For we have made falsehood our refuge and we have concealed ourselves with deception." Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone {for} the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes {in it} will not be disturbed. "I will make justice the measuring line And righteousness the level; Then hail will sweep away the refuge of lies And the waters will overflow the secret place. "Your covenant with death will be canceled, And your pact with Sheol will not stand; When the overwhelming scourge passes through, Then you become its trampling {place.} "As often as it passes through, it will seize you; For morning after morning it will pass through, {anytime} during the day or night, And it will be sheer terror to understand what it means." The bed is too short on which to stretch out, And the blanket is too small to wrap oneself in. For the LORD will rise up as {at} Mount Perazim, He will be stirred up as in the valley of Gibeon, To do His task, His unusual task, And to work His work, His extraordinary work. And now do not carry on as scoffers, Or your fetters will be made stronger; For I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts Of decisive destruction on all the earth." (NASB)) ...One who TRUSTS will not panic...after defeat of Zion, its final vindication
Future of Kingship...
conditional on faith (7:9..."and the head of Ephraim is Samaria and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you will not believe, you surely shall not last."' (NASB)) ...If you do not stand firm in FAITH, you will not stand firm at all....after end of kingship, a new messianic figure in chaps 9 and 11
Exodus and covenant--absent in Isaiah 1 – 39!
Outline of Isaiah 5 - 12:
(5:1 – 7) Song of the Vineyard...(v. 1a) Prophet’s introduction...(vv. 1b – 2) Prophet comments on the vineyard owner’s expectations...(vv. 3 – 4) Owner’s (Yahweh) first address...(vv. 5 – 6) Owner’s second address/sentence...(v. 7) Prophet’s explanation (vineyard = Israel)
(5:8 – 23) Woes specifying the indictment...(5:8 – 10) people gobble up land...(5:11 – 17) people drink wine to avoid social responsibility...(5:20) people call good evil and vice versa...U. S. missiles are “peacemakers”...(5:23) people acquit guilty for a bribe
(5:25) Refrain: for all this his anger is not turned away….
Hence (5:26 – 30) God will summon Assyrians as his agent
(6:1 – 9:7) Memorandum about Syro-Ephraimitic War...
(6) Call of Isaiah--legitimizes judgment that befalls Judah...(6:1 – 2) What the prophet saw--Yahweh enthroned...(6:3 – 4) What the prophet heard--chorus of Seraphim...(6:5 – 7) Prophet’s uncleanness and purification...(6:8) Yahweh’s question and prophet’s response...(6:9 – 10) Commission report...(6:11 – 13) Prophet’s question and Yahweh’s response
(7) Shear Yashub and Immanuel...
(7:1 - 9)...Context in Syro-Ephraimitic War ¨Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel tried to force Ahaz, king of Judah, into an anti-Assyrian coalition...They intended to install the “son of Tabeel” (v. 6) as a puppet king...Isaiah takes along Shear Jashub...Only a remnant of the invading army will return home in safety,” “those who return to Yahweh in repentance will survive,” or “only a very few people will survive this catastrophe”...(10:21) a remnant will return to the mighty God; (30:15)...In returning and rest you shall be saved
(7:10 - 14)...Ahaz refuses the sign offered by Isaiah (Deuteronomy 6:16)...“Young woman” or “virgin”: Four things I do not understand: the way of eagle in the sky, of a serpent on a rock, of a ship on the seas, of a man and young woman making love. (Proverb 30:19)
(8) Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz...
(8:16 – 18)...The Prophet and His children as signs...Isaiah retires temporarily--waits for Yahweh, hopes in him...Isaiah himself = Yahweh saves...Shear-jashub = only a remnant will survive the coming disaster...Immanuel = God is with us...Maher-shalal-hash-baz = the spoil speeds, the prey hastens
(9:1 – 7) Birth of new royal child
(9:8 – 21) Refrain: for all this his anger is not turned away...
(10:1 – 4a) Woes specifying the indictment (refrain 10:4b: for all this his anger is not turned away)
(10:5 – 34) Words against Assyrians
(11) Messianic promises
(12) Hymn of Thanksgiving (“my salvation” in v. 2 may be a pun on the name Isaiah)
Isaiah 7 – 8 / 36 – 39: Isaiah and Ahaz, Isaiah and Hezekiah...
