Introduction to Isaiah 2

Structure and Formatting

This chapter begins with the sixth and last oracle in the first series of oracles about Judah. It is a positive oracle about future restoration. The chapter then presents the first two oracles in the second series of oracles about Judah. These are oracles that describe impending judgment. The transition into the second series can feel abrupt after the positive oracle. You may be able to signal that a new series is beginning at 2:6 by using white space or some other indicator in your translation before that verse.

1. The last oracle in the first series of six oracles about Judah
   1. People from many nations will come to Yahweh’s temple (1–5)
2. The first two oracles in the second series of six oracles about Judah
   1. Yahweh will punish the Judeans for idol worship (6–11)
   2. Yahweh will humble proud people, and they will flee from his wrath (12–22)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Words, phrases, and images that connect oracles

Like the oracles in chapter 1, the oracles in this chapter are connected by similarities between the end of one oracle and the start of the following one. For example, the oracle in 2:6–11 ends with synonyms that refer literally to being elevated but that mean “proud.” The following oracle, in 2:12–22, begins with similar words. Try to translate these oracles in such a way that these connections will be clear.

Litany

In 2:12–16, Isaiah presents a litany, a list of the various components of a thing in a series of very similar statements. See the discussion of litanies in the introduction to Isaiah to decide how you will present this litany in your translation.