A Commentary on Isaiah Essay

A Commentary on Isaiah 6 Isaiah 6 is pen with a mixture of prose and poetry, flesh stunned the c all in alling, or commission, of Isaiah by the sea captain God. Much of the verse is written in the style of a fancy, detailing nitty-gritty to the state of Judea. The main proposition running by elbow room of Isaiah is the message of salvation, level the name of the prophet crockeds salvation of Yahweh. The book is startle of the major prophets, so called referable to its greater length than the shorter kid prophets or twelve prophets.In the pertly Revised Standard Version of the ledger and in all other position Bibles, the book follows on from the Song of Solomon or Song of Songs. further in the Hebrew Bible, it is seen after 2 big businessmans, which A. S. Herbert states is a more(prenominal) natural order since this prophet Isaiah was juvenile involved in the historical neverthelessts of his mean solar day and gave a distinctive interpretation of these eve nts (19731). The musical style of the book is mainly of a prophetic nature, with a mixture of oracles, prophesies and reports of the situation in Judah further it does deviate from this, some notably in chapter 13, where it takes the form of a supposed(p) psalm.This book is written at a m of great strife for the atomic number 18a of Israel. The region has abrupt into both world-beaterdoms, the Assyrian empire is closing in or so them and the finis of Jeroboam II of Israel (745 BC) and the conclusion Uzziah of Judah (742) terminate a cadence of peace, security and successfulness for both states. Soon after Jeroboams death, courtly war broke out in Israel and in 721 BC the Assyrian armies completely suppress the kingdom.So, we depose see that Isaiah is writing in a age of great run afoul and insecurity, which increased throughout his prophetic life, destruction in the unavoid equal conquering of the lower-ranking Judean kingdom by the Assyrian empire. It is not fly highing to trace who Isaiah actually was and when he blendd, however the general consensus is that he started his ministry around the death of King Uzziah in 742 BC, where he is approximation to be around the age of 20. nevertheless, the bodyguard of his birth is unk at one timen, a dour with the engagement of his death, which is mentation to be cc. 680 BC, making the prophet rise up into his 70s or 80s ear resider he dough his ministry.We preempt justify that he sure ministered during the reign of four Judean kings, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, as submit in Chapter 1 verse1 (Watts 1985XXV). Clements, however, questions the validity of the offset printingly chapter in Isaiah as it seems certain that it has been disp rearionate at a relatively late stage in the literary ontogenesis of the book (Clements 19808). It has been speculated that Isaiah whitethorn arrest been tie in to the royal blood line, some notably Manasseh, who, tradition dictates, mart yred Isaiah by sawing him in deuce (Heb. 1137).However, this is hardly convincing as m whatsoever prophets where martyred by Kings and rulers and thither is no real evidence to suggest any relationship between Isaiah and Manasseh other than that Isaiah whitethorn have still been ministering around the time of Manassehs reign. Another problem with go out this book is the question of the authorship. During the time that the books in both the Old and New Testaments were written, it was not uncommon for followers and students of teachers and prophets to publish works in their tutors name, or to continue a teachers works.Therefore, it is indecipherable how many authors the book of Isaiah has. Both Watts and Clements keep up the view that Isaiah 40 66 ar the works of followers of Isaiah during the exile and reappearance periods, with Clements stating that the work of J. C. Doederlien in 1775, which argued the above point, has check to be the prevalent consensus of scholarships (Clements 19802). The text pass on have been currently written in Hebrew, the oldest surviving copy cosmos bump of a collection set in motion in the Qumran Caves, the dead sea scrolls, dating acantha to around 125 BC.Although there ar not many major definition errors, we tiret have the original scroll from over 600 age forward therefore there could be displacement answer errors from the original to the great Isaiah scroll found among the Dead Sea Scrolls. The setting for Isaiah Chapter vi is provided by the Jerusalem synagogue, looking through the entranceway into the main aula of the temple mental synthesis (Clements 198071). A problem can be seen in verses nine and ten, the forewarning that the states black Maria ordain harden in receipt to the teachings that Isaiah will put forward.Many, such as Fohrer and Wildberger, believe this to be from a afterwards period of his call, looking backwards in reflection, however in R. Kilians Bauteine Biblischer Theologie 1977, it is argued that this dwarfish section was written at the analogous time as the rest of the verse. rhythm hexad can be split up into triple parts the first (verses 1 3) being the vision, the second (4 7) the purgatorial and preparation of Isaiah for prophetic ministry and thirdly (8 11) the divine commission.It is thought that verse 12 13 are not part of the original, solo addition, probably made in the sixth century BC. There is however, a wall over the date of the last verse (verse 13), with the idea of it being from the exilic age, to mete out look forward to in this rather unplayful and holy terror filled chapter. 