Ahaz shows unfaith in the crisis of 734 – 32 chaps 7 – 8
Hezekiah shows his faith in the Assyrian crisis of 701 when Jerusalem is threatened with death 36 – 37
Hezekiah trusts in Yahweh during mortal illness chap 38
Isaiah 36 - 39: purpose - confirms prophetic power of Isaiah (hence no report of capitulation by Hezekiah or fall of Jerusalem to Assyrians)...Yahweh cares for city during reign of faithful king Hezekiah...Provides bridge between previous prophecies of Assyrian period and those of Babylonian exile...Yahweh spared Jerusalem in the Assyrian period, but these chapters warn of darker days ahead--chaps 7 – 8...Isaiah’s words of judgment in the Assyrian period are to be fulfilled in the Babylonian period
36:1 – 37:38, 2nd Kings 18:13; 18:17 – 19:37...2nd Kings 18:14 – 16 Hezekiah capitulates to the Assyrian king—not included in Isaiah—no blemish on Hezekiah’s faith
38:1 – 22 Hezekiah’s illness, recovery, prayer of thanksgiving, 2nd Kings 20:4 – 11. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria.
38:9 – 20 Psalm of Hezekiah--without a parallel in Kings--shows Hezekiah’s faith
39:1 – 8, 2nd Kings 20:12 – 19 Hezekiah welcomes a delegation from Babylon and Isaiah’s response...What is to be the fate of Jerusalem and the Davidic dynasty in view of threat posed by Babylon? Introduces Isaiah 40 – 55
The Kings of Babylon:
Nebuchadnezzar 604 – 562 B.C.
Amel Marduk (Evil-Merodach [2nd Kings 25:27]) 562 – 560 B.C.
Neriglissar 560 – 556 B.C.
Labashi Marduk 556 B.C. (one month rule)
Nabonidus 556 – 39 B.C. (Belshazzar, [Daniel 5] was his regent)--he reigned while Second Isaiah prophesied though there is no reference to him by this prophet
Isaiah 2
The Basis for a 2nd Isaiah (40 – 55) :
Historical Background...
1st Isaiah: Kings...Uzziah; Ahaz; Hezekiah; Enemy...Assyria (Sargon and Sennacherib)
2nd Isaiah: Cyrus the Persian already known (550 – 530 B.C.); but before the fall of Babylon in 539 B.C.; Jerusalem already destroyed (44:26 – 28..."Confirming the word of His servant And performing the purpose of His messengers. {It is I} who says of Jerusalem, 'She shall be inhabited!' And of the cities of Judah, 'They shall be built.' And I will raise up her ruins {again.} "{It is I} who says to the depth of the sea, 'Be dried up!' And I will make your rivers dry." {It is I} who says of Cyrus, '{He is} My shepherd! And he will perform all My desire.' And he declares of Jerusalem, 'She will be built,' And of the temple, 'Your foundation will be laid.'" (NASB), 51:3..."Indeed, the LORD will comfort Zion; He will comfort all her waste places. And her wilderness He will make like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the LORD; Joy and gladness will be found in her, Thanksgiving and sound of a melody." (NASB), 52:9...“Break forth, shout joyfully together, You waste places of Jerusalem; For the LORD has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem." (NASB))
Language, style, form...
1st Isaiah: terse and compact; grave and restrained; lawsuit/oracles of judgment against Israel
2nd Isaiah: warm and impassioned; lyric; oracles of salvation; disputations; lawsuits against the gods
Theological Themes...
1st Isaiah: promised messiah; inviolability of Zion; a remnant shall return
2nd Isaiah: servant; God as creator and redeemer; new Exodus; denial of existence of other gods; use of myth; remnant = exiles; messiah = Cyrus
The Call of The Prophet (40:1 – 11):
Give comfort: plural imperative. Who are the addressees?
