[CatherineTorpey]

The Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis will preach “Listen Up!” on Sunday, and her text is Isaiah 55:1-9

Isaiah is a prophet, and his book is to be found in the “Old Testament” (Hebrew Scriptures). It was written in Hebrew. Modern scholars recognize that the book of Isaiah has 3 different authors:

Isaiah (or First Isaiah): Chapters 1-39 in the years 740-700BCE (prior to invasion by the Assyrians)
Second Isaiah: Chapters 40-55 in the years 586-539BCE (after invasion by the Babylonians)
Third Isaiah: Chapters 56-66 in the late 6th century (540-520BCE) after return from exile back to Judah

Jacqui’s text is from the very end of Second Isaiah. The theme of Second Isaiah is grace and redemption, since it was written during and immediately after the Babylonian Captivity (or Exile). First Isaiah had warned of the coming destruction by the Assyrians. What he couldn’t have known is that not only would Assyria destroy the Northern Kingdom, but 150 years later, in 586BCE, the Southern kingdom (Judah) was to be destroyed by the Babylonians.

The tone of First Isaiah and Second Isaiah are totally different. During the time of First Isaiah, there was still time for the leaders to change their ways and save their nation. First Isaiah is addressing himself to the leaders of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms (Israel and Judah), who are neglecting their moral duties, causing misery among the people, and bringing on more misery to come. Therefore, First Isaiah has a tone of warning, impending doom and judgement.

On the other hand, Second Isaiah is addressed to the “remnant” of Jews who have now lived through the destruction wrought by Assyria and Bablyon. They have been living in Babylon, in exile. The prophecy is no longer a word of warning, but of comfort. Second Isaiah tells the people of coming redemption.

It is in Second Isaiah that we get the image of the “Suffering Servant,” which Christians have equated with Jesus Christ. If you’re interested, this web page lists the many Isaiah passages which are either directly quoted in the New Testament, or which are alluded to. The idea of a Messiah evolved alongside the prophetic pronouncements of Isaiah and other prophets; it is not really found in the historical books of the Bible. Over the centuries, ideas of redemption and the need for a leader from the line of David to restore the relationship of God’s people with God emerged and evolved and ideas of an afterlife swirled around as well. All these ideas were hotly debated during Jesus’ lifetime, and had their origins with Isaiah and other prophets.

Hopefully that gives a bit of context. I look forward to seeing you all on Zoom at Bible in the Middle!

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