- Introductory Matters
- Author
- Isaiah of the 8th century B.C.E. who wrote at least 1-39 and was able to see far
into the future
- A prophet influenced by Isaiah who wrote as the Babylonian exile was ending and people were preparing to return to
Judah (wrote 40-55 also)
- Still another prophet who returned to Judah and realized that the
words of the prophet of 40-55 had not come true as expected - had to deal with the
disappointment of himself and others in 56-66
- Judgment returns although salvation is also present
- Some Theological Points
- Judgment
- People were fasting but abusing the fast - they quarreled with one
another - the day should be used to free others from bondage and do good - if they repent,
God will answer them (58)
- People's sin has separated them from God's presence (59)
- God was ready to be found but Judah did not seek - they were intent
on idolatry - God will judge those who sin but He will not destroy His servants who are
faithful - no longer corporate judgment but individual judgment (65:1-16)
- There is a break between the faithful and the unfaithful in Judah -
the unfaithful who serve idols will be judged (66:1-5)
- Salvation
- Relations with the nations
- Negative
- Israel will enjoy the wealth of the nations (60:5-7, 61:6, 66:12)
- Oracle against Edom (63:1-6) is especially vengeful
- Positive
- Eunuchs and foreigners will be able to participate in the future
blessings of God (56)
- Nations will come to Jerusalem, the city and Temple will be renewed,
and there will be new conditions (e.g., God will be light for the land and all will
increase) [60]
- God will gather the nations - the righteous will have eternal
salvation with even some foreigners serving as priests and Levites - the wicked will have
eternal punishment (66:6-24)
- The Spirit of the Lord anoints to proclaim release and good news
(perhaps the idea of the Year of Jubilee - cf. Lev. 25:8-55, Luke 4:16-21) - people will
be called priests (61)
- God is creating a new heavens and a new earth different from the
former (this is quite similar to apocalyptic literature) [65:17-25]
- No more weeping or vain work
- Characterized by long life and a sound relationship with God
- Whole world will be at peace