Scholar Explains Isaiah's Imagery with Pictures

The book of Isaiah has often been a challenge to students and teachers alike. The prophet Isaiah dressed his prophetic writings in vivid imagery and symbolism that are not always clear to modern readers, whose world is far removed from that of eighth-century-B.C. Israel. A new book by Hebrew scholar Donald W. Parry, Visualizing Isaiah, helps bring that worldÑ#151;#151;and Isaiah's prophetic writingsÑ#151;#151;closer to home via a lavish gallery of provocative images with illuminating commentary.

The many photographs in Parry's book help bring home to modern readers the imagery Isaiah used.

Isaiah, a master poet, expressed his visions and prophecies using imagery and symbolism from the world around him. He used politics, religion, geography, and social conditions in the land of Israel. He also drew on the natural world, including animals, insects, plants, rocks, elements, and heavenly objects. His writings mention colors, foods, armor, weaponry, numbers, occupations, persons, ecclesiastical offices, social relationships, human anatomy, places, and architecture.

Isaiah, by Gustave Dore.

Yet many of the symbols that Isaiah used are unfamiliar to modern readers, while more familiar symbols have changed in meaning since Isaiah's time. This large-format, full-color book features photographs, charts, illustrations, and explanatory commentary to help modern readers understand many of Isaiah's most puzzling symbols.

The illustrations range from herds of sheep to looms and weavers, and from old stone feeding troughs to ancient cisterns and a model of the laver used in Solomon's Temple to hold ceremonial cleansing water. Photographs of ancient cities and ruined walls help the reader to imagine how Israel looked when Isaiah wrote his prophecies. All of the images are accompanied by scripture passages and commentary by the author. Charts throughout the book explain archaic language, give timetables, and show scripture parallels.

Visualizing Isaiah is divided into seven sections, each detailing one broad aspect of the book of Isaiah: "Ancient Israel," "Ancient Israel's Neighbors," "Warnings to the Wicked," "Blessings and Duties of the Righteous," "The Restoration and the Gathering," "The Earthly Ministry of Jesus Christ," and "The Second Coming of Jesus Christ." The book also includes a scripture index, a list of sources consulted, and a section on how to use the book.

Donald W. Parry is associate professor of Hebrew language and literature at Brigham Young University and a leading scholar in the study of Isaiah. For purchasing information, see the enclosed order form or visit the FARMS Web site.