I was originally going to take it slow and really try to soak up the symbolism and meaning of all the words.
But then I got kind of lazy and now I am just trying to get through them ASAP. I make myself feel better by telling myself that I will be studying Isaiah in depth next year. This year I am studying the character of Christ in the New Testament. It's bee great so far, although I should really write a few blog posts about what I have been learning.
In the meantime, Does anyone have any good resources on Isaiah for when I do try to break it down next year? I imagine the Church has a manual for institute or religion, but I am anxious to find more good resources.
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I found that the best way to understand Isaiah was to read from Genesis all the way to Isaiah. By understanding the history of the people up to the time of Isaiah you can better understand what he is talking about and why he uses the imagery he does. The church's institute manual for the Old Testament is a great resource, but it will make more sense after reading the history. I love the Old Testament!! Trying to understand Isaiah in isolation is like trying to understand the US Civil War all by itself. Ya gotta know the background!
ReplyDeleteI was planning on reading through the entire Standard works the year after I studied the words of Isaiah, but maybe I'll have to do that first. I don't consider myself completely in the dark with the Old Testament, but I will admit that my understanding of the OT is by far the weakest of all the standard works.
DeleteThanks for the tip :D I am really excited to get more familiar with the OT (and particularly Isaiah).
Michaela Stephens who blogs at Scriptorium Blogorium created an online book "Isaiah Insights to Teenage Temptations" that is very good. The book can be found here: http://scriptorium-blogorium.freehostia.com/Site/Preface.html
ReplyDeleteHer blog is here: http://scriptoriumblogorium.blogspot.com/
I absolutely LOVE Michaela's blog. I'll have to check out her book. I've known about it but haven't read it because it was geared towards teens (which is kind of embarrassing that I would use that as a reason to stay away from something... I kind of have an age complex). Thanks!
DeleteI enjoy listening to the "Insights on Isaiah" series on BYUtv (or any of their scripture discussion series, really)-- I sometimes stream their episodes while working in the kitchen or doing other household tasks. I've been meaning to sit down and study with the Isaiah series and really drink it in-- some of my favorite BYU professors are involved with it. And Victor Ludlow is pretty much amazing when it comes to Isaiah... one of my biggest BYU regrets is not taking an Isaiah course from him while I was there. :)
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed reading your posts, Becca... I haven't had much energy to keep up with posting comments and writing myself, but just know that you are appreciated! And it amazes me how similar we are in some regards and in our individual quests for knowledge, truth, and certain answers to difficult questions. It's good to know I'm not the only one that thinks this way! ;) Best wishes.