Isaiah 6 - 12, 55 - 62
Chapters 6 - 12 deal with two distinct ideas that provide a basic history of the time period. The first is the call and establishment of Isaiah as a prophet of the Lord. A coal is touched to his lips by a Seraphim and he is cleansed of his doubt and filled with the fire of the word of God. The rest of this section discusses the fall and rise of several different leaders and their lineages through the conquering of the Northern Kingdom by the Assyrians. God seems to take a very active role in what is going on at the time as He gives direct instructions to many people Isaiah mentions. Chapters 55 - 62 focus more on teachings and warnings for the people of that time. These chapters address the welcoming arms of the Lord for those who do not know his word, and the construction of their faith. They also address how many have become faithless, from this it continues on to discuss the processes men must go through for redemption in the eyes of the Lord. While the first section of Isaiah definitely felt like a history lesson, the second section that we read seems much more like teaching the way to the Lord.
Handel's Messiah contains a great deal of Isaiah throughout the composition. This is probably because Isaiah was the first messianic prophet. Most of his writings foretell of the coming of a messiah and because this was the first anyone had heard of the coming of the messiah, they are probably the strongest and most moving in that message.
~Nicholas Shields
The first section of Isaiah that we read (Isaiah 6-12) outlines the call of the Lord that Isaiah decided to accept (in the story of the ember that cleansed the lips of Isaiah). It goes on to talk about Isaiah’s dedication God and how he “wait” for the Lord because of all that God had given him (himself and all his children). Throughout the first section, leaders are called to stay true to the Lord in faith, but instead the Assyrian’s took over Judah, and then Jerusalem.
The second section we read illustrates the call to all the people from the Lord. Promises are made to the people by God, so long as the people hold true to God’s commands and His covenant. Also, those who do not keep to the instructions of God are warned of their fate that will come from disobedience.
In these readings Isaiah is taken from being a sinner to being one of the most important prophets in the Bible. Also, the foretelling of the coming of Christ is laid out by Isaiah, which is also told in Handle’s music. The journey of the coming of Christ is represented both in Isaiah’s writing’s and in the music as well.
Thank you,
Tom Berry
This reading of Isaiah is the beginning of learning about who the Lord is. Isaiah has had the lord come upon him and has been treaded by him. Now Isaiah must go and share everything he has been told by the Lord. This first part is about learning who the Lord is and why people give thanks to him. The second part is the Lord inviting everyone in and the people having to redeem themselves.
ReplyDeleteThese are used in the messiah because Isaiah is the first person to write about the coming of the Lord.
*Lindsey Ritter*
The first part of the readings seems to set the stage for the rest, in establishing Isaiah as a prophet, and continuing to foretell of the coming of the Messiah. As they continue, they give an account of God's justice and mercy. A major part of the texts we read were describing God's rewards and punishments due to various things, but particuarly the faithfullness, and alternately, faithlessness of his people. Overall, his point seems to be to deliver God's message both for the day and age in which he speaks (as in the warnings he proclaims) and for the future (in proclaiming the coming of the Messiah).
ReplyDeleteHandel probably uses these texts because they embody the message of the coming of the Messiah, which is the primary point to his piece. The readings of Isaiah are seen as the "classic" and sort of obvious choice when foretelling of the coming of Christ because of their clarity.
Chelsey Sterling
Isaiah is proclaiming his devotion to God through these texts. He probably wrote them in order to share his story, and show others the ways of the Lord. Isaiah followed what God said, and he claimed, “I will trust in the Lord…yes, I will wait for him” (8:17). This quote displays a theme of Isaiah’s texts; he was a prophet not only because he was chosen but because he listened, and this is part of what his texts are displaying. The first section of writings tell the more historical aspects of what happened in Isaiah’s time, whereas in the latter section of reading, Isaiah is preaching to his audience God’s message. The latter part also devotes entire sections to Isaiah’s specific purpose with phrases like “He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly” (61:1). In addition, an important aspect of Isaiah’s text is that through God’s message he predicts that a messiah will one day come. This message is clear in the text “the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel” (7:14). As other people have already mentioned, I believe that this powerful message that Isaiah presents is the main reason why Isaiah’s texts are used by Handel.
