Theses (MPhil (Ancient Studies. Centre for Bible Interpretation and Translation in Africa))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / The so-called Isaiah Denkschrift (Isa 6:1-9:6) is seen by many scholars as the personal memoirs of the prophet during the time of the Syro-Ephraimitic war. The aim of this study is to investigate the related issues in this periscope within the framework of the Denkschrift. The aim of this study is to investigate the phenomenon of prophecy in the Ancient Near East and to study how this phenomenon manifests in Isa 6:1-9:6. This study examines the biblical and non- biblical literature relating to this phenomenon with the objective to gain an understanding of the text and the world behind the text. The exegetical process of the study also studied the historical background as it is found in the Denkchrift (Isa 6:1-9:6). The literature investigation of the study focuses on prophecy as it is found in the Hebrew Bible as well as in cross-cultural settings such as the West Semitic, Old Babylonian, Neo- Assyrian and Egypt cultures. It is eminent that in the Ancient Near East prophecy in the different cultures shows parallels and differences in the manifestation thereof. Within the corpus of the phenomenon of prophecy in the Ancient Near East, the study analyses the calling of Isaiah to become a prophet to the people of Judah. Isaiah 6 reports the prophetâ s vision of the heavenly divine council, his purification and the commission to prevent the repentance of the people and the resolve of Yahweh to punish them. Another unit within the Denkschrift addresses the symbolic action behind the naming of Isaiahâ s children within the Syro-Ephraimitic crisis. Chapters 7:3 and 8:1-4 records the circumstances surrounding the symbolism as part of Isaiahâ s prophecy when he prophecy to king Ahaz. The interlinking relationship between Isaiah and king Ahaz is visible in the Denkschrift as an issue in the understanding of Isaiahâ s prophecy and speeches. Chapter 7, 8 and 9 records the tension in the relationship and the study explores the significance thereof in the pending crisis. The literature study shows that this relationship can be interpreted in different ways and the aim is to compare these literary findings. The investigation of Isaiah 6:1-9:6 construe a prophetic message of disaster, judgement and doom but similarly also presents a message of promises, hope and future expectations. This message is still a message needed in a modern world today.

Isaiah 7 and 8 are set against the Syro-Ephraimite war and the looming threat of an Assyrian invasion. The historical and social circumstances are laced with tension of despair and hope in the pending crisis. These two chapters are also the starting point of Isaiah prophetic utterances directed at King Ahaz and the people of Judah. From the outset of chapter 7, notions of tension between Isaiah and King Ahaz can be detected. In chapter 8, these notions of tension become further more evident in the oracles of Isaiah. Chapter 7 and 8 also contains oracles that give prominence to the three children with the symbolic names of Shear-jashub, Immanuel and Maher-shalal-hash-baz. The messages of the children’s oracles are the same that is to trust Yahweh and not to despair in their faith. This study investigates the tension between despair and hope in Isaiah 7 and 8 from a perspective of trauma and posttraumatic growth. To understand trauma within a theological discourse, more precisely, with regards to chapters 7 and 8, this study will provide an overview on trauma and trauma tendencies. This research endeavour also addresses biblical trauma and trauma in prophesy to gain an understanding how to read Isaiah 7 and 8 through a trauma lens. The expositional study of chapters 7 and 8 forms the foundation of the study to identify the notions of despair and hope within the text. A notable theme in Isaiah 7 and 8 is the tension triangle between Ahaz, Isaiah and Yahweh, and the research explores the significance thereof in the pending crisis. Isaiah 7 and 8 reports the metaphorical action behind the names of Isaiah’s children and this study attempts to address the trauma and posttraumatic growth implications of these names. These names construe a prophetic message of despair and judgment but similarly also a message of hope and future expectations. / Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies / D. Th. (Old Testament)