Introduction

In Isaiah's latter chapters (40-66), the prophet shifts from addressing his pre-exilic audience to offering comfort and counsel to the future post-exilic remnant. He proclaims Yahweh's sovereignty and superiority, shown in His prophecy of salvation through His chosen servants (40-55). But as they await His righteous justice, God's people need to manifest the same in their community (56-66). With Nahum and Zephaniah, we begin to transition from Assyrian power to Babylonian rule. Nahum invites a celebration of divine vengeance on Assyria, but he also expresses a challenge to trust and submit to God, and not be counted among His adversaries. Zephaniah warned the people of Judah that the day of Yahweh was coming, when He would purge all evil and purify for Himself a remnant of all peoples to worship Him alone.

 Readings

The Bible: Isaiah 40-66, Nahum, and Zephaniah.

Hays, The Message of the Prophets, pp. 122-142.

Fuhr and Yates, The Message of the Twelve, pp. 205-221 and 237-251.

Course Notes, pp. 6-9.

 Optional Readings

Johnston, Gordon. 'Messianic Trajectories in Isaiah' in Jesus the Messiah: Tracing the Promises, Expectations, and Coming of Israel's King, 170-186. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2012.

Walton, John H. "New Observations on the Date of Isaiah." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (1985): 129-32.

 Guiding Questions

As you read, consider the following questions:

• How does Yahweh highlight His sovereignty and supremacy (Isaiah 40-55) and why is this theme vital for post-exilic Judah?
• How do the themes of justice and righteousness connect the different parts of Isaiah's message (1-39, 40-55, 56-66)?
• How is the message of Nahum concerning Assyria relevant to his audience in pre-exilic Judah?
• How does the literary structure of Zephaniah highlight its twofold audience and message?

 Lectures

Isaiah

• Lecture 11 | PPT 11 | Audio 11
• Lecture 12 | PPT 12 | Audio 12

Nahum

• Lecture 13 | PPT 13 | Audio 13

Zephaniah

• Lecture 14 | PPT 14 | Audio 14

 Suggested Work Sequence

Below is a step-by-step guide for what to do when during this unit. Note that while the lectures and readings are described in detail above, assignments have their own pages.

Key:

• MP = Message of the Prophets (Hays)
• MT = Message of the Twelve (Fuhr and Yates)