Haonan Zhang

ConWest – Isaiah

The Isaiah Book of the Prophet was a much different read than either Exodus

or Genesis, both in terms of historical timeline and narrative. The events featured in

Isaiah are around 700 BCE, whereas the events featured in Exodus and especially

Genesis are around an unknown ethical and mythical time period. Also, whereas the

book of Genesis was the words of God primarily to individuals and the book of

Exodus was the words of God to an entire population, the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

is based on the speeches and recollections from former disciplines of Isaiah.

Therefore, there is a much better chance of scientifically and archaeologically

evidence to back up the events in this book.

I think that much of this book provides the basis for the Jewish people and

the nation known as Israel. Section 40 is titled Israel delivered and redeemed. God

is portrayed as the guardian of his people and he has promised them Jerusalem. The

God is seen as omnipotent and can make anything come true, so it was good to be

able to worship something that offers such a positive benefit. “Here is the Lord God’

he is coming in might/ coming to rule with powerful arm. His reward is with him/ his

recompense before him.” (Isaiah 40:6). It is particularly attractive when converting

other people to the faiths. Obviously, if there is a chance of a miracle happening,

then it makes the whole effort of studying the bible, going to church, and praying

more worthwhile.

In terms of the reading itself, the professor was right when he warned that

reading Isaiah was not going to be like reading Genesis. The text is arranged and

read like a song or a play. It was almost like reading the Homer or the Iliad. But
fortunately, there are some very graphic battle scenes that one could imagine

unfolding.