ReplyDelete-Tori McAllister
The readings from Isaiah establish God's position in the forming of the Christian Faith and the type of God he is going to be. He creates the prophet Isaiah who is the first to state that the Lord is the Messiah and shall be the healer of the world. Handel would take this into account when writing his piece because it tells the story of Jesus coming as the messiah to the world. Both of the writings, Isaiah and Handel's music tell a story of suffering and pain leading to the ultimate salvation of those depicted.
ReplyDelete-Tara Costello
In Isaiah 6-12 and 55-62, Isaiah is addressing who the Lord is and the coming of the Lord. The first sections of the reading tell a story about how God comes to Isaiah and rids him of all his sins. After he rids him of his sins, God then tells Isaiah to proclaim who the Lord is and make the Lord known to everyone. The second part of the reading was more a description of what the Lord expects of us and how to believe and put faith in him. It describes salvation for the faithful and how to receive forgiveness. Handle composition relates closely to the book of Isaiah because they both address the coming of the Messiah (or the Lord). Handles music is meant to move people into feeling and believing that the Messiah is coming and will save us.
ReplyDelete-Nicole Dillon
Isaiah is the prelude to everything, the first time a messiah is introduced, and the first time it looks like more is coming for the followers of God. We see more of God, and how he is just and rewards those who are faithful to Him. Isaiah is delivering a message both for the people who were reading his prophecies at the time, and for the generations who would read it in the following thousands of years.
ReplyDeleteThis makes Isaiah a very important part of the Bible, and understandably a huge inspiration for Handel. It is in this book that the Lord tells Isaiah to proclaim Him to the people. It is also a series of instructions to the future readers of this passage how to be devout to God, and what we are to do if we want to be good followers of Him.
The readings from Isaiah tell us first how Isaiah became a prophet, and secondly the message that God wanted Isaiah to spread. We learn what God expects from us. Isaiah also speaks of the coming of the Messiah who will redeem us.
ReplyDeleteHandel's composition relates to the writings of Isaiah in that they both speak of the coming of the Messiah. Handel's music provides a moving piece of music to help renew our faith.
The readings from Isaiah tell us first how Isaiah became a prophet, and secondly the message that God wanted Isaiah to spread. We learn what God expects from us. Isaiah also speaks of the coming of the Messiah who will redeem us.
ReplyDeleteHandel's composition relates to the writings of Isaiah in that they both speak of the coming of the Messiah. Handel's music provides a moving piece of music to help renew our faith.
Tom May
To me the readings from Isaiah struck me in two ways; exactly as Ms. Berry had said they would. The passage first came across as meant for the times and peoples in which it was written, but then looking back, everything that was said could still apply to us today. Listening to Handel's Messiah really helped me make that connection: not only was Isaiah speaking about his own times, he was also speaking of the coming of Christ. I think that being able to identify and reflect on the layers of meaning in prophetic passages is crucial to discovering what God has really intended us to gather as people of our age as well as a people of God.
ReplyDelete-Sophia Pileggi
Isaiah's prophecy speak relatively clearly to the present day situation that he was in, namely, the iniquity of Israel and their imminent invasion by the Assyrians. Further interpretation can lead us to the connection to the Christian Messiah, but it's not clear that that was the message originally intended or primarily understood. However his words do point to a redemption that is offered by Jesus Christ, the true Messiah, and we musn't discount their relavence to that simply because of situational or historical considerations.
ReplyDeleteHandel clearly picks up this relavence in his piece. He uses the passages he does as a way of pointing out how the Messiah has been called upon for ages and how the wonderful salvation he brings had been heralded as well. It lends a sort of believability to the scale that Handel presents the story on. That is to say, we are complied to take Handel's portrayal more seriously with the backing of such powerful words as the prophecies of Isaiah.
The readings embody what we might expect from a prophet: a mix a history, prophecy, instruction, and praise. There are multiple levels on which these passages of Isaiah can be understood. On one level, they are obviously addressed to (and hence significant to) the audience of the time. This is how Isaiah fits into the OT context. However, and this is more true than of other Biblical passages we have read, it is easy to see how this passage relates to the new testament, especially considering the coming of the Lord is foretold. As such, Jesus is not only someone to be looked forward to, as he would be from the OT perspective, but also someone to rejoice in. His praises are sung, and various epithets are ascribed to him.
