The Book of Isaiah 40-55 Flashcards
What is the setting and primary message of Isaiah 40-55?
Setting- Babylonian Exhile
Primary Message- God Comforts Israel
What major historical transition is taking place in Isaiah 40-55?
The Babylonian Exhile
539 BCE
Cyrus, King of Persia, attacks and defeats Babylonians ( beginning of the Persian Period)
538 BCE
Cyrus releases Jews from Babylonian Captivity
When was 2nd Isaiah (Isaiah 40-55) most likely written?
it was written near the end of this period of time
What are the different settings for Isaiah 40-55 and 56-66?
A highway through the wilderness, desert
What are the major themes of Isaiah 40-55?
The end of exile/ Return from Captivity Cyrus the Messiah of Yahweh The fall of Babylon The fall of Idolatry The Suffering Servant Future Hope for Zion
What are the challenges that might keep some Jews from returning home?
1) the have already settled where they are
2) the travel to their homeland is long, tiring, and dangerous
3) their homeland is now desolate
How does the metaphor of the Highway fit into Isa. 44-55?
God will prepare a way (highway) for the exiles to return from Babylon and re-inhabit the land. Zion will receive her children back and once again be a place of joy and fertility
What are the possible interpretations of the “former things” and the “new thing” in Isaiah 43:16-21?
Former things-could refer to Egyptian Bombings
New things- bringing exile to the people
Isaiah 40-55 compares the return from exile to which OT Story?
2nd Exodus
What points emerge out of the Highway through the wilderness?
The highway is a metaphor for God leading his people through their obstacles in life into salvation
How does Isaiah 40:6-11 depict God, Zion, and their relationship?
“A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.”
Isaiah depicts God as always being there, Zion is a place where faith comes and goes, which shows that his people are unstable in their trust with God.
What does Isa 40:12-31 have to say about God?
The gist of this passage explains how God is always there to provide for us; when we grow tired and weary we are reminded of his care for us. He will renew our strength.
“Do you not know?” :Have you not heard?”
Who is Cyrus and what are the various titles, terms attributed to him?
Cyrus is the King of Persia
One of his titles was the Victor of the East, Shepard and the Anointed One (messiah)
What problem followed the people of God from Judah to Babylon in Isaiah 40-55?
Idolatry
In the parody on idols in Isa 44:6-20, what three points are made about them?
1) made by humans
2) made of perishables
3) unable to save or deliver
How does Isaiah 46:1-2 compare God with idols? Who are Bel and Nebo?
he compares God in the sense that idols are burdensome. Bel and Nebo are the Pagan Gods of Babylon
How are the fates of Babylon and Zion contrasted in Isaiah 40-55?
Babylon will face doom, but Zion will be a place of peace
What past tradition does Isaiah 51 use to encourage the exiles to return?
Abraham and Sarah, also the story of Eden
What is the “good news” or “gospel” for Zion in Isa 40-55?
Provide material things and hope for a restorative relationship
How does trust factor into God’s plan for the exiles?
He is asking them to travel somewhere unfamiliar; to face something unknown
Putting your life in Gods hands, following His plan
What are some possible interpretations discussed in class as to the identity of the Servant in Isa 40-55?
A single prophet living in Babylon or a collection of people
