The first section of Isaiah (chs. 1-12) has seven sections, which roughly match the days of creation.
1. Isaiah begins by calling “heaven and earth” as witnesses against Judah (1:2). Day 1.
2. Chapters 2-4 are concerned with idolatry and Judah’s leaders, their mediators. These chapters are about the “firmament” mediators in Judah. Day 2.
3. Chapter 5 begins with a parable of the vineyard. On Day 3, plants sprang from the earth.
4. The central section, chapters 6-9:7 is all about kingship, framed by references to “throne” and “king.” We are among the sun, moon, and stars that rule day and night. Day 4.
5. Isaiah 9:8-10:4 completes the woes of chapter 5, and repeats the refrain “His anger does not turn, his hand is still stretched out.” It is a section of cursing against Judah, reversal of Day 5’s blessings.
6. Isiaiah 10:5-34 is about the arrogant king of Assyria, a new Adam who will be overthrown. Day 6.
7. Isaiah 10:33-12:6 prophesies Judah’s restoration, the coming of the Branch who pacifies the world and leads the people of God to sing a new Song of Mosees. The Branch brings Sabbath. Day 7.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Lift My Chin, Lord
Lift my chin, Lord,Say to me,“You are not whoYou feared to be,Not Hecate, quite,With howling sound,Torch held…
Letters
Two delightful essays in the March issue, by Nikolas Prassas (“Large Language Poetry,” March 2025) and Gary…
Spring Twilight After Penance
Let’s say you’ve just comeFrom confession. Late sunPours through the budding treesThat mark the brown creek washing Itself…
