The Characterization of the Assyrians in Isaiah : Synchronic and Diachronic Perspectives
Author(s): Mary Katherine Y.H. Hom
The Characterization of the Assyrians in Isaiah is a literary analysis of every text in Isaiah in which the Assyrians explicitly or implicitly feature. In addition, a few texts regarded by dominant voices in scholarship as referring to the Assyrians are discussed. The general approach of this work is to assume a literary synchronic reading in order to appreciate the narrative artistry and meaning conveyed by the final form of the text and to establish a standard from which diachronic inquiry may proceed.
Each chapter is a study in its own right, usually concentrating on a passage or chapter of Isaiah. In addition to analysing the role of the Assyrians from both synchronic and diachronic perspectives, these chapters also explore the sophisticated ways by which literary devices function in relation to the depiction of the Assyrians.
Review(s):
“This study has a twofold interrelated focus. First it seeks to uncover the ideology and characterization of Assyria as found in several salient passages from the book of Isaiah. In doing so it hopes to achieve its second focus, namely, a careful literary study of Isaian passages themselves. Hom sets out to accomplish this by examining some of the often-neglected passages in which Assyria plays a role, highlighting the narrative artistry and meaning found in First Isaiah (chs. 1–39), and devising a way of employing diachronic methods when synchronic inconsistencies become apparent. While Homs appears to be primarily concerned with Assyria, it is only so that she might learn how that nation influenced ancient Israel. Like all books in this series, this is a very critical study. It builds on and develops the research done by other scholars. Students of First Isaiah and those interested in methodological approaches will find the effort they invest here well rewarded.” —Bible Today
ISBN: 9780567631718