Structure, Style, and the Prophetic Message: An Analysis of Isaiah 5:8-30 -- By: Robert B. Chisholm, Jr.
Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 143:569 (Jan 1986)
Article: Structure, Style, and the Prophetic Message: An Analysis of Isaiah 5:8-30
Author: Robert B. Chisholm, Jr.
BSac 143:569 (Jan 86) p. 46
Structure, Style, and the Prophetic Message: An Analysis of Isaiah 5:8-30
[Robert B. Chisholm, Jr., Assistant Professor of Semitics and Old Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary]
In her final, unforgettable adventure in Wonderland, Alice appeared as a witness at the trial of an unfortunate knave accused of stealing the queen’s tarts. After listening to the White Rabbit present some cryptic, nonsensical verses as evidence against the defendant, Alice in exasperation challenged the jurors, “If any one of them can explain it, I’ll give him sixpence. I don’t believe there’s an atom of meaning in it.” In moments of absolute honesty every would-be interpreter of the Old Testament prophets, when confronted by their all-too-often impenetrable messages, has uttered words very similar to those of Alice.
Why are these prophetic messages so difficult to comprehend? Often the reason is the major barrier the interpreter faces, the immense distance (chronological, geographical, cultural, and linguistic) that separates him from the prophetic author. Due to modern advances in textual criticism, philology, and archaeology, however, one is often able to cross the expanse. Yet even when this long, arduous journey is successfully completed, problems sometimes remain. Frequently the prophetic message defies attempts to discern its organizing principle(s) and summarize its theological theme(s). On occasion the prophet’s words seem to be a disorganized collection of unrelated themes.To make matters worse, the prophets did not always express their ideas in straightforward, propositional statements. In fact their highly poetic, impassioned style frustrates efforts to theologize their messages.
BSac 143:569 (Jan 86) p. 47
Fortunately the situation is not as bleak as it seems. As the recent trend toward literary study of the Bible gains impetus,1 significant breakthroughs in the understanding of Scripture are taking place. In particular, studies in the prophets are revealing that the prophetic messages are organized in a highly artistic manner. The force of the messages and their theological themes are linked to and at times veiled within their structure and style. As more is learned about the literary structures and rhetorical devices employed by the prophets, understanding of and appreciation for their profound messages grow. Even in texts whose organization and meaning have been reasonably clear for some time, this new emphasis is bringing greater precision and sophistication to interpretation.
The Method
Many scholars call this study of structure and style rhetorical criticism. However, proponents of this app...
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