Helpful for reading chapters 17 through 26:

Mar 1 – Isaiah 17 – was city north of the Northern Kingdom (the northern half of the ancient nation we think of as ‘’). is another name for the Northern Kingdom, which will be conquered by ; chapter end with a reminder that the oppression will not last forever.

Mar 2 – – 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 – is shown to be on par with its powerful neighboring nations, and (so do not fear them)

Mar 3 – – 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 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 – – misplaced rejoicing in – 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 – – 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 in the

Mar 6 – :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.”