Isaiah 1:1 - 12:6 Interpretation

Interpretation:
Isaiah 1:1 – 12:6

I will discuss Isaiah 1:1 – 12:6 as a whole and as individual chapters. I will also discuss its relationship to the unity of the Book of Isaiah. In addition, I will briefly contrast the subject matter of this prophetic portion of Isaiah with the conclusion of Isaiah, which is also prophetic. Moreover, I will reveal some expository outlines from Isaiah 1 – 12. Still yet, I will reveal some of the themes as well as a list of the prophecies contained in this portion of Isaiah. Finally, I will conclude by summarizing the central message of Isaiah 1:1 – 12:6.
According to The One Volume Bible Commentary, a prophet’s work was to speak in the Name of Jehovah and be a preacher of righteousness. The author’s reveal that it was in this capacity that Isaiah appears around the time of Ahaz’s accession. The authors go on to say that Isaiah preached against idolatry and oppression, announcing the approaching judgment of things, yet holding out hope of a golden age in the future for a faithful remnant of God’s people. The authors also state that the doctrine of the remnant forms the keynote of Isaiah’s teaching and is an essential and persistent element in it.[1]
To begin, Isaiah 1:1 – 12:6 contains prophecies of judgment and salvation concerning Judah & Jerusalem. According to The New Interpreter’s Bible: A Commentary in Twelve Volumes, the authors state that many commentators consider chapters 1 – 12 the first major section of Isaiah. In addition, the authors state that this section of Isaiah contains virtually all major genres known in the OT prophetic books: announcements of judgment and salvation, reports of prophetic activities from the point of view of a third party as well as the prophet’s own report, songs of praise and thanksgiving. Still yet, the authors reveal the bookends of this section as follows: chapter 1 as the introduction and epitome of the message of the book and chapter 12’s songs of praise as a fitting conclusion. Within these bookends, the authors go on to say one finds distinct collections of prophetic tradition. Finally, the authors briefly outline the contents of this section of Isaiah in the following manner. Chapters 2 – 4 have its own superscription, 2:1 may have been the beginning of the book once, chapter 5: 1-7, contains the song of the vineyard, vv. 8-24 contains a succession of woes and 5: 25-30 announcements of judgment, which link with those in 9:8 – 10:4. Chapters 6:1-10:4 consists of narratives in the first or third person concerning Isaiah’s activities, which includes the messianic prophecy in 9:1-7. Chapter 10:5 – 11:16 also contain announcements of judgment but ends with messianic expectations. The authors conclude that the first twelve chapters of Isaiah are a series of collections and collections within collections.[2]
In Layman’s Bible Book Commentary: Isaiah, the author approaches this section with a different slant. He considers this section as portraying restoration through repentance. Butler identifies these sections of Isaiah more briefly from introduction to deliverance and doom in that day to redeeming the remnant and ending with the remnant’s response. The author states, “Doom dominates the content of Isaiah 1 – 12. The order and structure of the twelve chapters, however, show that disaster was not the last word.”[3]
In the Pulpit Commentary, the authors discuss section 1:1 – 12:6 as being a portion of Part I of Isaiah, which they portray as chapters 1 – 35. The authors enter into more detail by breaking Part I into eleven sections the first five of which concern chapters 1 – 12 as follows. Section I, chapter 1, a reproachful introduction, Section II, chapter 2 – 5 announcement of Christ’s kingdom followed by denunciations for the sins of God’s people. Section III, chapter 6, records a vision and special mission given to Isaiah, section IV, chapter 7 – 10:4, contains Messianic prophecies, delivered in connection with the Syro-Israelite war. Finally, section V, which begins at chapter 10:5 and continues past the scope of this paper, called the “Book of Burdens” and consists of denunciations of woe upon different nations, mostly upon the enemies of Israel.[4]
In the article, The Unity of the Book of Isaiah, R. E. Clements reveals that although the Book of Isaiah has been interpreted as being two unrelated separate parts, there are a number of passages in the first twelve chapters of Isaiah that link to latter Isaiah text. He states that this shows a literary dependence of this section upon some of the themes of subsequent chapters. For instance, the author reveals that the message of chapters 40-55 is introduced earlier in 11:12-16. He continues by saying this passage is a similar assurance that Yahweh’s people will return to Zion, which is based on the prophecies in chapter 40 on. He also mentions that the New Song of the Vineyard in 27:2-5 alludes to the earlier Song of the Vineyard in 5:1-7. Still yet, the theme of the “thorns and briars” has been taken from 5:6 by way of intervening interpretations found in 7:23-25 and 10:17. Also, the author reveals that the explicit declaration of the blindness and deafness of Israel in 42:18-20 and 43:8 echo the commission of Isaiah in 6:9-10. Finally, the author concedes that the indications are sufficient, firm and impressive enough to show that there is also material present in chapters 1-12 which points to a process of adaptation, reinterpretation and development in the build-up of the book.[5]
In addition, in the Pulpit Commentary, the author contrasts the subject matter of this Part I with the conclusion, the last twenty-seven chapters, of Isaiah, which he reveals is also prophetical. The author states that in Part I, the main enemy is Assyria not Babylon, deals with the times of Isaiah not the Babylonian captivity, contains numerous headings and dates unlike the concluding prophetical portion, is denunciatory whereas the later prophetical portion is conciliatory. Moreover, the author states that both the first and last prophetical sections are Messianic however, the Messiah is presented as a mighty King and Ruler in Part I and in the later prophetical portion he is portrayed as a suffering, meek and lowly redeemer.[6]
