Johnson University
BIBL 3201
Isaiah
Outline of Sessions
The following presentations were prepared for classroom use on the campus of Johnson University between 2019 and 2021. Many were recorded during a period of time when face-to-face meetings were suspended due to the COVID-19 crisis. I have posted these lectures here as a guide for learners who wish to become more acquainted with the text and context of this amazing Old Testament book. To maximize the experience it is recommended that learners read the text of Isaiah in conjunction with these posted talks.
Video links are posted beneath a content description and target list for each session.
A. INTRODUCTion to the Prophetic phenomenon
1. Introduction to the study
In this introduction we aim to accomplish two tasks. First we interrogate the plan for the series. Second, we initiate a discussion of biblical prophetism.
Learners who successfully complete this session will: (1) understand the goals, construction, and tools of the course; (2) begin building a biblical definition of the word prophecy; and (3) acknowledge why the study is formidable, fascinating, and fundamental.
2. The Old Testament and the Prophetic Phenomenon
This session considers the place of oracular communication within the study of religious experience. Following this lead-in, attention is given to the presentation of the prophet in the Old Testament, giving specific attention to titles and roles.
Students who successfully complete this session will: (1) define the following terms: biblical prophetism, preternatural, oracle, inductive divination, intuitive divination, magic; (2) explain three terms used to describe the biblical prophet; (3) describe four aspects of the role of the biblical prophet; (4) identify three sources of the message of the biblical prophet.
3. Prophetic Communication
This session considers prophetic communication in the Old Testament as transformative, treasured, encoded, timely, and confronting. These five aspects of Biblical Prophetism situate our study of the book of Isaiah.
Learners who successfully complete this session will: (1) define: the "classical age of biblical prophetism," canon, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets, prose narrative, poetic verse; (2) describe the helical model of communication; (3) list and explain three ways in which biblical prophets communicated; (4) describe three aspects of the timing of classical biblical prophetism.
4. How the Old Testament Reads Itself
This session introduces elements of the interpretive task by suggesting examples of how texts read other texts. This is critical for those who approach Isaiah from a canonical perspective, as Isaiah is central to the story of YHWH's People.
Learners who successfully complete this session will: (1) define: hermeneutics, exegesis, intertextuality, madras, scriptural dialogue, echoes; (2) demonstrate examples of the OT "reading itself"; (3) describe seven "tests" for hearing intertextual echoes; (4) list and describe Smith's 11 principles for interpreting prophetic texts.
5. How the New Testament Reads the Old Testament
This session builds awareness of the frequency and location of Old Testament citations/allusions in the New Testament. Focus is given to ways in which the NT uses the OT. This culminates with a look at Isaiah snippets in the program of Luke/Acts, a theme of this course.
Learners who successfully complete this session will: (1) acknowledge that the complexity of biblical intent invites multiple approaches; (2) define: direct and indirect reference, quotation, allusion, Christian Bible, LXX, MT; (3) Describe in general terms how Luke-Acts uses Isaiah.
B. The prophetic message of Isaiah
the opening Charge: Isaiah 1-5
The first five chapters of the book of Isaiah sketch a thematic opening. Old Israel is charged with the failure to live out their vocation and mission. Glimpses of future promises linger, however, suggesting a wider definition of YHWH's People. This rollout of indictment and promise forms the backdrop for the commission of the prophet Isaiah found in chapter 6.
6. The Charge (Isaiah 1-2)
This session explores the opening charge of the book of Isaiah. Anchors in time and place, and initial lament, and a Zion song are noted.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) identify historical anchors in Isaiah 1:1, (2) describe the national, religious, and social components of Isaiah's opening lament, and (as a bonus!) (3) marvel at the encouragement of the Zion song of 2:1-5.
7. Pleasant and Unpleasant Songs (Isaiah 3-5)
Isaiah 2-5 continues the thematic previews to the book as a whole, outlining the charge against Old Israel. This comes to a head in the "song of the vineyard," a short but loaded image drawn from Israel's literature and experience. This song is used by Jesus of Nazareth as a "foundation story" for understanding Israel's plight and the task of Ultimate Israel.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) feel the blistering critique against the human instinct for arrogance, power, and wealth, (2) see two Zion songs of 2:1-5 and 4:2-6 as tandem presentations of hope, and (3) understand the meaning of the "Song of the Vineyard" (5:1-24) in the context of Isaiah's presentation as well as in the rereading found in Luke 20:9-19.
the commission: Isaiah 6
8. Authentication and Mission (Isaiah 6)
This session examines the commission of Isaiah (6:1-13). This vision of YHWH as Exalted King authenticates the prophetic message, explores aspects of redemption, and oddly, anticipates future judgement and hope.