ReplyDeleteAs when we posed the question, why Abraham?, I think it is always interesting (and perhaps always important) to ask why this time is chosen for prophetic intervention. This question is important to answer to defend against those who attempt to explain away God's existence as a cultural phenomena. Perhaps, the reason cannot be known to us. Anyone have any conjectures?
-Caleb Capozella
In the beginning of Isaiah it is an introduction of who God is and the establishment of Isaiah as a messiah.Isaiah is forgiven of his sins by God and is then told to tell everyone of the lords presence.The second part is about how God would like us to have enough faith and understanding in him to attain salvation. Handels music and the story of Isaiah are similar because they both exemplify how being a faithful and hopeful follower of God will get you through any obstacle and allow u to live a peaceful afterlife.
ReplyDelete~ jewel alli
The importance of Isaiah was to prepare the world for the coming of Jesus. His prophecy is one of the most important books of the Bible because it fortold the coming our Savior, but it also gave sats of rules to follow, and rewards for following these rules. This becomes the foundation for both Christianity and Judiasm. I think this passage is important because it speaks of universal topics that can be applied to anyone, not just the Israelites who are in danger from the Assyrians. Isaiah says that faith in God and obeying Him will ultimately lead to great rewards. These principles help to make the Judeo-Christian faiths fo sucessful; because it gives people hope.
ReplyDeleteThe Prophets received a calling from God and received communications from Him. They in turn passed on God's communications to the people. In The Book of Isaiah 6-12, Isaiah is in a temple when he receives his call from God. He describes the Lord in royal terms, referring to his "lofty throne" and long, flowing robes. He refers to his lips and the lips of the people he lives with as "unclean", here he is referring to his sinful and unworthy state. Isaiah is cleansed by a seraphim and when the Lord asks "Whom shall I send?" Isaiah accepts and says, "Here I am". Isaiah agrees to be the Lords spokesman. Isaiah is first told to speak to Ahaz, king of Judah, he tells him to have faith when the throne is threatened. Isaiah tells him the lord will stand by him. It concludes with the message from Isaiah that the Lord is the source of strength and courage. In 55-62, Isaiah is communicating to his people that God's salvation is offered to all nations. That the Lord can be turned to for mercy, joy, peace. Through Isaiah the Lord reveals He will stand by Jerusalem that he is faithful to his people.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn Spero
I agree with the idea that half of Isaiah explains a more historical context, like with how Isaiah became blessed and the battles between the Israelites and the Assyrians that occurred. It could be that I'm reading the question wrong, but when I was reading Isaiah I was constantly asking myself why is it all in first person? In the book of Genesis it spoke about Abraham, rather than Abraham actually speaking.
ReplyDeleteIf the "i" in Isaiah is Isaiah speaking, then it's radically different than our other readings because it's more about Isaiah explaining his encounter and what happened according to him instead of a second hand writer... And is there some underlying importance that Isaiah speaks about the Savior so near to the end of the Old Testament?
The similarities between the book of Isaiah and Handel are that they both speak of the Savior and that the Savior will "bring good tidings", a path to growing in our faith, and others. I think that Handel is similar to only the second part of the book of Isaiah because the majority of the lyrics contains a sort of praise of a Savior.
-Katie Lamb
While The book of Isaiah establishes Isaiah as a prophet, it focuses more on the people of Judah and their relationship to God. When specific kings of Judah, such as King Ahaz, perform acts against the prophet Isaiah's warnings, the country suffers. Isaiah is, therefore, trying to tell the Hebrew people how much they mean to God. Because there is not a king of Judah so far that has performed God's instructions well enough, Isaiah describes a messiah that will rule over the this kingdom of Zion while performing God's will.
ReplyDeleteI feel as though Handel used excerpts from the book of Isaiah to use in his symphony, The Messiah, because Isaiah is the first prophet in the bible to describe a messiah that will give the Hebrew people a perfect kingdom called Zion. Handel was, therefore, able to see the importance of Isaiah identifying a messiah at this point in biblical history.
Jay Garrick
I think that these texts were originally written by Isaiah, because he lived in a time when the Israelites especially needed direction. They were a divided nation that faced an invasion by the Assyrians. Isaiah was given the grace to prophesy about the coming of the Messiah to give the Israelites hope of a Messiah, a Prince of Peace. Isaiah says that Judah will experience much suffering, but it will not be destroyed, because the Messiah is to come from Judah. Isaiah's prophesy not only points toward a time of peace brought about by the Messiah, but it is also written for people of all times to point toward the second coming of Christ and everlasting peace in Paradise.
