Isaiah

Many readers have been captivated by the vision of Isaiah. Isaiah was a prophet consumed with the vision of God as the sovereign Lord over the nations. The NT authors knew the wonder of Isaiah, for even within their gospels and letters there are multiple quotes and allusions back to this book. This is why some scholars have named it the “fifth gospel”. Yet, within its context, the Book of Isaiah speaks to a crucial time in the history of ancient Israel both prior to the exile as well as re-building after the devastation. It speaks to a community about how to live faithfully as the people of God in a hostile environment, and presents a vision of a holy people who mirror this quality of the God they serve.

Awards offering Isaiah

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Graduate Certificate in Arts
• Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
• Graduate Diploma in Arts
• Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies
• Master of Arts
• Master of Divinity
• Master of Leadership
• Master of Theological Studies
• Master of Theology

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Analyse the religious, historical, geographical and social settings of Isaiah;
2. Explain the significance of the message of Isaiah to the Christian church today;
3. Evaluate contemporary scholarship and literature relating to Isaiah;
4. Critique key theological themes of Isaiah;
5. Summarise the different theories of the authorship of Isaiah;
6. Assess the significance of the servant in Second Isaiah and consider how it relates to Jesus Christ.

Subject Content

• Introduction to the book; authorship issues and historical setting of Isaiah
• The nature of the Hebrew poetic genre and reading prophetic literature
• The holiness of Yahweh, social justice, the servant, and the future of Judah
• Postcolonialism and the nations in Isaiah
• Exegesis of selected passages

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face to face on site
• E-learning (online)
• Intensive (One week: 7 hours per day for 5 days = 35 class hours + approx 85 hours out of class time for research, writing, exam preparation and execution, ancillary activities associated with completion of assigned tasks)
• Extensive: 5 days spread over the semester. This allows for students to complete readings, reflection and assessment and prepare for in-class activities between classes. The hours are the same as for an intensive: 7 hours per day for 5 days = 35 class hours + approx 85 hours out of class time for research, writing, exam preparation and execution, ancillary activities associated with completion of assigned tasks.

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

• Reading Responses (20%) 
• Contemporary Presentation (30%) 
• Major Exegesis (50%) 

Prescribed Text

• Primary readings provided