Meaning of “comfort”...(51:3) The Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places...(52:9) The Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem
Jerusalem already punished twice as much as deserved (40:2)
The Return of The Divine Warrior 40:9 – 11:
Zion’s role as herald to the cities of Judah (vs. O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion)
Warrior returns with booty ([his arm rules] v. 10) ¨the tender shepherd...he tends his flock...with his arm he gathers the young...in his bosom he carries them....gently leads the nursing ewes
A Series of Disputations 40:12 – 31: (v. 12) Who measured waters in hollow of hand?...(v. 14) Whom did the LORD consult for enlightenment?...(v. 15) Nations are a drop from a bucket...(v. 19) Idols cannot even move!...(v. 23) God brings princes to naught...(vv. 25 – 27) Yahweh is incomparable; but my way is hidden from the LORD...(vv. 28 - 31) Lord is everlasting God; creator of ends of the earth gives power to the faint; strengthens the powerless...Those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.
A Lawsuit against The Nations 41:1 – 5:
Nations as witnesses and deities as defendants
Who is it that roused from the east one victorious at every step? = Cyrus against Medes and Lydians
Yahweh as prosecutor, arbiter, and judge
"I, Yahweh, am the first and with the last."
Oracle of Salvation (41:8 – 13): Address, Assurance of salvation, Nominal substantiation, Verbal substantiation, Israel my servant, Do not be afraid, I am with you…I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you—the tenses are Perfects
A Lawsuit against the gods 41:21 – 29:
The former things and the new things.
Do good, do harm….just do something!
I stirred up one from the north and he has come. (41:25)
Who declared it from the beginning? (41:26)
Is there any god besides me? (44:8)
Another Disputation 44:24 – 45:13: God’s credentials...Promises to: Jerusalem--it shall be inhabited; cities of Judah--they shall be rebuilt; Cyrus--He is my shepherd; temple--it shall be rebuilt.
Historical Background...
1st Isaiah: Kings...Uzziah; Ahaz; Hezekiah; Enemy...Assyria (Sargon and Sennacherib)
2nd Isaiah: Cyrus the Persian already known (550 – 530 B.C.); but before the fall of Babylon in 539 B.C.; Jerusalem already destroyed (44:26 – 28..."Confirming the word of His servant And performing the purpose of His messengers. {It is I} who says of Jerusalem, 'She shall be inhabited!' And of the cities of Judah, 'They shall be built.' And I will raise up her ruins {again.} "{It is I} who says to the depth of the sea, 'Be dried up!' And I will make your rivers dry." {It is I} who says of Cyrus, '{He is} My shepherd! And he will perform all My desire.' And he declares of Jerusalem, 'She will be built,' And of the temple, 'Your foundation will be laid.'" (NASB), 51:3..."Indeed, the LORD will comfort Zion; He will comfort all her waste places. And her wilderness He will make like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the LORD; Joy and gladness will be found in her, Thanksgiving and sound of a melody." (NASB), 52:9...“Break forth, shout joyfully together, You waste places of Jerusalem; For the LORD has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem." (NASB))
Language, style, form...
1st Isaiah: terse and compact; grave and restrained; lawsuit/oracles of judgment against Israel
2nd Isaiah: warm and impassioned; lyric; oracles of salvation; disputations; lawsuits against the gods
Theological Themes...
1st Isaiah: promised messiah; inviolability of Zion; a remnant shall return
2nd Isaiah: servant; God as creator and redeemer; new Exodus; denial of existence of other gods; use of myth; remnant = exiles; messiah = Cyrus
The Call of The Prophet (40:1 – 11):
Give comfort: plural imperative. Who are the addressees?
Meaning of “comfort”...(51:3) The Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places...(52:9) The Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem
Jerusalem already punished twice as much as deserved (40:2)
The Return of The Divine Warrior 40:9 – 11:
Zion’s role as herald to the cities of Judah (vs. O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion)
Warrior returns with booty ([his arm rules] v. 10) ¨the tender shepherd...he tends his flock...with his arm he gathers the young...in his bosom he carries them....gently leads the nursing ewes
A Series of Disputations 40:12 – 31: (v. 12) Who measured waters in hollow of hand?...(v. 14) Whom did the LORD consult for enlightenment?...(v. 15) Nations are a drop from a bucket...(v. 19) Idols cannot even move!...(v. 23) God brings princes to naught...(vv. 25 – 27) Yahweh is incomparable; but my way is hidden from the LORD...(vv. 28 - 31) Lord is everlasting God; creator of ends of the earth gives power to the faint; strengthens the powerless...Those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.