61, In the year that King Uzziah died Uzziah is set forth in the bible as an incredibly able and sanctum man, favored by God, He did what was right in the sight of the overlord and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper.However, Uzziah insulted the Lord by intent worsen at the alter, something that unless the Priests could do and so He struck Uzziah down with tzaraat or leprosy, a term that at the time was for several skin diseases and so the tiny marrow is uncertain. Beca use of this, for the last 11 long time of Uzziahs reign, his Son Jotham acted as co-regent, then acquittance on to reign for sixteen years after the death of his father.There is guessing that Jotham died a year or so to begin with his father and that Uzziahs grandson, Ahaz took over the co-regency until his death, however, the first version of events seems to have the closely ordinary consensus. I saw the Lord seance on a weed, high and terrific and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Uzziahs death, thought to be around the date 736 BC, would have been seen as the end of a golden age for the Judeans and a time of uncertainty out-of-pocket to the impending infringement of the Assyrians. It is at this time that the Lord reveals himself to Isaiah.This could be seen as God reminding the people that there is champion King above all others and that even though their terra firmaly king has died, there is still an eternal King watching over them. It is typical of most visions of God in the bible for Him to be seated, for example Job (269) and in revelation, the apostle legerdemain sees God sitting on His thr peerless (41 11). His robe filled the temple this could be seen as a ostentation of power and qualification, as kings frequently wore long, valuable robes made from silks and gilt so show their worth.The fact that the Lords robe fills the temple could be once again showing that there is an even mightier King than Uzziah. Seraphs were in attendance above Him each had six wings with two they covered their casefuls, with two the covered their feet and with two they flew the excogitate seraph only occurs in Isaiah. art object Clements translates the intelligence information as burning one, Herbert seems to feel that the designation of the word seraphim only appears in Isaiah, exactly as w ell in Numbers and Deuteronomy but as ophidian or snakes.This, he says, could then deal one to the conclusion that the large tan serpent in the temple, as described in 2 Kings 184, may have stimulated the visionary experience (Herbert 197358). Many other conversions mention Cherubim, and succession there is a debate round whether seraphim and cherubim are the corresponding or not, seraphim translates as burning ones and in Ezekiel 113, cherubim are described as something that looked analogous burning scorchs of fervidness, like torches moving to and fro among the living creatures the fire was bright and wakefulening issued from the fire. The significance of the six wings is most probably due to Exodus 3320, You cannot see my compositors case for no man shall see me and digest. Therefore the two wings cover version their faces is to shield themselves from the glory of God so as not to incur the same fate as Lots married woman when she gazes upon the might of God as He destroys Sodom and Gomorrah. Feet at this time were unclean and usually full of dust and are oftentimes used as a parable for mortifying oneself throughout the bible and so covering their feet could be seen to be them humbling themselves before the lord.And one called to another and state holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts the totally earth is full of His glory. The threefold use of the word holy conveys the mystery and unapproachable qualities of the some Blessed. In Hebrew, repetition de tonus the brashness with which they are speaking, therefore having holy three times conveys to the reader the strength of tactility they have towards the Lord. The pivots on the threshold agitate at the voices of those who called suggests that the majesty and power of the seraphims voices move the building.The translation of the Hebrew meaning pivot is uncertain. Many versions of this passage use hinges on doors or the door posts. almost even translate it as the whole foundations of the building are shaking due to the force of the adoration of God. One might read this verse and interpret it as an example of how untold the Lord should be praised. We should aim to praise the Lord so much and with such energy that we receive up the earth. It could also be Isaiahs reaction to the voices that it shook him so violently that it mat as if the whole building shook with him.And I said Woe is me I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I continue among a people of unclean lips still my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts We are back again to the unworthiness of gay kind to gaze upon the Lords splendour, You cannot see my face for no man shall see me and live. Herbert suggests that I am lost is because Isaiah is reduced to the quiet down and stillness of death (Herbert 197359). For Herbert this is due to him being a creature of sin confronted with holy perfection, not just that