Learners who successfully complete this session will: (1) describe that the commission of Isaiah lends credibility to the prophetic message and suggests how YHWH's People may seize upon their own identity and mission; and, (2) explain how Isaiah 6:9-13 anticipates both difficulty and promise.
the conflict: Isaiah 7-39
Confrontive engagements between YHWH, YHWH's People, and the nations surface in chapters 7-39. These present a series of conflicts that point to a single conclusion: the nations govern, but YHWH counter-governs.
9. A Test Case in Trust (Isaiah 7-8)
In Isaiah 7-8 the prophet engages the historical particulars of the Syro-Ephramite War. Just as Isaiah was called by YHWH in chapter 6, King Ahaz is called in chapter 7. That call--to adopt a position of trust--is accompanied by a messianic sign. This sign gains enormous momentum in the play of local and more distant biblical texts.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) describe the sources, players, and results of the the Syro-Ephraimite War, (2) capture the near and distant significance of the sign offered in Isaiah 7:14, and (3) contemplate what it means to trust in YHWH.
10. YHWH’s Work and Trustworthiness (Isaiah 9-12)
The Book of Immanuel" comes to a conclusion in Isaiah 11-12. It is a bold and wondrous conclusion, packed with poetic metaphors. Stumps sprout, wild animals cavort, children play, and in the midst of all of this, YHWH's People are led out of captivity in a mighty exodus event. It is a view of the future cast in images of the past.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) identify the messianic thrust of Isaiah 11-12, (2) describe connections between the "First Exodus" as found in Exodus 13:17-14:31 and the "Second Exodus" of Isaiah 11, (3) explain the meaning of the "peaceable kingdom of Isaiah 11:6-9, and (4) value the praise of Isaiah 12.
11. YHWH’s Governance and the Nations (Isaiah 13-23, 28-35)
Isaiah's vision sprawls to the edges of the known world. While focus is given to local conditions in Judah and Jerusalem, oracles found between chapters 13 and 35 identify these concerns within an international context. All fall under the governance of YHWH.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) explain the claim that YHWH is the sovereign governor of every nation-state, (2) describe how that claim is vigorously pursued in terms of punishment, judgment, and nullification for those who oppose YHWH's will, and (3) acknowledge that the YHWH's People are not necessarily privileged--they too, are threatened for their failure to trust.
12. YHWH’s Triumph over the Curse (Isaiah 24-27)
While focus has been given to Old Israel's 8th century neighbors in the previous session, now this view is expanded to a "cosmic" scale. YHWH will not just triumph over the nations, YHWH will triumph over the Curse! Through it all, the emphasis on trust continues.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) grip the claim of chapters 24-27 that YHWH is Lord of creation, (2) identify apocalyptic literature as a genre, note its presence in the book of Isaiah, and suggest reasons why it is deserving of study, and (3) explain Isaiah's vision of a renewed creation and how this fits into the flow of the message.
13. Another Test Case in Trust (Isaiah 36-37)
Four chapters relate the crises of King Hezekiah of Judah, his interaction with the prophet Isaiah, and his interaction with "the nations." The text of Isaiah 36-37 invites the reader to compare and contrast Hezekiah's response to the prophetic word with that of Ahaz (Isaiah 7). The divine rescue offered at story's end calls for hope and trust in YHWH.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) describe the "war of nerves" suggested in the historical particulars of this account, (2) compare and contrast the accounts of the "bad king who chooses fear" (Ahaz) with "the good king who chooses trust" (Hezekiah), and (3) describe how the account of chapters 36-37 demonstrates the thrust of the oracles against the nations of chapters 13-35.
14. Still Another Test Case in Trust (Isaiah 38-39)
Just as Isaiah 36-37 invite the reader to contemplate a siege and a rescue, Isaiah 38-39 invite contemplation on a sickness and a respite. It is another Hezekiah story, (and another test case in trust) but one with a less-positive conclusion.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) note how Hezekiah's illness and healing provide another example of trust in the face of crisis, (2) identify reflections of Isaiah 7 and Isaiah 36-37 in the story of Isaiah 38-39, and (3) describe how choosing to trust YHWH is not a one-time deal, but a way of life.
the consolation: Isaiah 40-55
Isaiah 40-55 moves the reader in a new direction. Old Israel has been charged and condemned for failing to trust. It has not lived up to its identity and mission to be YHWH's People for the sake of the world. However, YHWH is not yet done. A "Suffering Servant”-- here dubbed "Ultimate Israel"--arises. Readers of the text are invited to anticipate this servant as an unexpected work of YHWH, one that extends fresh opportunities in all directions. This possibility consoles the condemned, anticipates blessing to all humanity, and stimulates radical thinking about what it means to be YHWH's People. Consolation for the condemned is emphasized in chapters 40-48.