A Lawsuit against The Nations 41:1 – 5:
Nations as witnesses and deities as defendants
Who is it that roused from the east one victorious at every step? = Cyrus against Medes and Lydians
Yahweh as prosecutor, arbiter, and judge
"I, Yahweh, am the first and with the last."
Oracle of Salvation (41:8 – 13): Address, Assurance of salvation, Nominal substantiation, Verbal substantiation, Israel my servant, Do not be afraid, I am with you…I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you—the tenses are Perfects
A Lawsuit against the gods 41:21 – 29:
The former things and the new things.
Do good, do harm….just do something!
I stirred up one from the north and he has come. (41:25)
Who declared it from the beginning? (41:26)
Is there any god besides me? (44:8)
Another Disputation 44:24 – 45:13: God’s credentials...Promises to: Jerusalem--it shall be inhabited; cities of Judah--they shall be rebuilt; Cyrus--He is my shepherd; temple--it shall be rebuilt.
Oracle of Cyrus’ Election (45:1 – 7):
Cyrus as Yahweh’s anointed; Who has roused a victor from the east (41:2)?
So that you (Cyrus) may know that I am Yahweh (v. 3)...Marduk looked through all the countries, searching for a righteous leader. Then he pronounced the name of Cyrus….Marduk was well pleased with my deeds and sent friendly blessings to me, Cyrus, the king who worships Marduk ANET 315 – 316
Marduk chose Cyrus and he defeated Nabonidus. Cyrus accuses Nabonidus of neglecting the gods and oppressing the people.
So that you (Cyrus) may know that I am Yahweh (v. 3)...Marduk looked through all the countries, searching for a righteous leader. Then he pronounced the name of Cyrus….Marduk was well pleased with my deeds and sent friendly blessings to me, Cyrus, the king who worships Marduk ANET 315 – 316
Marduk chose Cyrus and he defeated Nabonidus. Cyrus accuses Nabonidus of neglecting the gods and oppressing the people.
Hymn (45:8) and Disputation (45:9 – 13):
Hymn in v. 5 features “salvation,” “righteousness,” “create”
Alas for the one who contends with the “potter.”
Does the clay say, “You forgot the handles!”?
Fetus, “What’s going on?”
Since I created the whole cosmos all by myself…
Cyrus is my agent of redemption!
Creation and Mythology 51:9 – 11:
A hymn to the arm of Yahweh the warrior (wake up, “arm” of Yahweh)
Defeater of Rahab and the dragon
Dried up the sea…a way for the redeemed to cross over [the sea] ¨Procession of the redeemed to Zion
Joy; end of sadness
Other Oracles of Salvation:
41:14 – 16; 43:1 – 4, 5 – 7; 44:1 – 5; 54:4 – 6
Fear not, you worm Jacob (41:14)
Your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel (v. 14)
I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you (43:3)
For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will gather you (54:7)
Hymn in v. 5 features “salvation,” “righteousness,” “create”
Alas for the one who contends with the “potter.”
Does the clay say, “You forgot the handles!”?
Fetus, “What’s going on?”
Since I created the whole cosmos all by myself…
Cyrus is my agent of redemption!
Creation and Mythology 51:9 – 11:
A hymn to the arm of Yahweh the warrior (wake up, “arm” of Yahweh)
Defeater of Rahab and the dragon
Dried up the sea…a way for the redeemed to cross over [the sea] ¨Procession of the redeemed to Zion
Joy; end of sadness
Other Oracles of Salvation:
41:14 – 16; 43:1 – 4, 5 – 7; 44:1 – 5; 54:4 – 6
Fear not, you worm Jacob (41:14)
Your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel (v. 14)
I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you (43:3)
For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will gather you (54:7)
Isaiah 3
Jerusalem destroyed (58:12; 64:10 – 11)
The exiles will return (56:8; 60:4)
Temple has been restored and is functioning...(56:5) in my house a monument and a name...(56:7) a house of prayer for all peoples...(66:6) Listen, a voice from the temple.
A sharply divided community
Social Reality:
A community in which the poor are exploited by the wealthy
Syncretised religion, including mortuary rites and cults, with a strong sexual orientation, is still being practiced, and practitioners include the temple priesthood (57:3 – 13; 65:1 – 12; 66:17)
A community under severe stress—hostility between a prophetic group and the religious authorities. This prophetic group was excluded from the cultic community and marginalized socially and economically.
