Today's Isaiah reading is near the end of the Judgment section, which consists of chapters 1 thru 39. Why is this section considered differently from the rest of Isaiah's book? It is due to he fact that these chapters deal with the relationship between Judah and Assyria from 740 to 700 BC, whereas the next series of chapters beginning with 40 deal with the tail end of the Exile to Babylonia (circa. 540 to 539 BC).

In dealing with the problem of authorship, one can see that “Isaiah” was probably not written by a single author. Just take a look at the span of years. The Isaiah in chapters 1-39 was the Isaiah of Jerusalem, our classic prophet of judgment.

Today's reading, Isa 37:33-38:6 tells us how that evil Assyrian king Sennacherib got turfed by his two sons, Adram'melech and Share'zer. What a way to go! There is a "chiastic' irony in the events in our reading. The Assyrian king gets killed while worshipping his god Nisroch; the message of life and protection comes to king Hezekiah from the Isaiah after getting an earlier notice from the prophet to put his house in order.

Fr. Deacon John once stated somewhere on another thread:

“I have this theory about "irritation." Irritation is God's way of communicating with us. He is calling us to question some aspect of our beliefs and values.”

My question is: How does this relate to Judah's “irritating” situation with its neighbors and unfaithful ways? As we begin to wrap up almost forty chapters of judgment against Judah, what does these final events tell us about God and his relationship with his people?

How has trials, tribulations, illnesses, natural and moral evil effected your relationship with God? Have you become a better person or a bitter one?

Are you ready for what is next? Isaiah II (40-55) gets more interesting, especially chapter 53, which will make a good Holy Week reflection.

What do you make of this Isaiah authorship issue?


Cantor Joe Thur
Deacon-student

[ 03-11-2002: Message edited by: J Thur ]

Dear Cantor and Mentor,

After two years of searching for a new home, my wife and I experienced much anxiety that impacted our relationship.

Now that that is over, we've come to realize how much we need and love each other.

I didn't think that was the direction in which we were going.

I thank God that suffering has brought us closer together.

Alex

Alex,

Wishing you and your wife well as you begin living in your new house/home.

After the Great Fast is over and the Pascha celebration is celebrated, go and wine-and-dine your lady well. A joyous celebration it should be for a chapter is finished and an unwritten one has begun. The "honey-do" list will eventually come in due time.

Joe

Dear Joe,

As it turned out, last week I was annoying both you and my wife at the same time . . .

And this week the two of you are talking to me again!

This morning, I kid you not, my wife also mentioned the "honey-do" list.

Great minds think alike, I suppose!

I will obey both of you.

As the Scriptures talk of the two witnesses agreeing, I feel there is something of the Divine behind your suggestions . . .

God bless,

Alex