Isaiah Verses Critique - Research Paper Example

Isaiah Verse 1-2 Introduction Isaiah was one of the greatest prophets who had his unique contribution developed through his teachings in the regions of Jerusalem and Judah. Like all other prophets, Isaiah even developed his prophecies to draw the attention of people towards the correct path and develop a better understanding towards the stated facts conversing the true meaning of Christianity. In the initial phases, the writing published by Isaiah depicts about the betrayals by human race towards God (Andreasen, 2001). As per the words of the book - “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken”. The book and the verses even depicts about the different displays of cruelty and wickedness practiced by the kings on the Jewish followers. The different developments of the books hence reflect on the political and social developments that have been evident within the kingship of Jerusalem. Furthermore, the book develops and provides a better insight towards the fact that “Lord” is for the overall universe and is not secluded for a particular class or race. Commendably, in the book the prophet develops a better understanding towards the sins that may be bestowed on the evildoers or the cruel people of the earth (Broyles & Evans, 1997). With this emphasis, the research provides an in depth understanding of the different approaches and diverse statements provided by the prophet are developing a better understanding of the wickedness of the people that has been prominent within the society. The diverse needs of the research attempt developing an effective understanding towards the wrath of God that may fall upon people owing to their improper practices according to the verses in Isaiah 1.1-1.2. Isaiah verse 1 The wickedness of Judah In the first verse, Isaiah depicts his views towards the different types of wicked approaches adopted by mankind for developing their lifestyle on the earth. The wicked approaches of mankind, with the political intention towards developing a hold on the society has been creating a strong negative impact on the social progression and a diverse impact on the social lifestyle of people. The prophet proclaims that this type of attributes will never be acceptable by God and would be dealt severely for such occurrences (Calvin & Calvin, 2000). Over the recent decades and centuries, human kind has always been indulged into some or the other kind of punishable offences that has been creating a degree of distress within the social system. This practices that were prominent within the Jewish society in Israel and Judah has been noted to be creating offences against God’s will and is often deemed as a punishable offence before the Lord, such as when the prophet acclaimed that people of Jerusalem had blood of the people who have committed sin against the Lord himself to be safe from the rebuke of the God (Davidson, 1907). The prophet calls the people of Judah to be the heirs of evildoers who are usually creating adversity towards the performances of the society and is identified as a diverse edge within the social constraints. The prophet in his verses thus claims that the heirs of the sinners are even into committing similar kind of sins and developing a proper system that would help in ruling over the sins and building a diverse edge within the system. According to the prophet, developing evil approaches has been a common attitude among the people of Judah (Meeks & Bassler, 1993). The prophet even proclaims in this verse that the sinful attitudes of people must be dealt with and thus, is even likely to create an adverse impact on the social life. The lines that the prophet provides in his book reflect on the utter defiance of the Lord that would even create an adverse impact and open the instances of God’s wrath on the people of Jerusalem. The prophet also proclaims that the people of Jerusalem have committed deeds that were against the preaching of Lord from the Lord, which is likely to increase Lord’s cruelty that they are likely to be faced due to their unholy approaches towards life (Young & Isaiah, 1965). The prophet developed an insight with regard to the fact that he has been instructed by the Lord to give a direction to the lifestyle of the people within the nation. He also claimed to have been instructed by almighty to prevent Judah from committing such heinous crimes that would expose them to the wrath of the almighty. Unlike the other prophets, Isaiah did not believe in any such rituals that provided an outwardly view of God’s obedience (Waggoner, 2003). Rather, the prophet provided a diverse mode of teaching that reflected on the obedience of God, inspired from the life of the people and the way they follow the Supreme Power as their authority from the core of the heart. This genre of obedience helps the people to develop a diverse edge. Unlike the initial years of the teachings in Christianity, the prophet claimed that the development of the diverse approaches that human must practice is through their deeds. It is due to this reason that instead of opting for sacrifices, the people of the earth must be following the steps narrated by God on the different aspects related to their life and develop the lifestyle on the stated principles of almighty (Smith, 2007). During Isaiah’s era, the kingdom of Israel and Judah faced severe amount of threat from Assyria, as the kingdoms went into alliance to prevent the kingdom from its almost certain destruction. The prophet could foresee the negativity to which, the kingdoms were opening their gates for. This welcome and aversion of the upcoming wrath of Assyria would lead to even more degraded situation for the country. The prophet thus claimed that through the deeds of the people of Israel, they would rebel against the almighty and would be punished for the deeds they commit (Waggoner, 2003). The prophet, in his first verse in the gospel, hence talks about the different crimes and sins