Link to Introduction of Isaiah
After a little Spring Break, I hope you all are ready to dive back in and wrap up our study of Isaiah 43:15-21. No matter what you've done up to this point, it never hurts to jump back in and join the conversation. Something is always better than nothing when it comes to Bible reading/study!
This assignment is a simple Read & Respond. This step in the inductive method looks at Isaiah from a wide angle lens, giving you insight into themes and concepts found in Isaiah and a look into the historical context of the writing. You will find this to be very helpful in the correct interpretation of our small passage.
Read the Introduction to the book of Isaiah by Brevard Childs in the link above. Start with the section with a circled #1 first, then work your way on. If you only read that one section, that is better than none. If you continue, then read in the order of the circled numbers I have provided.
Then respond to the post with some points that really stood out to you and follow it with your reaction to the Introduction that Childs provides.
Only a couple more steps left and we will be done with this passage. Hang in there and finish strong!
Clay, you pack a lot of information in 45 minutes. Thanks again for offering this class. The puzzle is starting to look loke a picture now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your help Sunday. I have a better understanding of the reading.
ReplyDeleteSandy Montgomery
Childs says:
ReplyDeleteThe canonical shape of of the book of Isaiah
has various chapters with a different setting, a prophetic word of promise offered to Israel.
He says one of the major arguments for separating Second Isaiah from the First turned on Israel's being offered forgiveness, which seemed inappropriate for the unrepentent nation of Israel before the exile. He states there is some weight to the argument because the First Isaiah was to preach a message of judgment to the hardened people. He also states the First Isaiah spoke of false worship of Israel the Second of true worship. The books give interesting insights.
Sandy MOntgomery
Sandy Montgomery Essay
ReplyDeleteThe passage speaks of how the Lord can make
old things new Is.43:18-19. Like phrases are in the passage(chiasms) to emphasize the message Is.43:18 and 20b also Is.43:19a and 19b.
The scripture shows how powerful God is. God makes possible what is impossible to us as in vs. 16 he can a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters. In vs. 18 it speaks of not to remember old or former things but He will do new things vs. 19a. In vs 19b it states He will make make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. This shows God's omnipotence. The message of God's power is repeated and strenghtened in vs. 20b. He will give water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
When we are weak God is strong for us as he was for the Iraelites. He demonstrates to us his sovereignty and power. He delivers us from spritiual death (wilderness) to everlasting life (water).