Module Religion Writing
jar12
10.28.SecondIsaiah.pptxExilic Prophecy in the Isaianic Tradition: Second Isaiah
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Isa 40-55
Isa 56-66 (Third Isaiah)
2nd Isaiah—6th century BCE.
Consolation and Restoration
Jubilant tone about God’s salvation
End of the Babylonian exile
The Persian king Cyrus
Second Isaiah: Overview
Statue of Cyrus the Great (in Dunshabe, Tajikistan)
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The sins of Israel are not forgiven but paid for (with punishment)
A New Exodus. “Salvation history.” wilderness—between exodus and the promised last.
End of exile—re-enactment of a divine pattern of God’s deliverance of Israel
A universal focus: God—the creator of the world
Monotheism (not monolatry)
Derision towards Babylonian religion
Enuma Elish (Babylonian creation epic). Marduk is the creator of the world (slays Tiamat)
Salvation from a Universal God
Ninurta fighting the monster Anzu (conveys the same theme as Marduk fighting Tiamat in the Enuma Elish). Stone relief from Assyrian temple of Ninurta at Kalhu (9th c. BCE)
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Cyrus, Persian king. 576-530 BCE
Cyrus as God’s shepherd (David-like praise of an Iranian king)
Cyrus as God’s messiah: God manifests his power through Cyrus
539 BCE Cyrus conquers the Babylonians
Ends the Babylonian exile
No calls for a restoration of the Davidic monarchy. Accepting restoration of Judah as province of the Persian Empire.
The Persians: a different imperial model from the Babylonians. Patronage to local temples, build loyalty from priests. Accords with Second Isaiah.
The Cyrus Cylinder—Cyrus’ account of his conquest of Babylon: Cyrus as chosen by Marduk to rule. Ezra 1: Cyrus as chosen by God to rule.
God and Cyrus
6th cen. BCE statue of King Cyrus the Great at Pasagardae (ancient capital of Iran)
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Pseudepigrapha
Isaiah’s son—Shear-jashub (a remnant shall return)
Interpretation of older Isaianic oracles 42:18-226:10
Excitement that the (Davidic) utopian bliss proclaimed by Isa 11 is being fulfilled through Cyrus
What is Isaianic about 2nd Isaiah?
The Prophet Isaiah. On a fresco in Rome (by Raphael, 1511)
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The Servant Songs
Isa 42:1-4
Isa 49:1-6
Isa 50:4-9
Isa 52:13-53:12
“servant” normally means Israel in Second Isaiah 41:8
Understood later as important Christological texts
52:13-53:12. The suffering servant.
Exalted and disfigured. Who is speaking about him? (53:3)
His suffering is efficacious. Silent. Buried with the wicked and rich.
The suffering servant: Cyrus? Israel?
Perhaps written about a prophet who encouraged the exile and died before this happened. More likely Israel, benefiting from the suffering (exile) of Israel since this will trigger a restorative event (return); Israel as “light to the nations.”
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