The book of Isaiah is like a mighty oratorio whereby Israel sings its story of faith. Like any oratorio, this one includes interaction among many voices, some of which are in dissent. Like any oratorio, this work requires a rendering; and because each interpretive rendering (including this one) takes on a peculiar character, no one rendering may claim to be the “correct” one. Like any oratorio, moreover, this one conveys its primary themes with great authority, so that they persist through
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