The Book Of Isaiah
Critical scholars have divided Isaiah into three parts—know the chapter divisions and the setting of each section?
1-39 (Assyrian Period), 40-55 (Deutero-Isaiah; Babylonian Exile) , 56-66 (Trito-Isaiah; Post-Exilic)
What is the main point of the contrast between the Ahaz and Hezekiah narratives in the book of Isaiah? What is the key difference between these characters in the book? How specifically does Ahaz demonstrate a lack of faith and how specifically does Hezekiah demonstrate faith? What was the outcome of the two kings' responses to God? Know where these are found in the book of Isaiah (Chapters 7-8/ Chapters 36-39)
Both Ahaz and Hezekiah felt threatened by Assyria. However, when Isaiah told Ahaz to trust God for deliverance, he refused and turned to Egypt for help. The northern kingdom was defeated and taken into captivity. When faced with his threat, Hezekiah trusted God and the Assyrian army was defeated. Hezekiah was a faithful king who trusted God and Ahaz was unfaithful and chose to trust in men rather than God. (Chapter 7-8: Ahaz; Chapter 36-39: Hezekiah)
Why do critical scholars view the second half of Isaiah being later than the time of the eighth-century prophet by that name? Who is Cyrus and how does the presence of his name in Isaiah 40-55 factor into this issue? What is the primary promise given to Israel in the second half of the book of Isaiah?
Critical scholars doubt that Isaiah could have prophesied about events so far from his time. He also names Cyrus specifically as the Persian king who would allow the Jewish people to return to their land after the Babylonian Exile. While Isaiah was writing in the eight century, Babylon had not even risen to power yet or taken Judah into exile. Critical scholars believe that someone else living during the exile wrote 40-55 and a third person living in the post-exilic period wrote 56-66. The primary promise given to Israel in the second half is that Zion would be restored.
What two figures are central to Israel's restoration from exile and how specifically do they help to bring this return about?
Cyrus, the Persian king and the Suffering Servant?
What are the three peoples who will become the people of God in Isaiah 19?
Egyptians, Assyrians, and Israelites
What is the message of the Song of the Vineyard in Isaiah 5:1-7?
God invested greatly into Israel as a vineyard owner would invest in his vineyard. God even went above and beyond with this investment and when it was time for the harvest, the vineyard produced sour grapes. There was nothing more for God to do for Israel to get them to produce the kind of fruit they were meant to since he already did everything there was to do.
How is Hezekiah's illness and God's response in Isaiah 38 reflective of what will happen to the nation of Judah?
God told Hezekiah that he would die but Hezekiah prayed and God granted him 15 more years. Judah was about to be taken captive by Assyria but God granted Judah more time. They were later taken captive by Babylon.
What is Hezekiah's foolish act in Isaiah 39 and what will be the ultimate consequence of his action?
Hezekiah shows the Babylonians everything in his palace in hope that he could get the Babylonian support against Assyria. The ultimate consequence is that Babylon would eventually take Judah captive.
In what passages do we see the clearest references to resurrection in the OT?
Isaiah 26 and Daniel 12
The key theme in Isaiah is the transformation of ________________.
Zion
What are the two major sections of the book of Isaiah (know chapter divisions and how they differ from each other)?
Section 1: 1-39 (Assyria) Section 2: 40-66 (Babylon)
Note the recurring use of woe oracles in Isaiah 28-33 and the warnings against alliances with foreign nations that are prominent in this section (Isa 30:1-5; 31:1-3)
Series of woe oracles against those who trust in political alliances and military strength for security in contrast with the ultimate promise of God's kingdom of peace and blessing to those who trust him.
What is the key title for God in the book of Isaiah that is connected to the prophet's vision of God in Isaiah 6?
The Holy One of Israel
What is the everlasting covenant that the nations have violated in Isaiah 24:5?
The Noahic Covenant from Genesis 9:6 to not shed blood
What theological argument concerning God in the book of Isaiah is dependent on viewing Isaiah 40-66 as predictive prophecy? Why is this important to the argument of the book?
The birth of Jesus which was prophesied by Isaiah seven centuries prior. The purpose of Isaiah is about judgment and salvation. Specifically, salvation that would come through a Messiah. If Isaiah 40-66 is not predictive prophecy, then the book of Isaiah would not have a purpose.
Why are the kingdom promises delayed in Isaiah 56-66?
The people haven't genuinely repented.
In 2-3 sentences, be able to explain why Isaiah's message concerning the future would have been relevant to his 8th-century audience.
Isaiah's message concerning the future was relevant to his eight century audience because they needed hope and assurance as they suffered at the hands of foreign nations that God would one day restore them and make everything right again.
Why is Isaiah 24-27 referred to as "The Little Apocalypse?"
It focuses on the universal judgment that leads to the establishment of God's kingdom
What prophetic genre is found at the beginning of the book of Isaiah? What is the charge brought against Israel/Judah?
It is a covenant lawsuit. The charge against Israel and Judah is that they are like children who have rebelled against God. In the law, rebellious children could be put to death.
