'The coastlands wait for me, and for my arm they hope': The Sea and Eschatology in Deutero-Isaiah1. (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sargent, Benjamin
• Is Part Of: Expository times. Volume 126:Number 3(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 130
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: Sea -- Deeps -- Waters -- Islands -- Coastlands -- Deutero-Isaiah -- Eschatology -- Salvation History -- Ecology; 200
• DOI: 10.1177/0014524613499485
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-5246

Abstract

The sea and the elusive term 'iyyîm (אִיִּים - 'islands', 'coastlands', 'shores') are important features of the eschatology of Isa 40-55. YHWH's action in primal history (defeating the sea monsters Rahab and the dragon) as well as his action in Israel's history (dividing the sea for Israel to pass through) ground the possibility of future salvation. This future action is understood to be good news for the 'iyyîm and will result in the sea offering praise to YHWH. The role played by the sea in Isaiah's eschatology challenges the dominant caricature of the sea in the Hebrew scriptures as primarily symbolic of primal chaos. Furthermore, it might also stimulate theological responses to issues surrounding the future of the world's oceans.