[Update] These chapters review the same structure we are familiar with: the destruction of a people that ignored God, the remnant that survived and the direction back to God, including a stanza of praise. The format is becoming familiar and we can see the patterns of phrases, actions, and images repeating themselves--I'm curious as to the process of actually having these visions; do they ring circles round one's consciousness like the chiasmus that seems to present itself to my amateur analysis? Or is this just a poetic form that Isaiah adopted?
In ch. 28:16, Isaiah mentions the "cornerstone", a symbol he has explained to us before as the Messiah. In the light of Messianic prophecy and what we understand now, the whole picture of the "agreement with death" is given a twist.
The same chapter references a parable of a good farmer--sound familiar to anyone? I'd love to find an in-depth, close textual reading of Isaiah in relation to the gospels (let me know if you find one?).
Chapter 29 brings in the prophecies that the deaf shall hear and the blind see--these, too, we know. That they happened so simply--with mud and spit or with a simple command to be opened, by a man whose feet were just as dusty as everyone else's and who knew how to appreciate good wine and still bowed himself to do the will of his mother--is shocking. In this case the idea of "finding the holy in the mundane" is astounding; it is no wonder people were afraid and wildly happy and Peter said stupid things about building tabernacles for Moses and Elijah . . . I'm surprised nobody went mad.
Anyway (too much self-disclosure, maybe
"And those who err in spirit will come to understanding,
and those who grumble will accept instruction."
6 comments:
No problem:) I'll write!
Thanks so much! After Dallas, it's straight studying until Monday afternoon for my last exam. You are awesome.
Congrats on the new pup! He's very cute. I love his name . . . and I'll be praying for you on Monday with that exam! I hate exams. I've only got one left, too, tho. w00t.
Those last lines are my favorite too. It makes me breathe a big sigh of relief as opposed to wanting to strangle folks or turn away in despair.
What's this about a new pup? Did you get your scottie?!
Psssst! Quele, go look on her blog:) There is a picture.
I am also very proud of his facebook picture. You should look at that too. He's very quiet, except for when we leave. Then he barks and complains till we get home. Hopefully he will grow out of that before the neighbors kill him.
I just wanted to say that I will attempt to post tonight after my exam.
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