Abstract

This article focuses on the story of the transformation of the city called Zion. Isaiah 1:1–2:5 is the key to the book. This chapter describes the failure of Israel to be the people of God: Israel’s covenant breach, a corrupted cult and imminent punishment. It tells of the existence of two groups within Israel: the righteous remnant who would be saved and the wicked who would be judged. This chapter furthermore presents the reader with a picture of decadent Jerusalem whose sacrifices are rejected and whose prayers are no longer accepted. Isaiah 1 contains a warning of judgement against Jerusalem, whereas Isaiah 2:1–5 sketches the prophetic hope for Zion, which would lead to a pilgrimage of the nations to receive the Torah on Zion.

Highlights

  • The prophetic literature of the Hebrew Bible has long been recognised as a source for social concern and justice

  • A major difference lies in the fact that the Hebrew prophetic literature is matchless in the fundamental priority it gives to social justice and issues of social concern in its message

  • Compare the following observations Beuken (2004:457) made: ‘The book of Isaiah ( BI) opens with two parallel introductions in 1:2–2:5 and 2:6–4:6, which extend from Zion, the sinful city (1:21–27 and 2:8–3:26), to Zion, the mountain of YHWH, where Torah is taught to the nations (2:1–5) and Israel’s remnant receives purification and shelter (4:2–6)

Read more

Summary

Introduction

The prophetic literature of the Hebrew Bible has long been recognised as a source for social concern and justice. The opening of the book of Isaiah: From decadence to justice and prophetic hope

Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call