Still yet, in Expository Outlines of the Whole Bible: Isaiah, the author reveals in Isaiah 1, God makes a complaint against his people. According to the author, in the charge, the evil committed and the extent of criminality, which is applicable to us as well. The author reveals that, in the end, we ask what plea can make in our own behalf. He goes on to state that the plea we may offer with safety to our souls is Christ, who died for us. In chapter 2, the author reveals there is an exhortation to a holy walk, to walk in the light of God’s truth, his countenance and his commandments. In addition, in chapter 3, the author discusses vv. 10-11 as the final state of man. He describes the characters addressed in two classes, the righteous and the wicked and that we are to deliver God’s message to each of them. He discusses God as the protector of his church in chapter 4 and that the Church is God’s glory. Within chapter 5, the author states there is God’s appeal to man’s decision. He states that God requires fruit for the pains he has bestowed upon us and if we continue unprofitable servants, God will cease to guard us or assist us by his grace. In chapter 6, the author reveals a missionary spirit described. He states that our answer to God’s call is to be instant and made without reserve. He goes on to say our response should follow Isaiah’s example. Chapter 8, Simeon states reveals that God is the only proper object of fear and we are to seek after him. He states we are to seek after him with understanding, earnestness, speed and constancy. In chapter 9, the author reveals the blessings imparted by the gospel. Three of these blessings he lists as light of understanding, a sacred joy and victory over bondage. He also discusses Christ’s incarnation and character revealed in Chapter 9. Christ here described as a wonderful Counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. Chapter 11, the author outlines the pride and downfall of the Assyrian Monarch. He discusses the awful way that God brought Sennacherib down. Killing 185,000 of his troops in one night and later, two of Sennacherib’s sons assassinated him while he was worshipping in the house of a false god. Within chapter 11, Simeon states, is the change wrought by the Gospel in the latter day. He states in the latter day universal harmony shall prevail and be effected by the Gospel of Christ universally received for it is beyond the power of human efforts to achieve. Chapter 12 contains the believer’s song. Simeon states that for all intelligent creation, it is proper to praise God and the redeemed soul has ample reason for it. Finally, Simeon reflects on the “wells of salvation” in chapter 12. He reveals that many consider this a reference to Christ but he considers it a reference to the Scriptures. He says the Scriptures deserve the name because they contain all the blessings of salvation, satisfying of a thirsty soul and impart life to all who go to them.[7]
Moreover, in The New Interpreter’s Bible: A Commentary in Twelve Volumes, the authors reflect on central themes. For instance, the authors state that chapter 1 brings into focus the meaning of justice, chapter 2 themes include the future reign of God, international politics, war and peace, chapter 3 a theme is power both political and economic. In addition, the authors state chapter 4 suggests the presence of God while chapter 5 is another reflection on justice and righteousness. Still yet, the authors reveal that the chapter 6 theme concerns morality, both generally and in terms of particular activities while chapter 7 reveals the Immanuel prophecy. Moreover, the authors reveal a theme of chapter 8 as one wanting to know the future while chapter 9 includes the birth announcement of the crown prince, the son of David. The authors go on to say that chapter 10 reflects on God’s control of events, the arrogance of the mighty and the overweening ambitions of world powers generally while chapter 11 evokes reflection on the relationship among justice, mercy and peace in human society and harmony in the natural order. The authors reveal the central theme in chapter 11 is that God will establish justice and righteousness on earth. Finally, the authors state the theme of chapter 12 is the hope expressed which concerns the messianic age.[8]
In The NIV Rainbow Study Bible, the authors state that in Isaiah, Israel and Judah are corrupt. They go on to say Isaiah prophesies the destruction of Israel by Assyria and preaches that judgment will come upon Judah as well if they do not repent. In addition, the authors reveal that Isaiah assures those in captivity that the Messiah, Christ, will be born and bring salvation to the world and that the restoration of Jerusalem will take place bringing blessings to the new Zion. The authors break down Isaiah 1:1 – 12:6 as follows. Isaiah 1:1 – 6:13 is Isaiah’s commission to proclaim judgment. Isaiah 7:1 – 10:4 is the destruction of Israel by Assyria and 10:5 – 12:6 is the destruction of Assyria by God. Finally, the authors reveal that Isaiah assures the people they will be allowed to return to Jerusalem under Cyrus’s edict.[9]
Barnes on the Old Testament, states that Isaiah 1 – 12 contains five prophetic addresses directly to the Jews, including the Ephraimites, reprehending, denouncing and accusing them. He goes on to say there are seven prophecies relating to Judah and Israel. He reveals these prophecies as rebuke of national crimes, sins of Judah, Judah, a vineyard, vision of Jehovah, Ahaz, Samaria and Sennacherib. In conclusion, in Barnes on the Old Testament, the author states, concerning this portion of Isaiah:
It comprises a collection of independent prophecies and writings composed at various periods during the public ministry of the prophet, and designed to produce an immediate effect on the morals, the piety, the faith and the welfare of the nation. The general drift is, that Jerusalem was secure; that the kingdom of God on earth could not be destroyed; however much his people might be subjected to punishment for their sins, however long and grievous might be their calamities, however mighty their foes, yet that the kingdom of God could not be overturned, and his promises set at naught. Hence in all the predictions of judgment and calamity, in all the reproofs for crime, idolatry and sin; there is usually found a saving clause – an assurance that the people of God would finally triumph and be secure.”[10]

