Images of Water in Isaiah

By (author) John T. Willis

Not available to order

Publication date:

27 January 2017

Length of book:

174 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

ISBN-13: 9781498540285

This book is a study of the various metaphors, figures, similes, and usages of water found in the book of Isaiah. It covers representations of water relating to: water as a blessing in nature; the sea as a symbol of the expanse of space; Yahweh, the rider of the clouds; water or absence of water as symbol of divine punishment, hardships, and affliction; water as a defense strategy in military circumstances; water as a means of dilution; rain and snow as symbols of Yahweh's word; various forms of water symbolizing arrogance; rain, streams, water, and snow as symbols of forgiveness; water as a metaphor for Yahweh's control over nations and triumph over enemies; calm water as a symbol of trust in Yahweh; Yahweh's knowledge as waters cover the sea; water, lack of water, and overcoming threatening water as metaphors or similes for restoration and help; the great river as a symbol of the influx of nations; tears as the manifestation of lament and mourning; dew as a symbol of serenity and life-giving power; the personification of water; troubled waters as a symbol of the wicked; swimming as desperate effort to survive; and cultic practices involving water.

These themes emphasize important religious truths in the book of Isaiah. They include many concepts dealing with the nature and mighty acts of Yahweh; sin, punishment and forgiveness; Yahweh's work over and through nations; personal and corporate matters like trust and lament; and Yahweh’s work in nature.
Like Joshua who provided Israel with hewers of wood and drawers of water (Joshua 9), so John T. Willis, by his profound familiarity with the book of Isaiah and his clear style of writing, ushers readers through the greenwood of this great prophecy. Unobtrusively he helps them appropriate its promise: “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3).