There is Hope for a Tree: The Tree as Metaphor in Isaiah

by Kirsten Nielsen

Publisher:

Sheffield Academic Press

, 1989

Overview

Insights gained from the study of metaphorical language in other fields, particularly New Testament parable research, are here applied to the tree metaphors in Isaiah 1–39. The focus of investigation is the content of the metaphors, the intentions underlying their use, and the consequences of that use.

The author suggests that (1) the informative function of the tree metaphors is to provide theological interpretations of the political situation; (2) the performative function of the metaphors is to engage the audience in such a way that they adopt the metaphors' interpretation of reality as their own; (3) the use of metaphorical language encourages continual reinterpretation of the original proclamation.

The tree in the Garden, the felling of trees, new growth of felled trees and the forest fire, are among the images Isaiah uses to make his political statements. He shows himself to be an extremely competent rhetorician in using these images to instill an active response in his audience. The modes in which the metaphors can be reinterpreted and reapplied in new contexts are perceived as significant not only for the composition of Isaiah, but for that of subsequent religious literature.

Key Features

• Examines the composition, meaning, and interpretive challenges in Isaiah
• Discusses questions of authorship, historicity, and canonicity
• All Scripture references linked to the Hebrew texts and English Bible translations in your library

Product Details

• Title: There is Hope for a Tree: The Tree as Metaphor in Isaiah
• Author: Kirsten Nielsen
• Publisher: Sheffield Academic Press
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 301

About Kirsten Nielsen

Kirsten Nielsen is Professor in the Department of Biblical Studies at the University of Aarhus, Denmark.