ReplyDeleteI think Handel uses the text of Isaiah's prophesy in his Messiah, because it is such a poetic, yet clear foreshadowing of the coming of Christ. The text is quite lyrical, so it suits music very well.
The first reading of Isaiah, chapters 6-12, are filled with themes of God's strength, the Israelites' anguish and distress, and ultimately hope of a Messiah. Isaiah was the first Messianic prophet, and his messages of hope transcend thoughout the ages. People of today's society can surely find comfort in the passages describing God as a Saviour and protector. In chapters 55-62, God promises peace to the just, and even pleads for sinners to repent to Him! He loves His people so much that he is generous and merciful.
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though Isaiah wrote in this manner to give hope to the Israelites. They needed a message and a promise of redemption from their sins and wars. Isaiah's prophecy helps to create and sense of hope for the coming of the Lord within the hearts of the Israeli people.
Handel chose the scripture passages that he did because they contained the essence of the message that he tried conveying in his composition of the "Messiah." Handel does so in a very beautiful and passionate way which helps people during and after his time to see Isaiah's writings in a new light.
~Risa Eskew
The significance of Isaiah was to prompt the anticipation of the arrival of Jesus. This prophecy is important within the Bible because it predicted the coming of our Savior. Yet it also provided laws to follow including rewards for obeying such laws. This became the platform for the religions of Christianity and Judiasm. The passage demonstartes significance due to its communication of universal topics that relate to all, and not just the Israelites. Isaiah states that with faith and obedience in God, one will be rewarded in return. The foundations behind the Judeo-Christian faiths is so effective because it relys a sense of promise.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Smedley
Isaiah's book deals mostly with the prediction of the Messiah. The predictions in this book are paramount to Judeo-Christian beliefs, making the book itself essential to the two faiths. There is also mention of various leaders that came to power and fell out of power. The second section seems to be more of a rulebook to Christianity and initial teachings of the faith.
ReplyDeleteCharles Clunk
This section is almost an introduction as to who God is and his position. Isaiah is given the task of giving direction, and preparing those for the coming of Jesus. Handle's piece is very similar to the book of Isaiah in that they both tell the story of the coming of Jesus (our Lord). Isaiah is very important in giving direction, because in his his time people needed direction and him identifying that there was a higher being, a Messiah, gave hope to the people and created a foundation for the Christian faith.
ReplyDelete-Kate Shannon
The Book of Isaiah begins with the preparation for the coming of Jesus (The Messiah). In Handle's book is similar to the writings of Isaiah in the fact that it also talks about the coming of Jesus.These writings are essential to two different religious do to the fact that at this point they are still Judeo-Christian beliefs, because it gave the people of the time hope about the coming of the Messiah, in Christianity it brought us our Messiah while they only see Jesus as a Prophet in Judaism. This would set the foundation for the catholic faith.
ReplyDeleteIsaiah is introduced to his audience as one of the most influential prophets to be found in the Bible. This section of the OT finally offers man hope for salvation. God claims that “the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel." In effect, this declaration brings the word of God to unprecedented new meaning. Handel must choose to employ the texts of Isaiah in his piece, because it is here where we obtain our first few glimpses into the reality of the Messiah. Handel's work encompasses the joyousness which is fostered in this section of the Bible. The words of Isaiah lay the foundation of our beliefs as Catholics.
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the readings God is introduced as who he is, and an establishment of Isaiah becoming a prophet. The book also puts forth the predictions of a Messiah. Isaiah continues to further explore both Judaism and Christianity beliefs which gives the readings a multi-cultural aspect. Isaiah was good at relaying instructions because the people needed structure. Handle's book is like Isaiah's in many ways. One reason is because he talks about the predictions of a Messiah.
ReplyDelete-ELISE ARIENS
The book of Isaiah shares with us how Isaiah became a prophet and then also how God wanted to spread his message. Also it talks about the prediction of the Messiah. In both the reading and song, they share the Savior and how the savior will bring good things.
ReplyDelete-Mary Vogt
Inspired by God, it may very well be possible that he did not fully understand everything that he wrote. The messianic prophesies in the text are very hopeful to the people of Israel in a time of unrest. They dictate that despite what was going on at that point in history, of their people would descend the savior of the world. The words chosen from Isaiah to be used in Handel’s music perhaps illustrate our same continued hope, not for the first, but the second coming of Christ, while reminding us of the once predicted and fulfilled prophesies of old.
