Abstract

The sea and the elusive term ’iyyîm (אִיִּים - ‘islands’, ‘coastlands’, ‘shores’) are important features of the eschatology of Isa 40-55. YHWH’s action in primal history (defeating the sea monsters Rahab and the dragon) as well as his action in Israel’s history (dividing the sea for Israel to pass through) ground the possibility of future salvation. This future action is understood to be good news for the ’iyyîm and will result in the sea offering praise to YHWH. The role played by the sea in Isaiah’s eschatology challenges the dominant caricature of the sea in the Hebrew scriptures as primarily symbolic of primal chaos. Furthermore, it might also stimulate theological responses to issues surrounding the future of the world’s oceans.

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