Abraham (does not) know(s) us: An intertextual dialogue in the book of Isaiah

 

 

Marius D. Terblanche

University of the Free State

Correspondence

 

 

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ABSTRACT

The stance towards Abraham in Isaiah 63:16 seems to be at odds with the high esteem in which Abraham is held in the other texts in the book of Isaiah which explicitly mention him, and other exilic and post-exilic texts. This state of affairs points to an intertextual dialogue between the Abraham texts in the book of Isaiah. The proper name Abraham acts as a signal which alerts a reader to the inter-textual relationship. Isaiah 63:16 displaces 29:22, 41:8 and 51:2 from their positions of authority. Trust in Yahweh himself was the only option for the people.

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Correspondence:
Dr. Marius D. Terblanche
Department of Old Testament, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein
P. O. Box 31142, Fichardt Park, 9317
Email: mdterblanche@absamail.co.za