The Calling Of Isaiah Essay -- essays research papers

The Calling of the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 61-13The prophet Isaiah lived during a very troublesome era during the years 742-701B.C.E. He preached during the reigns of four kings of Judah Uzziah (783-742), Jotham (742-735), Ahaz (735-715), and Hezekiah (715-687). Judah faced numerous challenges and crises through and throughout those years primarily at the hands of the Assyrian Empire. Isaih interpreted the events as part of the Lords will, and he encourages the people to trust in the Lord rather than relying on political alliances.Isaiah is thought to be one of the greatest poets of the Bible, and his book a classic of the Hebrew language. His writing has a very concise style, effective imagery, and an proportion between form and content which classify the type of poetry as classical. From the theological aspect, Isaiah moves in the religious tradition influenced by Davids dynasty and the election of Sion, and also contributed to the manufacture and expression of the messianic ho pes (Obstat, p.278).The book Isaiah contains mostly oracles from various authors, however the authentic oracles of Isaiah are found in the first part of the book. Chapters 6-12 are considered the oldest collection in the book. It includes the account of the vocation and mission of the prophet, the oracles concerning the Syro-Ephraimite War, oracles referring to the crisis of 701B.C.E., and other salvation passages (Obstat, p.278).Isaiah chapter 6 versus 1-13 stand apart from the rest of the Bible as a unique record of how theology presageed on and reached out to a man, and in doing so a prophet was born. Interpreting this chapter is of vital importance for the understanding of Isaiahs teaching as a whole. In it he describes a real experience which effects him both psychologically and spiritually. Through the passage it can be perceived that his ministry was initiated by a mind shaking experience of the reality of God, and its authenticity validated by its results and influence on the prophets life and work (Berrtrick, p 205).One of the main purposes of any prophets call narrative is to justify his right to speak in the name of God. Oftentimes a prophets message isnt accepted of very popular with the people he is talk to, and in the face of t... ...en to Judah and Jerusalem, which at the threat of judgment would suffer greatly. But Isaiah must have certainly seen the Northern Kingdom included as well. poetize twelve is thought to be an addition made by a later editor to show how the judgment would result in the deportation of more from the land. This situation could possible impact to after 721B.C.E. when many citizens of the Northern Kingdom were carried off to Assryia, or to Judah when many of its inhabitants were carried off to Babylon (Kaiser, p.78)The Book of Isaiah is a book broad of oracles such as the one narrating Isaiahs calling to be a prophet for the Lord God. In accordance with his classical poetic style the passage is honest of imagery a nd sensual descriptions. Concerned with the fall of the nation, Isaiah has God himself warning the people of what is to come for a stronger impact on the Israelites. As a man who lived through the reins of four kings whom throughout the book are of great importance, Isaiah sees God as a functioning king and ruler. Much of what is said and seen in Isaiah 61-13 relate to other events in the rest of the book and surely influence Isaiahs life completely.