First Isaiah and the Disappearance of the Gods

Matthew J. Lynch's study of First Isaiah reveals a stronger monotheizing rhetoric than previously recognized, emphasizing yhwhs supreme uniqueness through a rhetoric of avoidance, exaltation, and abasement. This book will change how biblical scholars understand the nature and development of Israelite monotheism.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 144 pages
\n Publication date: 05 May 2021
\n Publisher: Eisenbrauns
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The Hebrew Bible employs the term "elilim" (usually translated as "idols") more frequently than any other section, particularly in Isaiah 1-39. Matthew J. Lynch's study of First Isaiah offers a fresh perspective on the rhetorical strategies used by the prophet, highlighting a more robust monotheistic rhetoric than previously acknowledged.

Conventional narratives of Israelite religion often assert that monotheism attained its zenith during the exile, particularly in Deutero-Isaiah. In contrast, Lynch's research uncovers an equally potent form of monotheism in First Isaiah. Lynch identifies three interconnected rhetorical tendencies that emphasize Yahweh's supreme uniqueness:

A rhetoric of avoidance, which refers to other deities as "elilim" to prevent conferring upon them the status of gods (elohim).
A rhetoric of exaltation, which highlights Yahweh's truly exalted status in contrast to all that exalts itself.
A rhetoric of abasement, which fully subjugates all other claimants to absolute power, whether human or divine, before the divine king.

Lynch's book is compellingly argued and will significantly alter how biblical scholars understand the nature and development of Israelite monotheism.

\n Weight: 228g\n
Dimension: 149 x 228 x 14 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781575068398\n \n