Clothing imageries of salvation in the book of Isaiah : an exegetical study

Abstract

have interpreted each text on clothing in the book, a comprehensive examination of the usage of clothing imageries and how they communicate the salvation of YHWH is yet to be realized. This dissertation seeks to fill this gap in biblical scholarlship. Chapter 1 of this study introduces the investigation and explains the problem it undertakes to resolve. The research approach utilized in the study is also presented in this chapter. The chapter concludes with a review of the literature that deals with clothing and salvation in the book of Isaiah. In Chapter 2, a survey of the historical, political, and socioreligious backgrounds relating to the imageries of Israel’s clothing and dress found in the MT is conducted. Here, the distinct types, meanings, and functions of dress and clothing prevalent in the tenth to the eighth-century ancient Israel is gleaned. Based on the preceding 2 chapters, Chapter 3 utilizes the grammatical-historical research approach to examine each clothing text of Isaiah in which the motif of salvation is explicitly inherent. The 5 exegetical steps of analysis are (1) identification of image, (2) establishment of image, (3) semantic and other exegetical considerations, (4) contextual situation, and (5) interpretation. Theological implications of the exegetical analysis are the focus and content of Chapter 4. The conclusion of the study, a summary of its findings, and recommendations for further studies are rendered in the final chapter. The study concludes that clothing imageries embedded in the texts of Isaiah have an enhancing and intensifying effect on YHWH’s message of salvation to His people. This conclusion affirms the intrinsic communicative properties of clothing imageries in conveying intended messages. Isaiah’s pervasive use of clothing imageries demonstrates literary skill and devotion to the communication of the divine message. Through the thread of clothing imagery, the message of YHWH’s work of salvation is to reach the ends of the earth.