Isaiah as Case Study

We will study Isaiah as an example of an ancient Near Eastern prophet.

We will study the Book of Isaiah as an example of ancient Near Eastern prophetic literature*

Prophecy = the human transmission of allegedly divine messages (Nissinen).

Isa 10:24-25; 18:4-7; 37:5-7; 38:1

“O king Ibalpiel, thus says Kititum: The secrets of the gods are placed before me. Because you constantly pronounce

my name with your mouth.”

(Oracle of Kititum to Ibalpiel)

Isaiah 6

Moses (Exodus 3)

Gideon (Judges 6)

Jeremiah 1 Isaiah 6

Divine Confrontation

vv. 1-3, 4a vv. 11b-12a Jer 1:4 vv. 1-2

Introductory Word

vv 4b-9 vv 12b-13 v 5a vv. 3-7

Commission v 10 v 14 v 5b vv. 8-10

Objection v 11 v 15 v 6 v. 11a

Reassurance v 12a v 16 vv 7-8 vv. 11-13

Sign v 12 v 17 vv 9-10

Isaiah-Ahaz (Isa 7:1-9), Isaiah-Hezekiah (Isa 36-37)

[I] am Zakkur, king of Hama[th] and Luash. I am a humble man, but Baalshmayn [gave] me [victory] and stood with me. Baalsham[ayn] made me king [over] [Ha]zrak. Then Bir-Hadad the son of Hazael, the king of Aram, formed an alliance against me of sev[en]teen king[s] . . . But I lifted my ands to Baalshamayn, and Baalshamay[n] answered me, [and] Baalshamayn [spoke] to me [thr]ough seers and through visionaries, [and] Baalshamayn [said], “F[e]ar not, for I have made [you] king, [and I who will st]and with [you], and I will delivery you from all [these kings who] have forced a siege against you!” (Zakkur Stele)

[Esarh]addon, king of the lands, fear [not]! What is the wind that has attacked you, whose wings I have not broken? Like ripe apples your enemies will continually roll before your feet. I am the great Lady, I am Ishtar of Arbela who throws your enemies before your feet. Have I spoken to you any words that you could not rely upon? I am Ishtar of Arbela, I will flay your enemies and deliver them up to you. I am Ishtar of Arbela, I go before you and behind you.” (Nineveh Oracle, SAA 9 1.1)

Isa 10:24; 35:4-5; 41:8-10; 43:5-8; 54:4-5

The Book of Isaiah and the Nineveh Oracles