Encountering the Old Testament, 3rd Edition

A Christian Survey

series: Encountering Biblical Studies

Materials available for professors by request only

Chapter

25. Isaiah 1–39: Prophet of Judah's Royal Court

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think that one of the themes of the book of Isaiah is the remnant?
  2. What do you think was the reason Isaiah used a vineyard in his parable?
  3. If a parable were being written for our generation, what would be appropriate to use to highlight our problems?
  4. Do you know of any illustrations today where people have cried to God for mercy and they received healing like Hezekiah received?
  5. What lessons can we learn from the fact that Manasseh was so evil and undid all that his father Hezekiah had done?

Class Activities

  1. Divide the class into groups of four students. Assign one of the judgment speeches to each group. Ask the group to find how these speeches can be applied today. Conclude with a feedback session. Class time allowed: 30 minutes.
  2. Divide the class into six groups. Assign one of the woe oracles to each group. Ask the groups to identify a contemporary situation for the woe and discuss how this woe might apply to it. Conclude with a summary discussion in which the current examples are listed on the board. Class time allowed: 25 minutes.