that the people of Judah and Israel have been committing. The ill deeds of the people of Judah and Israel have also been identified as resulting into serious complications that can augment the level of adversity and hence, affect the life of the people of the earth (Newworldencyclopedia.org., 2015). The Degenerate City In his gospel Isaiah has specified his views in the verse 1:21-31 describes how the city that once followed the different paths laid down by almighty fails to bestow on the righteous way. The fact that the changing nature of the people and their hindering mentalities has been affecting the position of the Lord and the divine routes that were once specified were not followed by humankind has also been covered in this verse. The prophet further claims that the world has been full of treachery and negative doings of people and hence creating a hindering attitude for the people who are associated with such hindrances. The Isaiah reflects on the treacherous approaches taken up by mankind (Young, 1992). The prophet further reflects on the use of bribery that was prominent during the phases, as the invasion of Assyria could be delayed with the use of money by the kings of Judah and Israel, although the malpractices associated with the same could not defy the destined wrath on the kingdoms. This could be noted to be predetermined, as the increasing level of improper practices committed by the people of Israel and Judah led the annexure that was somewhat a part of God’s wrath (Waggoner, 2003). The prophet even reflected on the changing social practices, which he stated to be the changing nature of ‘princes’. The development of pride was also noted to be one of the major approaches, prominent within the changed societal system. It is thus that the prophet in his oracle comments: “Your silver has become dross, Your wine mixed with water. 23 Your princes are rebellious, And companions of thieves; Everyone loves bribes, And follows after rewards” Source: (BibleGateway, 2015) The humble pride of the people is provoking them to commit such heinous crimes and is affecting the social life of the people altogether. These people were also argued as filled with greed, who often failed to foresee the different approaches undertaken to meet with the needs of leading a life full of truth and peace. On the contrary, the prophet claimed that people could only be taken out from this situation of distress if they devoted themselves to praying with their honest intention and maintaining their lifestyle as was foretold by the Lord (Podhoretz, 2002). The prophet even preaches that the Lord condemns mockery sacrifices and subsequently, defies the use of prayers. This has been noted to be creating a diverse edge within the existing social system and developing diverse needs for maintaining a transparent system within the social domain. In the later sections of the verses, the prophet provided his followers with a better way to develop their current position and enhance their standard of living on the stated marks of the almighty (Motyer, 1993). Isaiah Verse 2 In the 2nd verse of the prophet, he mainly distinguishes the paths that must be followed by the people towards attaining salvation. The prophet further reflects on the fact that the Lord has left his people and thus has exposed them to severe calamities that would be brought down on the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah further proclaims that the almighty has planned for a particular date or time when the greedy people will be facing the wrath and the degraded life that is brought down by the mighty power (BibleGateway, 2015). The prophet also expresses his dislike towards the fake practices of people for praising the God following particular rituals, as if to show off their devotion. He thus proclaims that the Lord do not demand for the sacrifices that people often perform as their way of devotion to please Him. Rather, the prophet preaches that the almighty will be more satisfied if he is bestowed with prayers and love of the people. The disobedience that the people often show through their acts or through the use of the different wrongful movements must hence be deduced to prevent the consequences of such degraded life and anger of the Lord (Bratcher, 2015). Taking note on the true meaning of Christianity, the prophet warns the people from that day, stating that although they shall hide, they would not be spared from the wrath of the God. Referring to the inner meaning of the verse, it can be affirmed that people who are into committing such heinous crimes must be denied and prevented from God’s disgrace. Rather, the people must lead the life of a shepherd as this is the most privileged jobs with all and develop the prominence within the social domain (Andreasen, 2001). The rebellious nature of people and greedy approaches are hence noted to be creating a huge amount of rebellion for the development of approaches associated with the needs of the same. The prophet also provides his views that the humans are noted to be failing in front of their self-esteem and even lagging to meet with the needs of the social developments and projections to be incorporated for a more responsible behavior throughout their life, to the Lord (Old, 2002). Preaching of Isaiah Isaiah has been preaching about the different approaches regarding practices t undertaken by the people of Judah as well as Israel. The people of Judah and Israel, whence were identified as creating a negative approach on the social lifestyle of people. This preaching of Isaiah is noted as more realistic and was largely aligned with the social needs of the people in the then society. The preaching of the prophet is correspondingly observed as having significantly diverse views towards developing the social standards and lifestyles of the people (Bock & Glaser, 2012). By providing them a proper way to develop the social life and follow a destined path for sufficing the needs of a proper and a