How Many People Wrote Isaiah?
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

How Many People Wrote Isaiah?

With such a drastic change in tone and style, did more than one person write this book of the Bible?

880
How Many People Wrote Isaiah?
MormonTemples

The question arose in one of my classes last week about how many people authored Isaiah? Was there only 1? Were there multiple? Read on!

INFORMATIVE ARTICLE: Modern scholars are convinced that the author of Isaiah 1-39 is different from the author of Isaiah 40-66 because of the many differences inside of the text. The tone and content of the text drastically changes between the two parts. There is also a change in style between the two parts. Another big difference between them is the use of monotheism in Isaiah 40-66 as compared to the monolatry used in Isaiah 1-39. The many differences in the text have modern scholars persuaded that there are two different authors of Isaiah.

The tone and content of Isaiah changes between 1-39 and 40-66. Within the first 39 chapters, condemnation and reproach are two of the major themes. The enemies of Israel are a huge focus point. Isaiah announces God’s judgement against nations such as the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Syrians just to name a few. For example, in Isaiah 8, the Assyrian invasion is brought up. In the first part Isaiah also has some critical words for his fellow Judahites. The tone and content change comes when Isaiah 40 is reached. All of the bitter feelings and words disappear. The tone includes that of comfort and reconciliation. As a matter of proof, the first words written in Isaiah 40 are “Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God” (Isaiah 40:1-2). Modern scholars draw the conclusion that the sudden change of tone and content could not have been from the same person. This is not the only drastic difference between Isaiah 1-39 and 40-66.

In stylistic terms, there is also a considerable change in Isaiah. The historical context changes in Isaiah. From chapter 40 and on, Isaiah repeatedly refers to the people of Judah having been exiled and then returning to their homeland. This theme is not followed in the earlier part of Isaiah. Judah remained a secure place during Isaiah’s time, which caused confusion to many different modern scholars. Scholars wonder why the people of Judah are said to be returning home. When had they ever left? Well, there was a time when an exile occurred. The exiles had been forced to remain in Babylon until that country fell to the Persian army and Cyrus. The interesting point here is that the later part of Isaiah does indeed reference Cyrus. Isaiah 44:28 and Isaiah 45:1 both mention Cyrus. If Isaiah was around 200 years earlier, could he really foreshadow these events happening? This is another example of why modern scholars are convinced that there had to be a different author.

The use of monotheism is another big difference between Isaiah 1-39 and Isaiah 40-66. Israel has not always believed in a single God. According to the prophet Elijah, people were often switching their viewpoints. When taking a look at Isaiah 26:13, it says “other lords besides you have ruled over us”. This seems to change in the later part of Isaiah. There is distinctly only one God who rules the whole universe as seen in Isaiah 45:5-7. With this drastic of a change in Isaiah, it would be very confusing and unique if the same author wrote both parts. This is another example of modern scholars convinced that there are two different authors in Isaiah.

The major differences within the text have modern scholars convinced that the same author could not have composed both Isaiah 1-39 and 40-66. There are a variety of differences in the tone and content. There is also a huge difference in the writing style between the two. Also add in the fact that monotheism is mentioned in the second half of Isaiah, but not the first half. All of these things have convinced modern scholars that there are at least two different authors of Isaiah.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51404
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32983
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956003
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180961
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments