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UTN uW Translation Notes:

Introduction to Isaiah 54

Structure and Formatting

This chapter consists of a single poetic oracle. It presents two extended images that describe how God will forgive and rescue the people. It first uses the restoration of a marriage as a symbol of reconciliation. The Lord speaks to an unnamed woman, who is probably Zion, representing of the nation, since that city is then addressed directly. He tells her that while she is now alone and childless, soon he will take her back as his wife and she will have so many children she will have to make extra room for them. The oracle then envisions the city rebuilt with dazzling precious stones. This represents the splendor of the peace and justice that will prevail in the restored community. There are echoes here of the oracles in which Jerusalem and Zion were told to “awake,” but now, in light of the future servant’s reconciling work, the vision is even more splendid and expansive. 1. Yahweh will restore the Israelites like a man who takes back his wife (1–10) 2. Jerusalem will be splendid, as if it were built with precious stones (11–17)

Parallel ISA 54:0

Introduction to Isaiah 54

Structure and Formatting