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Poetry, Catastrophe, and Hope in the Vision of Isaiah

Name: Poetry, Catastrophe, and Hope in the Vision of Isaiah
Price: 155.00 USD
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Book Synopsis: The book of Isaiah is one of the longest and strangest books of the Hebrew Bible, composed over several centuries and traversing the catastrophe that befell the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah in the 8th and 6th centuries BCE. Francis Landy's book tells the story of the poetic response to catastrophe, and the hope for a new and perfect world on the other side. The study traces two parallel developments: the displacement of the Davidic promise onto the Persian Empire, Israel, and the prophet himself; and the transition from exclusively male images of the deity to the matching of male and female prototypes, whereby YHWH takes the place of the warrior goddess.

Poetry, Catastrophe, and Hope in the Book of Isaiah consists of close readings of individual passages in Isaiah, commencing with Chapter One and the problems of beginning, and ending with Deutero-Isaiah, composed subsequent to the Babylonian exile. The volume is arranged thematically as well as sequentially: the first chapter following the introduction concerns gender, the second death, the third the Oracles about the Nations. At the centre there is what Landy calls 'the constitutive enigma', Isaiah's commission in his vision to speak so that people will not understand. This renders the entire book potentially incomprehensible; the more we try to understand it, the greater the difficulty. For Landy, this creates a model of reading and writing, the challenge and the risk of going up blind alleys, of trying to make sense of a disastrous world.

Isaiah's commission pervades the book. Throughout there is a promise of an age of clarity as well as social and political transformation, which is always deferred beyond the horizon. Hence it is a book without an ending, or with multiple endings. In the final chapters, the author turns to the central Chapter Thirty-Three, a mise-en-abyme of the book and a prayer for deliverance, and the issues of exile and the possibility of return. Like every poetic work, particularly in an era of cultural collapse, it is a critique of the past and a hope for a new humanity.

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Poetry, Catastrophe, and Hope in the Vision of Isaiah offers a mesmerizing exploration of one of the most enigmatic books in the Hebrew Bible. Francis Landy takes readers on a journey through the poetic responses to ancient cataclysms and the resounding hope for a better future. With close readings of individual passages, Landy unveils the deep layers of meaning hidden within the book of Isaiah.

As you delve into the rich text, you'll witness the extraordinary transformation of the Davidic promise, shifting from the Persian Empire to Israel and the prophet himself. Moreover, you'll scrutinize the evolution from traditional male depictions of the divine to a new paradigm embracing both male and female prototypes. Get ready to witness a divine metamorphosis as YHWH replaces the warrior goddess.

This mesmerizing journey through the book of Isaiah is not sequential but thematic, making every chapter an enthralling new exploration. From the complexities of gender to meditations on mortality and profound oracles about the nations, each chapter will challenge your perception and stimulate your intellect.

At the heart of this remarkable book lies the "constitutive enigma," Isaiah's vision and commission to deliver messages that people will struggle to comprehend. Landy brilliantly captures the ambiguity and complexity of the text, inviting you to embark on a daring voyage of interpretation. Delve into blind alleys, grapple with the incomprehensible, and emerge transformed.

Throughout the book, you'll encounter a recurring theme: the promise of a future marked by clarity and profound social and political change. Yet, this promise always seems tantalizingly out of reach, leaving you yearning for more. Prepare for a book without a definitive ending, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of the human condition.

In the final chapters, Landy turns his attention to Chapter Thirty-Three, a captivating mise-en-abyme within the book. Here, a heartfelt prayer for deliverance echoes the struggles of the exile and offers a glimmer of hope for a triumphant return. As you navigate the depths of this poetic masterpiece, you'll witness a powerfully defiant critique of the past and an unwavering hope for a new dawn of humanity.

Unlock the secrets, unravel the mysteries, and be forever transformed by Poetry, Catastrophe, and Hope in the Vision of Isaiah. Discover the book that illuminates the darkest corners of ancient Israelite history and reveals a profound vision of humanity's potential. Take the first step on this awe-inspiring journey by grabbing your copy now.

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