Lexington Books
Pages: 174
•
Trim: 6¼ x 9½
978-1-4985-4027-8 • Hardback • January 2017 • $93.00 • (£72.00)
978-1-4985-4028-5 • eBook • January 2017 • $88.00 • (£68.00)
John T. Willis is Burton Coffman Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies at Abilene Christian University.
Preparation for the Discussion
Chapter 1: Water: A Blessing in Nature
Chapter 2: The Sea: Symbol of the Expanse of Space
Chapter 3: Yahweh: The Rider of the Clouds
Chapter 4: Water or Absence of Water: Symbol for Divine Punishment, Hardships, Afflictions
Chapter 5: Water as a Defense Strategy in Military Circumstances
Chapter 6: Waters as a Means of Dilution
Chapter 7: Rain and Snow: Symbols of Yahweh’s Word
Chapter 8: Various Forms of Water Symbolizing Arrogance
Chapter 9: Rain, Streams, Water and Snow: Symbols of Forgiveness
Chapter 10: Water: Metaphor for Yahweh’s Control over Nations and Triumph over Enemies
Chapter 11: Calm Water: Symbol of Trust in Yahweh
Chapter 12: Yahweh’s Knowledge as Waters Cover the Sea
Chapter 13: Water, Lack of Water, Overcoming Threatening Water: Metaphors or Similes for Restoration and Help
Chapter 14: Great River: Symbol of the Influx of Nations
Chapter 15: Tears: Manifestation of Lament and Mourning
Chapter 16: Dew: Symbol of Serenity and Life-Giving Power
Chapter 17: Personification of Water
Chapter 18: Troubled Waters: Symbol of the Wicked
Chapter 19: Swimming: Desperate Effort to Survive
Chapter 20: Cultic Practices involving Water
In contrast to approaches to Isaiah that somehow keep us distanced from the text, here John Willis focuses on text after text that touch on a lively and fertile theme. He shows how rich it is and keeps us dazzled by the variety of ways Isaiah talks about it.
— John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary
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).
— Willem Beuken, KU Leuven
Water is an important and pervasive image in Scripture, including as John Willis points out, in the book of Isaiah. Willis brings his long experience as a scholar and careful reader of this book to bear when he focuses on the many, varied, and fascinating uses of the image of water in this prophetic book. His study brings new insight into a host of passages in the book. I recommend this book for everyone who studies Isaiah.
— Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College