57:3 – 13 vs. Syncretism:
Vs. the children of the sorceress and of a male adulterer: seeking consolation with shades of the dead, sacrificing children (3 – 5)
Vs. the sorceress herself. Deviant cults//female sexual transgression. Religious consequences of exogamous marriages (6 – 13a)
The one who takes refuge in me will inherit the land (13b)
Syncretism 57:1 – 13; 65:1 – 12; 66:17:
You burn with lust among the oaks (57:5)
You have set up your bed…you have uncovered your bed…you have made up a bargain for yourself with them, you have loved their bed (57:7 – 8)
Journeyed to Molech = child sacrifice…sent envoys to Sheol (v. 9)
Sacrificing in gardens and offering incense on bricks (65:3)
Eating the flesh of pigs, vermin, and rodents (66:17)...real sin or hyperbole?
Social Justice vs. Ritual Practice:
The fast that I choose (58:6 – 9)...To loose the bonds of injustice...To let the oppressed go free...To share your bread with the hungry...To bring the homeless into your house...To cover the naked
Then you shall call and Yahweh will answer
Such “fasting” requires greater self denial
Themes:
Missionaries to foreign lands 66:18 – 19--all nations will come and see my glory.
Ethnic and physical qualifications for membership are set aside (foreigners and eunuchs welcomed [per contra Deuteronomy 23:1 – 8]), but Sabbath observance central. Temple a house of prayer for all peoples (56:1 – 7; per contra Deuteronomy 23:2 – 9).
God will create a new community, beginning with his “servants”—my chosen ones will inherit the land (65:9 – 10)
Round-the-clock intercessory prayer (62:6 – 7); prayer is gaining in popularity at the expense of sacrifice.
Redemption is conditional on moral regeneration (56:1) Maintain justice…for soon my salvation will come.
Self-indulgent conduct of the community leaders (56:9 – 12) and those who have settled for the syncretistic option (57:3 – 13).
Judgment by fire (66:15 – 16); lurid fate of the reprobate (66:24); new heavens and earth (65:17; 66:22); divine intervention; soon my salvation will come (56:1); reversal of fortunes and roles (65:13 – 15)
Isaiah 60:1 – 6:
Your light (God’s epiphany) has come, Zion (v. 1)
Yahweh’s glory shines like the dawn, but darkness covers the earth (v. 2; 40:5 the glory of Yahweh will be revealed)
Nations shall come to your light; kings to your dawn (v. 3)
Your sons shall come from afar; your daughters on their nurses’ arms (v. 4)
The abundance of the sea, and the wealth of nations shall come to you by sea (v. 5); Countless camels from the east (v. 6)
Tribute for sacrifice on Yahweh’s altar (v. 7)
Isaiah 61:1 – 4, 8 – 11 and 61:10 – 62:3:
Yahweh has anointed me (the prophet or the servant) to preach good news to the oppressed, to comfort all who mourn (Luke 4:18 – 19)
To provide for those who mourn in Zion a garland instead of ashes
They shall repair the ruined cities
I, Yahweh, love justice and hate wrongdoing
I (the prophet or the servant) will greatly rejoice in Yahweh for he has clothed me with victory (salvation) garments.
