A definitive stage in the formation of Isaiah came with the return from exile, and the subsequent efforts at restoration. In this new context, how were older Isaianic oracles to be heard? This book illuminates the textual hermeneutics embedded in the post-exilic shape of Isaiah, contributing to our understanding of the dynamics of scriptural formation in this influential period of Jewish history. This book argues that the author of Third Isaiah edited the book in line with his reading of it to project the old prophecy into the new post-exilic situation. The argument unfolds in three parts. The ... More

A definitive stage in the formation of Isaiah came with the return from exile, and the subsequent efforts at restoration. In this new context, how were older Isaianic oracles to be heard? This book illuminates the textual hermeneutics embedded in the post-exilic shape of Isaiah, contributing to our understanding of the dynamics of scriptural formation in this influential period of Jewish history. This book argues that the author of Third Isaiah edited the book in line with his reading of it to project the old prophecy into the new post-exilic situation. The argument unfolds in three parts. The first defines Third Isaiah's final form, finding the work of its author especially in its ‘frame’ (56:1–8; 65–66). The second part analyzes this ‘frame’ for references to earlier Isaianic oracles, uncovering allusions to older material from throughout the book. A portrait emerges of the author of Third Isaiah as a reader of the book, providing an important key to unlock the door on his work as a redactor — the premise being that his hermeneutics as a reader would inevitably reflect his hermeneutics as a redactor. Working in the light of this portrait, the third part examines the author of Third Isaiah as a redactor of the book, uncovering several examples throughout Isaiah where probability seems to favor this hand at work.