Isaiah, one of the prophets most frequently quoted in the New Testament, also has one of the most contentious histories of interpretation. Scholarship regarding the authorship of Isaiah is deeply divided. Traditionally, Jewish and Christian interpreters assigned authorship to Isaiah. Around the end of the eighteenth century, scholars began to separate Isaiah into two segments, the first ending at the end of chapter 39 and the second continuing for chapters 40-66. They claimed differences in the historical situation, the theology, and the language and style. In the twentieth century a traditionalist response has arisen, making cogent arguments that the themes in the beginning of the book are also reflected in the end of the book. Differences in vocabulary are inconclusive. Other prophets, living before the time assigned to the second portion of Isaiah, seem to make references to that portion of Isaiah. The New Testament cites Isaiah by name as the author of both portions of the book.
HISTORICAL PERIOD
Isaiah was from Jerusalem. He began as a prophet in 740 B.C. and continued until at least the year 681, reporting the death of Sennacherib in 37.38. According to tradition he was sawn in two under Manasseh's reign. He was married to a prophetess and had at least two sons. During histime period the Assyrian Empire was rising in world importance, eventually managing to demand tribute from Jerusalem, though leaving Jerusalem uncaptured.
THEOLOGICAL MESSAGE
We see in Isaiah God as the Holy One of Israel, as the Savior and Redeemer of his people, as the preserver of a remnant. We also see the striking passages of the suffering servant of the Lord. Isaiah very clearly identifies the Spirit of the Lord, treating him more like an individual than the other prophets do. He also emphasizes the fact that God is ruling over all of history, in contrast to the proponents of native gods who hold only partial power.
LITERARY STRUCTURE
The first portion of Isaiah discusses the immediate present situation. This exposition is followed by oracles of judgment against the surrounding nations. Then we see a description of future blessing for God's people. This structure is typical of the prophets, being found also in Ezekiel, Zephaniah, Joel, and the Septuagint tradition of Jeremiah.
APPROACHING THE NEW TESTAMENT
Isaiah is very frequently cited in the New Testament. We see quotes from Isaiah pertaining to John the Baptist, the virgin birth of Jesus, the stubbornness of unbelievers, the suffering of Christ, and countless other themes. Most importantly, the descriptions of future blessings for God's people are used in the New Testament to describe the inclusion of the Gentiles in the Kingdom of God.
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
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