Content

This unit explores the book of Isaiah and the major issues associated with contemporary study, such as: how much can be known about the prophet Isaiah and his preaching, the complex history of the book called Isaiah, including the hypothesis of three major editions (chs. 1–39; 40–55; 56–66), and the composition of the book in its final form. Exegetical study of selected passages of Isaiah will form a key focus of the unit, including consideration of the relevance of the book and its theology for today.

Unit code: BA9013Y

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Old Testament

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Yarra Theological Union

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Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the common literary forms found in prophetic literature, and their relevance to the book of Isaiah

2.

Critically evaluate the central debates about the composition and interpretation of the book of Isaiah

3.

Use and critique scholarly commentaries and other resources used to interpret the book of Isaiah

4.

Engage in critical discussion of the theological significance of select biblical texts studied and their relationship to the book of Isaiah

5.

Research and critically assess passages and themes from the book of Isaiah in a rigorous and self-directed manner

Unit sequence

BA8000Y and BN8000Y or equivalent

Pedagogy

Lectures, tutorials, group work, discussions.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Berges, Ulrich. The Book of Isaiah. Its Composition and Final Form. Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix, 2012.
  • Childs, Brevard S. Isaiah. Old Testament Library. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2001. (Recommended for purchase)
  • Goldingay, John. Isaiah. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2012.
  • Hoppe, Leslie J. Isaiah. New College Bible Commentary. Old Testament, 13. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 2012.
  • Kim, Hyun Chul Paul. Reading Isaiah. A Literary and Theological Commentary. Macon, GA: Smyth and Helwys, 2017.
  • Melugin, Roy and Marvin A. Sweeney, eds. New Visions of Isaiah. JSOTSup 214. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic, 1996.
  • Paul, Shalom M. Isaiah 40-66: Translation and Commentary. Eerdmans Critical Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2012.
  • Seitz, Christopher. Zion’s Final Destiny: The Development of the Book of Isaiah. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 1991.
  • Tiemeyer, Lena-Sofia, ed. The Oxford Handbook of Isaiah. Oxford Handbooks. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2020.
  • Watts, John D. W. Isaiah 1-33. Rev. ed. WBC24. Nashville, TN: Nelson, 2005.
  • ———. Isaiah 34-66. Rev. ed. WBC25. Nashville, TN: Nelson, 2005.
  • Wildberger, Hans. Isaiah: A Commentary. 3 Vols. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2002.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Exegesis 2000 30.0
Annotated Bibliography 500 10.0
Essay 4500 60.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 18 May, 2022

Unit record last updated: 2022-05-18 11:45:56 +1000