Isaiah 62:1 – 5 and 61:10 – 62:3:
(v. 1) I will not be silent until Zion is vindicated
(v. 3) You will be a splendid crown in Yahweh’s hand
(v. 4) Jerusalem no more called Azubah (forsaken; “Yahweh has forsaken me” 49:14; 1st Kings 22:42) or Shemamah (desolate), but Hephzibah (my delight is in her; 2nd Kings 21:1) and Beulah (married). 65:15 his servants will be called by a different name
(v. 5) Your builder/sons will “marry” [possess, master] you; God will rejoice over you
Isaiah 62:6 – 12:
Sentinels are to give God no rest until he establishes Jerusalem (vv. 6 – 7)
I will never give your grain and wine to your enemies; those who harvest grain will eat it (vv. 8 – 9)
Build up the highway (v. 10)
Say to daughter Zion: Your salvation comes (v. 11)
New names for the people: “Holy people” (v. 12; cf. holy seed in 6:13); “redeemed of Yahweh” (v. 12; 35:8 – 9 a holy way for the redeemed); “sought out,” “a city not forsaken”
A Community Lament 63:7 – 19:
Yahweh lifted and carried Israel in days of old (9)
They rebelled and grieved his holy spirit (10)
They recalled the days of old: Where is the one who brought them up from the sea? (11)
Look down….Where is your zeal, your power, your compassion? (15)
You are our father/redeemer even if Abraham and Israel would not acknowledge us (16)
We have been as those who no longer bear your name (19)
Isaiah 64:1 – 9:
Oh that you (Yahweh) would tear open the heavens and come down as at Sinai, and make the nations tremble (v. 19b [1])
No God besides you who works for those who wait for him (v. 3 [4])
We have sinned and you have hidden your face (45:15) and handed us over to iniquity (vv. 5-6 [6-7])
Yet, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter (v. 7 [8])--relationship to God based on his creative acts prior to the saving history.
Do not remember our iniquity forever; we are all your people (v. 8 [9])
[Jerusalem a place of desolation (v. 9 [10]); Our temple has been burned by fire (v. 10 [11])
After all this, will you restrain yourself, Yahweh? Will you keep silent and afflict us beyond measure (v. 11 [12])]
The exiles will return (56:8; 60:4)
Temple has been restored and is functioning...(56:5) in my house a monument and a name...(56:7) a house of prayer for all peoples...(66:6) Listen, a voice from the temple.
A sharply divided community
Social Reality:
A community in which the poor are exploited by the wealthy
Syncretised religion, including mortuary rites and cults, with a strong sexual orientation, is still being practiced, and practitioners include the temple priesthood (57:3 – 13; 65:1 – 12; 66:17)
A community under severe stress—hostility between a prophetic group and the religious authorities. This prophetic group was excluded from the cultic community and marginalized socially and economically.
57:3 – 13 vs. Syncretism:
Vs. the children of the sorceress and of a male adulterer: seeking consolation with shades of the dead, sacrificing children (3 – 5)
Vs. the sorceress herself. Deviant cults//female sexual transgression. Religious consequences of exogamous marriages (6 – 13a)
The one who takes refuge in me will inherit the land (13b)
Syncretism 57:1 – 13; 65:1 – 12; 66:17:
You burn with lust among the oaks (57:5)
You have set up your bed…you have uncovered your bed…you have made up a bargain for yourself with them, you have loved their bed (57:7 – 8)
Journeyed to Molech = child sacrifice…sent envoys to Sheol (v. 9)
Sacrificing in gardens and offering incense on bricks (65:3)
Eating the flesh of pigs, vermin, and rodents (66:17)...real sin or hyperbole?
Social Justice vs. Ritual Practice:
The fast that I choose (58:6 – 9)...To loose the bonds of injustice...To let the oppressed go free...To share your bread with the hungry...To bring the homeless into your house...To cover the naked
Then you shall call and Yahweh will answer
Such “fasting” requires greater self denial
Themes:
Missionaries to foreign lands 66:18 – 19--all nations will come and see my glory.
Ethnic and physical qualifications for membership are set aside (foreigners and eunuchs welcomed [per contra Deuteronomy 23:1 – 8]), but Sabbath observance central. Temple a house of prayer for all peoples (56:1 – 7; per contra Deuteronomy 23:2 – 9).
God will create a new community, beginning with his “servants”—my chosen ones will inherit the land (65:9 – 10)
Round-the-clock intercessory prayer (62:6 – 7); prayer is gaining in popularity at the expense of sacrifice.
Redemption is conditional on moral regeneration (56:1) Maintain justice…for soon my salvation will come.
Self-indulgent conduct of the community leaders (56:9 – 12) and those who have settled for the syncretistic option (57:3 – 13).
