The Book of Isaiah 40-55 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the setting and primary message of Isaiah 40-55?

A

Setting- Babylonian Exhile

Primary Message- God Comforts Israel

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2
Q

What major historical transition is taking place in Isaiah 40-55?

A

The Babylonian Exhile

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3
Q

539 BCE

A

Cyrus, King of Persia, attacks and defeats Babylonians ( beginning of the Persian Period)

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4
Q

538 BCE

A

Cyrus releases Jews from Babylonian Captivity

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5
Q

When was 2nd Isaiah (Isaiah 40-55) most likely written?

A

it was written near the end of this period of time

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6
Q

What are the different settings for Isaiah 40-55 and 56-66?

A

A highway through the wilderness, desert

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7
Q

What are the major themes of Isaiah 40-55?

A
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
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8
Q

What are the challenges that might keep some Jews from returning home?

A

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

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9
Q

How does the metaphor of the Highway fit into Isa. 44-55?

A

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

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10
Q

What are the possible interpretations of the “former things” and the “new thing” in Isaiah 43:16-21?

A

Former things-could refer to Egyptian Bombings

New things- bringing exile to the people

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11
Q

Isaiah 40-55 compares the return from exile to which OT Story?

A

2nd Exodus

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12
Q

What points emerge out of the Highway through the wilderness?

A

The highway is a metaphor for God leading his people through their obstacles in life into salvation

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13
Q

How does Isaiah 40:6-11 depict God, Zion, and their relationship?

A

“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.

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14
Q

What does Isa 40:12-31 have to say about God?

A

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?”

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15
Q

Who is Cyrus and what are the various titles, terms attributed to him?

A

Cyrus is the King of Persia

One of his titles was the Victor of the East, Shepard and the Anointed One (messiah)

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16
Q

What problem followed the people of God from Judah to Babylon in Isaiah 40-55?

A

Idolatry

17
Q

In the parody on idols in Isa 44:6-20, what three points are made about them?

A

1) made by humans
2) made of perishables
3) unable to save or deliver

18
Q

How does Isaiah 46:1-2 compare God with idols? Who are Bel and Nebo?

A

he compares God in the sense that idols are burdensome. Bel and Nebo are the Pagan Gods of Babylon

19
Q

How are the fates of Babylon and Zion contrasted in Isaiah 40-55?

A

Babylon will face doom, but Zion will be a place of peace

20
Q

What past tradition does Isaiah 51 use to encourage the exiles to return?

A

Abraham and Sarah, also the story of Eden

21
Q

What is the “good news” or “gospel” for Zion in Isa 40-55?

A

Provide material things and hope for a restorative relationship

22
Q

How does trust factor into God’s plan for the exiles?

A

He is asking them to travel somewhere unfamiliar; to face something unknown
Putting your life in Gods hands, following His plan

23
Q

What are some possible interpretations discussed in class as to the identity of the Servant in Isa 40-55?

A

A single prophet living in Babylon or a collection of people