28 Dec Discussion Assignment 3, Question 1

Discussion Assignment 3, Question 1

This assignment is due midnight 11/26. If you are not clear on the requirements for this assignment, please review the Discussion Instructions [tab to left].

Isaiah was a Hebrew prophet during the eighth century BCE, who prophesied impending doom for the Israelite monarchy. He also proclaimed a message of hope to those who were looking for the restoration of their kingdom.

In the opening verses of the second chapter of his book (from the Hebrew Bible), Isaiah attempts to describe what the future Jerusalem will be like. Please interpret the passage below and try to explain what you think Isaiah’s vision means for his people.

“The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In days to come

the mountain of the Lord’s house

shall be established as the highest of the mountains,

and shall be raised above the hills;

all the nations shall stream to it.

Many peoples shall come and say,

‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

to the house of the God of Jacob;

that he may teach us his ways

and that we may walk in his paths.’

For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,

and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

He shall judge between the nations,

and shall arbitrate for many peoples;

they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,

and their spears into pruning-hooks;

nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

neither shall they learn war any more.” [Isaiah 2:1-4]