of a disciple meeting the deity that created him.Unclean lips demonstrat es that Isaiah is certified of the sinful nature not only of himself but of his fellow people, something that does not beguile the Lord and unfitness to use his backtalk in the service of God (Clements 198075). consequently one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the alter with a pair of tongs. This section of the chapter is different to any other calling to minister for God. The prophets in the bible are always seen to provide trials and hardship before they enter Gods favour.Abraham was projectioned with the massacre of his son and perhaps the most healthful known trail is that of Job who had to ensure a huge ordeal before the Lord gace Job twice ass much as he had before (Job 4210). Whom shall I locate, and who will go for us? the us indicates that God is deliberating with the beatified council of seraphs surrounding Him, however it is also open that Isaiah is meant to over comprehend, in a sense, so that he recognizes that only he (Isaiah) can answer that question by swelled himself fully to the work of the Lord.The us could also be interpreted as an archean mention or idea of the Trinity. The Judaic people are waiting for a the Nazarene come from God and so it could be logical to suggest that until that messiah comes, He is with the Lord and there could already be a notion of the sacred Spirit in the way the confidential information moves over the water in creation. However it is more likely that God cherished Isaiah to give himself to god freely, grownup Isaiah a choice as to whether he will go out and prophesy about(predicate) the Lord, therefore using the question and the dodge of the Holy council to incite Isaiah to come forward.And I said, Here am I send me this response shows that Isaiah had a willingness to go and assoil out the work Yahweh had for him. Although it seems like one single task to complete, I dont think there can be any doubt that Isaiah knew this was him giving his whole lif e to the service of the Lord. Although up to this point Isaiah does not know what this task is, it can be derived that from the burning coal purging his lips it seems he is called to preach and prophesy to the people about Yahweh and that this cleansing has allowed the word of God to flow through his lips.And He said, Go and say to this people the germ to this people suggests that there is an element of divine rejection (Clements 198076). Yahweh no longer sees the chosen people in a favourable light and is direct Isaiah to tell them. Keep audition but do not secure there is, for Clements, a sense of mockery in this section, for the prophet undoubtedly did, real passionately and sincerely, want the people to hear and to understand (198077).Clements also suggest as Isaiah will have written this posting some time after the vision occurred, it could be that he integrated how the message was received into the words that Yahweh spoke to him. However, due to the belief that God is i n everything and everything comes from God, Isaiah would have been justified in doing this as he would know that the hardening of the hearts of the people towards his message is because of God. Then I said, How long, O Lord throughout the Bible, how long is often the start of a lamentation.This cry out is not just asking how long the suffering will last, but a plea for God to end it quickly. Until cities lie waste without inhabitant is a author to the devastation that war will bring about when the Assyrian empire seeks to expand further. The visit is utterly desolate refers to Judah, where Isaiah ministers, however it may mean the whole of the promised land. Verses 12 13 are an addition by and editor, most probably one of the later Isaian disciples around the time of during the exile and restoration periods.Until the Lord sends everyone far away adds to this idea as it must refer to the Assyrian empire sending the Jews to captivity in Babylon. Even if a tenth part remains in it, it will be burned again, like a terebinth or an oak tree whose rostrum remains standing when it is felled. This passage is a complex one with much debate on what the Hebrew sooner was and therefore how it should be translated into the Bible of today. The most widely regarded solution would be that the Hebrew bam should in fact be bamah which means high place. Therefore the noun for stump, which in Hebrew is massebe? would then mean divine pole. Thus a heavenly pole grows out from its place in a hill-shrine (Clement 198078) is the new sentence created. However this passage is translated, it is agreed that there is a very real element of threat present. Just as a stump is not left in the ground, but instead a hole drill in the top and filled with force out and burned, so will the Jews suffer, even though they may feel they have suffered enough. The Holy Seed is its stump is almost certainly a later addition, post exile, in order to give hope to those who were now under the Baby lonian captivity.Herbert comments that this sentence is take away from the Septuagint, but the Greek Modified verse 12 to mean and those who were left on the land were figure, a similarly hopeful note. (Herbert 197360). The addition of this last sentence gives hope as it suggests that even the stump of a felled tree may once again grow, meaning that some will survive and carry on the line of David.