Our Jewish Heritage
Dr. Lenore C. Kipper, Judaic Studies Director Emerita
After Torah: Time for Tanach, The Books of the Bible
The Book of Isaiah
The book of Isaiah contains sixty-six chapters. According to tradition, Isaiah wrote most of these chapters. The last twenty-six forecast events that would occur in the future. Many scholars believe the latter part of the book, chapters 40-66, was written later by another prophet who probably lived in Babylonia around the time that country was conquered by Cyrus of Persia, around 545 B.C.E.
Isaiah the Prophet
Isaiah is identified as the son of Amoz, and he lived and prophesied in Judea, the southern Kingdom. He was born in Jerusalem to a royal family and was influential among the country’s rulers and political leaders. Even the kings, Ahaz and Hezekiah, turned to him for advice. He was active for about forty years, 740 to 700 B.C.E. Isaiah lived during a time of great national crisis. Assyria dominated the eastern part of the area. He had witnessed the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel. Judah was caught between Assyria and Egypt. He warned the king to avoid all entangling alliances with foreign powers. He promoted neutrality. Isaiah believed that if Judah’s national life was pure and righteous, it could avoid the battles of that time. He was convinced that too much foreign influence would bring foreign religions and worship to Jerusalem.
Not Sacrifices, But Holiness
Isaiah was critical of how the priests and the people observed religious rituals, prayers, sacrifices, and ceremonies. Instead, he wanted the worship of Adonai to be the observance of responsibility, justice, and mercy. “Wash and make yourselves clean and pure, put away evil doings, cease to do wrong, learn to do right, seek justice, relieve the oppressed, and put a check on violence. Let orphans have their rights, plead the cause of the widow.” (Isaiah 1, 10-19) (Good advice for our time!) In the midst of a greedy and corrupt generation and a cruel warlike world, he dreamed of a Golden Age in the days to come. Some of the most inspiring verses are found in this section of a vision of peace. “And it shall come to pass in the end of days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest mountain, and shall be exalted above the hills. All the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall go and say: come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (These words are part of our Torah service.) “And they shall beat their swords into plow shares, and their spears into pruning hooks, Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (You will recognize these words, which are inscribed on the UN building.) Isaiah believed that there would always be a saving remnant of the Jewish People who would return to Jerusalem and to the way of holiness. God would assemble the dispersed of Israel from the four corners of the earth, and they would rebuild Jerusalem.
Second Isaiah, of the Exile
Many scholars believe Isaiah of the Exile wrote and spoke his message in Babylonia, around the time of King Cyrus of Persia and the Edict of Return to Jerusalem. The author is not identified, but the words of comfort and the message of a return to Jerusalem were similar to those in the original Isaiah, which was added to that book, Isaiah 40-66. These writings are dated about 550 to 540 B.C.E., long after the time of First Isaiah. They reflect a message of hope.
“Fear not, for I am with you. I will bring your children from the east, and I will gather you from the west, and I will say to the north, give up your captives; and to the south, bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth. . .They shall build houses and inhabit them, they shall plant vineyards and eat the fruit, for as the days of a tree shall be the days of My people, and My chosen ones shall long enjoy the work of their hands, and all your children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah of the Exile taught that God is the Creator and guide of the whole world and of all nations and peoples. God is also found in the heart and spirit of each human being. He believed that all humanity is connected as a universal family. These ideas have influenced and shaped people’s minds and thoughts throughout the ages. Almost all religious writers and philosophers have expanded and interpreted the message of Isaiah.
I have summarized a taste of the text. There is so much more. I encourage you to open your Tanach and be inspired by the words of the prophets.
L’Shalom,
Lenore