“One Theology in Many Theologies?”—What Holds the Book of Isaiah Together Theologically in the Diversity of Its Statements?

Dear Colleagues,

Research on the Book of Isaiah has been predominantly characterized by two overarching approaches. On one hand, scholars have delved into the redactional history of the Book of Isaiah, dissecting it into hypothetical authors and theologies. On the other hand, numerous studies have centered on the final text of the Book of Isaiah, sometimes flattening the distinct theological accents of its individual parts against the backdrop of the whole. The question of how the diverse theologies within the book coalesce into a coherent whole while preserving their individual significance has often taken a back seat.

A recent approach by Antti Laato, as showcased in his work "Message and Composition of the Book of Isaiah: An Interpretation in the Light of the Jewish Reception History," offers a fresh perspective. Laato's work aims to demonstrate how individual theologies, such as Deutero-Isaiah, can be seamlessly integrated into the Book of Isaiah as a unified entity. This approach navigates the intricate interplay between redactional criticism and the reception history of the final text, reconciling the findings of redactional history with the book's reception history, especially in terms of how the Book of Isaiah is perceived.

In this Special Issue, we invite original research articles and reviews that explore various facets of the Book of Isaiah. Potential research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The significance of the nations in the Book of Isaiah.
• The theological role of Zion in the Book of Isaiah.
• The Servant and Servants of God and their significance.
• The theme of pilgrimage of nations to Zion.
• The tension between salvation and judgment.
• The identity of the people of God.
• God's attributes, oscillating between wrath and mercy.
• The concept of God's Kingship.
• The ultimate destiny of Israel and the nations.
• Characterization of Isaiah and his prophetic role.
• Chronological aspects and their theological significance.
• The motif of hardening and its resolution.
• The vineyard motif and its theological implications.
• The portrayal of good and bad kings, particularly the tension between Ahaz and Hezekiah and the expectation of a Messiah.
• The intersection of human politics and divine intervention.
• The theology of creation.
• The evolution of monotheism in the context of God versus idols.
• Theological correspondences between the Book of Isaiah and the Book of the Twelve.

Before submitting a full manuscript, we kindly request interested authors to submit a tentative title and an abstract of 150-200 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send this information to the Guest Editor, Prof. Dr. Burkard M. Zapff (Burkard.Zapff@ku.de), with a copy to the Assistant Editor, Ms. Joyce Xi (joyce.xi@mdpi.com). The abstracts will undergo review by the Guest Editor to ensure they align with the special issue's scope. Full manuscripts will be subject to a double-blind peer review process.

We eagerly anticipate your valuable contributions to this enriching dialogue.

Sincerely,

Prof. Dr. Burkard M. Zapff
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• the Book of Isaiah
• theology
• Zion
• God
• servants
• God's kingship
• salvation
• judgment