Judgment by fire (66:15 – 16); lurid fate of the reprobate (66:24); new heavens and earth (65:17; 66:22); divine intervention; soon my salvation will come (56:1); reversal of fortunes and roles (65:13 – 15)
Isaiah 60:1 – 6:
Your light (God’s epiphany) has come, Zion (v. 1)
Yahweh’s glory shines like the dawn, but darkness covers the earth (v. 2; 40:5 the glory of Yahweh will be revealed)
Nations shall come to your light; kings to your dawn (v. 3)
Your sons shall come from afar; your daughters on their nurses’ arms (v. 4)
The abundance of the sea, and the wealth of nations shall come to you by sea (v. 5); Countless camels from the east (v. 6)
Tribute for sacrifice on Yahweh’s altar (v. 7)
Isaiah 61:1 – 4, 8 – 11 and 61:10 – 62:3:
Yahweh has anointed me (the prophet or the servant) to preach good news to the oppressed, to comfort all who mourn (Luke 4:18 – 19)
To provide for those who mourn in Zion a garland instead of ashes
They shall repair the ruined cities
I, Yahweh, love justice and hate wrongdoing
I (the prophet or the servant) will greatly rejoice in Yahweh for he has clothed me with victory (salvation) garments.
Isaiah 62:1 – 5 and 61:10 – 62:3:
(v. 1) I will not be silent until Zion is vindicated
(v. 3) You will be a splendid crown in Yahweh’s hand
(v. 4) Jerusalem no more called Azubah (forsaken; “Yahweh has forsaken me” 49:14; 1st Kings 22:42) or Shemamah (desolate), but Hephzibah (my delight is in her; 2nd Kings 21:1) and Beulah (married). 65:15 his servants will be called by a different name
(v. 5) Your builder/sons will “marry” [possess, master] you; God will rejoice over you
Isaiah 62:6 – 12:
Sentinels are to give God no rest until he establishes Jerusalem (vv. 6 – 7)
I will never give your grain and wine to your enemies; those who harvest grain will eat it (vv. 8 – 9)
Build up the highway (v. 10)
Say to daughter Zion: Your salvation comes (v. 11)
New names for the people: “Holy people” (v. 12; cf. holy seed in 6:13); “redeemed of Yahweh” (v. 12; 35:8 – 9 a holy way for the redeemed); “sought out,” “a city not forsaken”
A Community Lament 63:7 – 19:
Yahweh lifted and carried Israel in days of old (9)
They rebelled and grieved his holy spirit (10)
They recalled the days of old: Where is the one who brought them up from the sea? (11)
Look down….Where is your zeal, your power, your compassion? (15)
You are our father/redeemer even if Abraham and Israel would not acknowledge us (16)
We have been as those who no longer bear your name (19)
Isaiah 64:1 – 9:
Oh that you (Yahweh) would tear open the heavens and come down as at Sinai, and make the nations tremble (v. 19b [1])
No God besides you who works for those who wait for him (v. 3 [4])
We have sinned and you have hidden your face (45:15) and handed us over to iniquity (vv. 5-6 [6-7])
Yet, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter (v. 7 [8])--relationship to God based on his creative acts prior to the saving history.
Do not remember our iniquity forever; we are all your people (v. 8 [9])
[Jerusalem a place of desolation (v. 9 [10]); Our temple has been burned by fire (v. 10 [11])
After all this, will you restrain yourself, Yahweh? Will you keep silent and afflict us beyond measure (v. 11 [12])]
Isaiah 65 - 66God spreads out his hands to a rebellious people (65:2, 24)
Creation of new heavens and earth (65:17) I will answer (65:24) Offspring blessed by Yahweh (65:23) Critique of animal and grain sacrifices (66:3) On new moon and Sabbath all flesh will worship me (66:23) Inextinguishable fire (66:24) Garden cults (66:17)--they sanctify and purify themselves to go into the garden |
Isaiah 1Children I have reared, but they have rebelled (1:2, 28)
Heaven and earth listen to Yahweh’s lawsuit (1:2) I will not listen (1:15) Offspring who deal corruptly (1:4) Offerings, incense, new moon, and Sabbath rejected (1:13) Inextinguishable fire (1:31) Garden cults (1:29)--you shall blush for the gardens you have chosen |
Isaiah 65:17 – 25:
New heavens and new earth (v. 17)
No more weeping (v. 18)
People live 100+ years (v. 20)
They will build houses and live in them (v. 21)
Peace among animals (v. 25; 11:6 – 9)
Dust will be the serpent’s food. Serpents are the exception to ideal harmony (v. 25; Genesis 3:14)
Isaiah 66 Outline:
(1 – 4) vs. syncretistic cult
(5 – 6) favor to those who tremble at Yahweh’s word; judgment to Yahweh’s enemies
(7 – 14) an epilogue to Third Isaiah—population explosion and prosperity; wrath to enemies
(15 – 16) These verses develop idea of Yahweh’s wrath from v. 14; original conclusion to 56 – 66?
