Page 62 - Divinity_F5

Divinity for Advanced Secondary Schools

In addition, Isaiah was a historian who writer of the second Isaiah is unknown.
had a vast knowledge of the history of Some scholars think he was an even
the Israelites, which was integrated in greater prophet than the Isaiah of
his teachings. He was also a teacher and Jerusalem. It was written around the 6
th
welcomed as many followers or disciples century (BCE).
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
as possible. His disciples are believed to
have compiled the sections of the book The third part, also called the third

of Isaiah. He was a dedicated servant Isaiah (Trito-Isaiah), covers chapters
of God (Isa. 42). He was committed to 56-66. It was addressed to the Israelites
the course of his call and did not mind in Judah who had returned home from
much about the problems and hardships the Babylonian exile. Scholars agree
which would come as a result of his call. that the book of Isaiah is a compilation
of three works written at different times
He was willing to suffer and serve as a and from different prophetic schools.
suffering servant. In other words, it did not belong to

a particular individual. Other writers
The background of the book of Isaiah admired or were inspired by the work or

The book of Isaiah is divided into supported Prophet Isaiah and later called
three parts. The first part, referred themselves Isaiah’s disciples. The name
to as the first Isaiah (Proto-Isaiah), was, therefore, used to give authority to
covers chapters 1-39. It is said to have their work.
been written during the Eighth century
(BCE). First, Isaiah is referred to as the The call of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-13)
Isaiah of Jerusalem because its concerns

are centered in Jerusalem (Judah).

The second part, called second Isaiah
(Deutro-Isaiah), covers chapters 40-55.
This book is addressed to the Israelites
in Babylonian exile. This section
is called “the book of Consolation”
because it gives hope of deliverance
to the suffering Israelites in exile. The
period of exile was almost over; the
people were supposed to prepare to
return to Judah and Jerusalem. Although Figure 4.1: Isaiah in the temple where he received a
traditionally attributed to Isaiah, the
vision from the Lord

Form Five Student’s Book 53