Bibliography

A Commentary on the Holy Bible by Various Writers. New York. The Macmillan
Company. 1908.

Barnes, Albert. Barnes on the Old Testament: Isaiah. Vol.1. Grand Rapids, MI. Baker
Book House. 1964.

Butler, Trent C. Layman’s Bible Book Commentary: Isaiah. Vol.10. Nashville,
Tennessee. Broadman Press. 1982.

Clements, R.E. “The Unity of the Book of Isaiah.” Interpretation 36.2. April 1982.

Rawlinson, George Rev. The Pulpit Commentary: Isaiah. Vol. 10. Grand Rapids, MI.
WM. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 1950.

Simeon, Charles. Expository Outlines on the Whole Bible: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes,
Canticles, Isaiah 1-26. Vol.7. Grand Rapids, MI. Baker Book House. 1988.

The New Interpreter’s Bible: A Commentary in Twelve Volumes. Vol. VI. Nashville,
TN. Abingdon Press. 2001.

The NIV Rainbow Study Bible: New International Version. Rainbow Studies, Inc. El
Reno. Oklahoma. 1992.

[1] A Commentary on the Holy Bible by Various Writers, p.410-411.
[2] The New Interpreter’s Bible: A Commentary in Twelve Volumes, Vol. VI, p. 45-46.
[3] Butler, Trent C, Layman’s Bible Book Commentary: Isaiah, Vol.10, p. 19.
[4] Rawlinson, George Rev, The Pulpit Commentary: Isaiah, Vol. 10, p. x.
[5] Clements, R.E, “The Unity of the Book of Isaiah,” Interpretation 36.2, p. 118, 121-125.
[6] Rawlinson, George Rev, p. ix.
[7] Simeon, Charles, Expository Outlines on the Whole Bible: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes,
Canticles, Isaiah 1-26, p. 459-561.
[8] The New Interpreter’s Bible, p. 63-148.
[9] The NIV Rainbow Study Bible, Rainbow Studies, Inc. p. 760.
[10] Barnes, Albert, Barnes on the Old Testament: Isaiah, Vol.1, p. 26-27.