Concentricity and Continuity: The Literary Structure of Isaiah

by Robert O'Connell

This monograph explores the structure and rhetoric of the book of Isaiah. Its thesis is twofold. First, the book of Isaiah best manifests its structural unity, thematic choherence and rhetorical emphasis when read as an exemplar of prophetic covenant disputation. Second, the principal arrangement of the book comprises seven asymmetrical concentric sections, each made up of complex (triadic and quadratic) framing patterns. They an exordium (1.1, 2-5), two threats of judgment (2.6-21; 3.1-4.1), two programmes for the punishment and restoration of Zion and the nations (4.2-11.16; 13.1-39.8), an exoneration of Yahweh (40.1-54.17), and an appeal for covenant reconciliation (55.1-66.24).

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2009

About the author

Robert O’Connell is a career educator and humorist. He and his family spent many years in Montclair, New Jersey. He has three children and currently lives with his wife in South Florida.