Rene's Presentation from February 28

Helpful for reading Isaiah chapters 17 through 26: Mar 1 – Isaiah 17 – Damascus was city north of the Northern Kingdom (the northern half of the ancient nation we think of as ‘Israel’). Ephraim is another name for the Northern Kingdom, which will be conquered by Syria; chapter end with a reminder that the oppression will not last forever. Mar 2 – Isaiah 18 – Other nations are turning to the one true living God; notice the reference to the Nubians (African) as ‘tall’ and ‘smooth’ – no mention of skin color Isaiah 19 – Judah is shown to be on par with its powerful neighboring nations, Egypt and Assyria (so do not fear them) Mar 3 – Isaiah 20 – an ‘acted-out prophet sign’ meant to shock; common with other prophets, rare for Isaiah – Recall Isaiah’s main political message in chapter 7, verse 9: “If you do not stand firm in faith, you will not stand at all.” Isaiah is warning the people of God that they should not turn to the Egyptians due to their fear of Assyria – they should turn to God alone rather than thinking political alliances will bring more security. Isaiah 21 – the historical background is helpful here: Assyria is now threatening to be more powerful and Hezekiah wants to form an alliance with Egypt to get out of the Assyrian ‘client state’ arrangement set up by his father. • Isaiah says, “Don’t! Trust God’s word through me instead.” • God fends off the Assyrians and, again, all is looking well for Judah under Hezekiah (one of the most lauded kings of the People of God at the time). Eventually, though, the Babylonians conquer Assyria, and a power struggle arises between the Babylonians and the Egyptians. Judah is caught in the middle of this! Mar 4 – Isaiah 22 – misplaced rejoicing in Jerusalem Isaiah 23 – Chaldeans = Babylonians; Note the “mitigation” in verses 17-18 – an indication that Isaiah was not written all at once; later disciples of Isaiah would return to earlier manuscripts and make addendums. Mar 5 – Isaiah 24 – 25:5 - Chapters 24-27 are known as Isaiah’s Apocalypse – an ‘unveiling’ of reality as it really is; usually written to both comfort people who are suffering oppression, and to convict those who are causing the suffering; notice how chapter 24 begins with all social distinctions falling away, and the joyful liturgical interruptions – similar to the Book of Revelation in the New Testament Mar 6 – Isaiah 25:6 – 26 (lectionary on Easter) – The Messianic Banquet! Also called the ‘eschatological banquet’ because it will occur in the culmination of God’s time. Similar to the New Jerusalem Bride at the conclusion of the Book of Revelation (Rev 21:4//Isa 25:8) – it gives a glimpse of the conclusion of suffering. Image is included in our Eucharistic prayer: “and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.” .

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