Images of Water in Isaiah

(Hardback)

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This book is a study of the various metaphors, figures, similes, and usages of water found in the book of Isaiah. It covers representations of water relating to: water as a blessing in nature; the sea as a symbol of the expanse of space; Yahweh, the rider of the clouds; water or absence of water as symbol of divine punishment, hardships, and affliction; water as a defense strategy in military circumstances; water as a means of dilution; rain and snow as symbols of Yahweh's word; various forms of water symbolizing arrogance; rain, streams, water, and snow as symbols of forgiveness; water as a metaphor for Yahweh's control over nations and triumph over enemies; calm water as a symbol of trust in Yahweh; Yahweh's knowledge as waters cover the sea; water, lack of water, and overcoming threatening water as metaphors or similes for restoration and help; the great river as a symbol of the influx of nations; tears as the manifestation of lament and mourning; dew as a symbol of serenity and life-giving power; the personification of water; troubled waters as a symbol of the wicked; swimming as desperate effort to survive; and cultic practices involving water. These themes emphasize important religious truths in the book of Isaiah. They include many concepts dealing with the nature and mighty acts of Yahweh; sin, punishment and forgiveness; Yahweh's work over and through nations; personal and corporate matters like trust and lament; and Yahwehs work in nature.

Reviews

In contrast to approaches to Isaiah that somehow keep us distanced from the text, here John Willis focuses on text after text that touch on a lively and fertile theme. He shows how rich it is and keeps us dazzled by the variety of ways Isaiah talks about it. -- John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary
Like Joshua who provided Israel with hewers of wood and drawers of water (Joshua 9), so John T. Willis, by his profound familiarity with the book of Isaiah and his clear style of writing, ushers readers through the greenwood of this great prophecy. Unobtrusively he helps them appropriate its promise: With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). -- Willem Beuken, KU Leuven
Water is an important and pervasive image in Scripture, including as John Willis points out, in the book of Isaiah. Willis brings his long experience as a scholar and careful reader of this book to bear when he focuses on the many, varied, and fascinating uses of the image of water in this prophetic book. His study brings new insight into a host of passages in the book. I recommend this book for everyone who studies Isaiah. -- Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College

Author Bio

John T. Willis is Burton Coffman Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies at Abilene Christian University.