15. Consolation for YHWH’s People (Isaiah 40-41)
This session introduces several key ideas: the conundrum of whether Isaiah is one book or many, the consolation for YHWH's People, and finally the concept of the Servant Songs in Isaiah.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) trace the idea of dividing Isaiah into three books from three different times, (2) voice the idea of consolation found in Isaiah 40 and echoed in the Gospels, and (3) summarize the idea of Isaiah's Servant Songs.
Video Part A
16. Anticipating Redemption—The Servant as YHWH’s Chosen (Isaiah 42-48)
Following the announcement of consolation (40:1ff), Isaiah dips into a series of messages. First, a Suffering Servant is announced (42:1-9). This is followed by the development of several themes including the blind servant, the Babylonian exile, a New Exodus, and another--most surprising--servant, a man named Cyrus. Each of these themes demonstrate YHWH's sovereign work.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) identify the presence of the suffering, the blind, and the surprising servant in Isaiah 42-48, (2) describe the thrust of the First Servant Song, (3) Reproduce the timeline details of "That Intimidating 8th c BC" and "That Savage 6th c BC," (4) wrestle with the tension between Israel's failure to be YHWH's People for the sake of the world and the relentless character of YHWH, and (5) identify the character of Cyrus II.
17. Anticipating Redemption—The Servant as Ultimate Israel (Isaiah 49-50)
The "lesser deliverance" from Babylon sketched in the previous session gives way to the "greater deliverance" enacted by the Suffering Servant. Two Servant Songs come into focus. Both describe the work of Messiah as "Ultimate Israel." He alone will live out the vocation of YHWH's People in order to fulfill YHWH's mission.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) identify the Suffering Servant as "Ultimate Israel," (2) detail the thrust of Servant Songs Two and Three, (3) describe the "double task" of the Suffering Servant, and (4) explain how Isaiah repeatedly describes the Suffering Servant in terms that deliberately contrast descriptions of "old Israel."
18. Anticipating Redemption—The Servant as Unlikely Victor (Isaiah 51-55)
Isaiah's development of the Servant Songs finds its apex in Song Four. Element of suffering, previously suggested, are now made explicit. "Ultimate Israel" is sacrificed. This sacrifice produces an unlikely victor and an unlikely victory: the mission of the "double task" is accomplished. The reader is now prepared for the "Great Invitation.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) recall Israel's experience of the passover, (2) list four realities of the "Second Exodus," (3) trace the movement from humiliation to exaltation in Song Four, and (4) describe the NT's use of Song Four applied to Jesus of Nazareth.
the call: Isaiah 56-66
While awaiting future moves, YHWH's People are called to respond to the Great Invitation. The activities of celebration, inauguration, and renewal are encouraged. Each of these require patient obedience.
19. Celebrate! (Isaiah 56-59)
Two discussions are raised in this session. The first contemplates authorship and Isaiah as it relates to the closing chapters of the book. The second gives attention to the subject matter of chapters 56 through 59 and connects it to "the Great Invitation" of chapter 55.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) define what is meant by "Trito-Isaiah" and suggest why some scholars embrace this multiple-authorship theory of the book of Isaiah, (2) understand "the Great Invitation" of Isaiah 55 and how it relates to chapters 56-59, and (3) explain how Acts 8 applies "the Great Invitation" of Isaiah (and why it is worth celebrating!).
Video Part B
20. Inaugurate! (Isaiah 60-63)
This session gives attention to the Isaianic announcement that YHWH's light/glory will shine through the Servant. This testimony of new things goes out to the world, providing transforming peace for YHWH's People and destructive judgment for YHWH's enemies.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) identify the following: Zion, euangelion, "good news," "Year of Jubilee," Leviticus 25, "fulfills," (2) explain how Luke 4 applies Isaiah 61:1-3 to the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, and (3) realize that there can be no genuine salvation unless YHWH defeats sin and those who propagate it.
Video Part A
Video Part B
21. Renew! (Isaiah 64-66)
The book of Isaiah ends abruptly. YHWH's People lament divine hiddenness. YHWH responds to their lament with the claim of presence. Finally, the prophet issues statements of renewed hope and judgment. Through it all, trust and patience are encouraged.
Learners who successfully complete this session will (1) understand that the human perception of divine hiddenness is flawed, (2) describe and celebrate the renewal of creation (the peaceable kingdom) described by Isaiah, and (3) explain how the Gentile inclusion is voiced at the close of the book.
Video Part A
Video Part B