ReplyDeleteKristen Gotlund
I thought that this was a very interesting chapter. When I read the first chapters, yes there were feelings of distress but there was also a feeling of hope. Like the Lord, Isaiah was the main key in this section. He is the one who broadened the minds of the other individuals and enforced that there was a Messiah. This Messiah, clearly gave hope to others and through reading this section, I understand why it "created a foundation for the Christian faith."
ReplyDeleteKaterina Kursileva Salsano
Isaiah is basically giving the readers a glimpse of how the Lord shall come so that they may hope for his coming. It's encouraging. "All you who have no money, come, receive grain and eat." (Isaiah 55:1) It's universal. "All the earth is filled with his glory." (Isaiah 6:3) It's reproaching. "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and who write oppressive decrees." (Isaiah 10:1) Isaiah speaks of how the Lord will come to save. "He shall come to Zion a redeemer... [for] this is the covenant with them which I myself have made, says the Lord." (Isaiah 59:20-21).
ReplyDelete~Caitlin Gorecki
Isaiah is speaking about the coming of the Messiah to the Jewish nation and how to act in the eyes of him. I believe he is talking about the coming to evoke hopefulness throughout the masses by giving them signs to look forward to that will lead to their Messiah's coming. He explains how there will be peace and good times with the Messiah. Isaiah teaches the reader the ways that they should act if they want to be looked upon with favor from God.
ReplyDeleteThese texts were written by Isaiah because God told Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah. Handel used this text in his Messiah because the reason why Isaiah wrote the text was for the coming of the Messiah.
Emma Leary
Like Nicholas said, the first part of Isaiah was more of a historical piece rather than the teachings of Christ. The second part, though, is Jesus inviting the people to dine and live in abundance. He makes a promise that if you are just and righteous, salvation will come. "Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come." I feel that this excerpt further strengthens the Catholic argument of eternal salvation because of faith and works and not faith alone. Although people were doubtful of the messiah, Isaiah gave them hope.
ReplyDeleteIsaiah is a prophet who is telling God's people that the Messiah is coming. Isaiah outlines the call of the Lord. He exemplifies a huge dedication to the Lord. He sends messages to the people that they must stay true to God's commandments and the covenant in order for God's promises to be fulfilled. Isaiah speaks to the people so they will prepare for the Messiah.
ReplyDelete-Katelyn Bockin
I liked that we read these selections from Isaiah shortly after our discussion of the creation stories. There is a nice contrast because in Isaiah there seems to be a call for the re-creation of our world, so to speak, after humankind has sinned and therefore broken its relationship to God. These passages foretell the story of Christ's coming, and I found them to be really hopeful of the possibility that humanity would be saved and reconnected to God once more.
ReplyDelete--Kat Hermanson
In the first part of the reading from Isaiah it tells us of the coming of the messiah. It says a coal will touch his lips by a Seraphim and he is cleansed of his doubt and filled with the fire of the word of God. Then the section discusses the rise and fall of different leaders and their lineages through the conquering of the Northern Kingdom by the Assyrians. Then In the second reading from Isaiah say to welcoming the Messiah with open arms.
ReplyDelete-Courtney Geary
In the readings from Isaiah, the prophet is constantly offering hope to those who read his writings. He does this through forseeing future events, such as the the Messiah, Jesus Christ, coming into the world. Aditionally, Isaiah brings hope because his messages/prophesies from the Lord offer reward to those who follow His Path. God offers His followers riches and promises that they will posesss His 'Holy Mountain'. Handel uses this text because it is very definitive, and inspiring. It is showing a kind God who will protect and reward those that follow Him. Therefore, "The Messiah", composed by Handel, is very powerful and strong. The style of this music is very powerful, and heavily articulated, showing the power and authority of God's Word.
ReplyDelete-Elisabeth O'Toole
When Jesus came, he was expected to lead the people in battle, physically save them from oppression. A lot of this expectation had to do with the content of the prophets' messages: Isaiah relates the fall and rise of many kings, and then tells us of a son born of a virgin whose reign will be everlasting. In the verses of Handel's Messiah, this is the message.
ReplyDelete