sociable lifestyle through the needs of truth and selflessness. Additionally, it is reflected from the preaching of Isaiah that God has provided a detailed path to following the different approaches and enhancing the various attributes to meet with the diverse needs of leading a proper life through the diverse ways of truth and sustenance. The attribute to attain salvation has therefore been identified as a complex task (BibleGateway, 2015). From a critically perspective, it can be stated that the impeccable works of Isaiah has been, at its core, intended towards developing a better understanding of the religious faults committed by the mankind within the domain of social constraints. These faults have further given reasons, as argued in Isaiah, to the almighty to bestow the wrath of God and create an adversity in the mankind. It was also observable, referring to the dimensions of the different approaches adopted by the prophet, those being directly linked with the society and the diverse practices adopted by human society on the whole (Kickert, 2009). The prophet thus warns the people to avert themselves from any kind of wrong doings as the same would be putting them into a situation of religious penalties and consequently, shall make them face the fury of God. Thus, the teachings that started with the different sins committed by the people in respect to the different operations they commit within the daily lifestyle (Fekkes, 1994). Following this, the prophet provides a deep insight towards the different processes that might be followed for developing the present state and increasing the needs of the social system and hence, developing a proper standard of lifestyle within the society. This is further believed to enhance the present situation of the people, making them resistant from the defiance towards the principles developed by the almighty (Bock & Glaser, 2012). Conclusions The manuscripts of Christianity describes about several prophets who have been preaching within the different genres about the paths chosen for developing a peaceful and proper lifestyle for people. This preaching has been depicted about the sins committed by mankind in their life and how the almighty kindly overlooked the same as well as punished mankind. However, Isaiah’s Gospel has been the most unique and the most cherished preaching of all times. This could be also commented as the prophet has depicted his views towards the society and the different prospective of crime that the people have committed for leading their desired lifestyle. Hence, this has been one of the most privileged Gospels that have depicted small crimes as generally committed by people during the course of their lifestyle. The most celebrated use of words and patterns for depicting the needs of the society with the use of the diverse examples, the prophet has even claimed that the preaching were unique and could be easily related with the views of the people. Finally, the prophet have suggested the different processes that could be used for developing the overall attributes of the society and enhanced the effectiveness of the social system for sufficing the complex needs of attaining excellence within the lifestyle. It is thus commendable that the way the prophet have taken to develop the system and have asked the people from resisting false practices of prayers and thereafter, enhancing the obedience towards the Lord. The Gospel has a lot to be learnt from and provides a proper dimension to lead a path of life with obedience to Lord. References Andreasen, M. L. (2001). Isaiah the Gospel Prophet. Ringgold, GA: TEACH Services, Inc. Bratcher, D. (2015). The Unity and Authorship of Isaiah: A Needless battle. Retrieved June 6, 2015, from Crivoice.org.: http://www.crivoice.org/isaiahunity.html Broyles, C. C., & Evans, C. A. (Eds.). (1997). Writing and Reading the Scroll of Isaiah: Studies of an Interpretative Tradition. Leiden: BRILL. BibleGateway. (2015). Isaiah 1:21-23. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+1%3A21-23&version=NKJV BibleGateway. (2015). Isaiah 2. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+2&version=NIV Bock, D. L., & Glaser, M. (2012). The gospel according to Isaiah 53: encountering the suffering servant in Jewish and Christian theology. America: Kregel Academic. Calvin, J., & Calvin, J. (2000). Isaiah. (A. E. McGrath, & J. I. Packer, Eds.) Wheaton, Illinois: Crossways. Cothen, Th. D., & Joe, H. The Preachers Notebook on Isaiah. London: Pelican Publishing. Davidson, A. B. (1907). The Book of the Prophet Isaiah. Cambridge: CUP Archive. Fekkes, J., 1994. Isaiah and prophetic traditions in the book of revelation: visionary antecedents and their development. A&C Black. Kickert, B. (2009). The Voice Of Isaiah: A Study Of The Literary Structure Of Isaiah. Kentucky: Asbury Theological Seminary. Meeks, W., & Bassler, J. (1993). The HarperCollins Study Bible. New York, NY: HarperCollins. Motyer, J. (1993). The prophecy of Isaiah. Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press. Moulton, R. G. (1901). Isaiah. Michigan: Macmillan. Newworldencyclopedia.org. (2015). Book of Isaiah. Retrieved from New World Encyclopedia: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Book_of_Isaiah Old, H. O., 2002. The reading and preaching of the scriptures in the worship of the Christian church, Volume 4: The age of the reformation. London: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Podhoretz, N. (2002). The prophets. New York: Free Press. Sawyer, J. F. (1986). Isaiah, Volume 2. Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press. Smith, G. V. (2007). Isaiah 1-39. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group. Waggoner, E. J. (2003). Treasures in Isaiah: Good News in "the Gospel Prophet". Ringgold, GA: TEACH Services, Inc. Young, E. J. (1992). The Book of Isaiah, Volume 2. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. Young, E., & Isaiah. (1965). The book of Isaiah. Eerdmans: Grand Rapids. Read More