(17) Those slain = syncretists of vv. 3 – 4
(18 – 21) broad, inclusive approach to membership in Jewish community. Conversion of Gentiles; some of them even become priests and Levites
(20) Gentiles limited to providing sacrificial material
(22 – 23) new heavens and earth; all flesh worships Yahweh
(24) except to book; worshipers go out to witness corpses of the rebels.
Isaiah 66:1 – 9:
Heaven is my throne…what is this house that you would build for me? (56:7) a house of prayer and sacrifices; (60:7) Yahweh’s glorious house
I look to the humble…who trembles at my word (vv. 2, 5). Those who trembled at the words of the God of Israel Ezra 9:4 (also 10:3)
Great population increase in Jerusalem: Before she goes into labor she gives birth! God stands behind this population explosion: Shall I open the womb and not deliver?
Isaiah 66:10 – 14:
Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad, all you who love her
That you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast, her glorious bosom
Yahweh gives prosperity and wealth to her
As a mother comforts her child, I will comfort you (40:1 – 2)
The hand of Yahweh is with his servants; his indignation against his enemies
The Hand of Yahweh:
For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand (of judgment) is stretched out still (5:25; 9:12, 17, 21; 10:4)
Yahweh will extend his hand a second time to recover the remnant that is left of his people (11:11)
His hand will divide the Euphrates (11:15)
The hand of Yahweh will rest on this mountain (25:10)
Yahweh’s hand is exalted, but the nations don’t see it (26:11)
Yahweh’s hand with his servants (66:14)
New heavens and new earth (v. 17)
No more weeping (v. 18)
People live 100+ years (v. 20)
They will build houses and live in them (v. 21)
Peace among animals (v. 25; 11:6 – 9)
Dust will be the serpent’s food. Serpents are the exception to ideal harmony (v. 25; Genesis 3:14)
Isaiah 66 Outline:
(1 – 4) vs. syncretistic cult
(5 – 6) favor to those who tremble at Yahweh’s word; judgment to Yahweh’s enemies
(7 – 14) an epilogue to Third Isaiah—population explosion and prosperity; wrath to enemies
(15 – 16) These verses develop idea of Yahweh’s wrath from v. 14; original conclusion to 56 – 66?
(17) Those slain = syncretists of vv. 3 – 4
(18 – 21) broad, inclusive approach to membership in Jewish community. Conversion of Gentiles; some of them even become priests and Levites
(20) Gentiles limited to providing sacrificial material
(22 – 23) new heavens and earth; all flesh worships Yahweh
(24) except to book; worshipers go out to witness corpses of the rebels.
Isaiah 66:1 – 9:
Heaven is my throne…what is this house that you would build for me? (56:7) a house of prayer and sacrifices; (60:7) Yahweh’s glorious house
I look to the humble…who trembles at my word (vv. 2, 5). Those who trembled at the words of the God of Israel Ezra 9:4 (also 10:3)
Great population increase in Jerusalem: Before she goes into labor she gives birth! God stands behind this population explosion: Shall I open the womb and not deliver?
Isaiah 66:10 – 14:
Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad, all you who love her
That you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast, her glorious bosom
Yahweh gives prosperity and wealth to her
As a mother comforts her child, I will comfort you (40:1 – 2)
The hand of Yahweh is with his servants; his indignation against his enemies
The Hand of Yahweh:
For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand (of judgment) is stretched out still (5:25; 9:12, 17, 21; 10:4)
Yahweh will extend his hand a second time to recover the remnant that is left of his people (11:11)
His hand will divide the Euphrates (11:15)
The hand of Yahweh will rest on this mountain (25:10)
Yahweh’s hand is exalted, but the nations don’t see it (26:11)
Yahweh’s hand with his servants (66:14)