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)
Summary
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
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