Fair Spoken and Persuading

Fair Spoken and Persuading argues that Isaiah 40-55 is a collection of substantial speeches that reinterpret national traditions to answer a sixth century question: how could the exiles be Israel outside of the sacred land? The prophet's answer: by making a fresh Exodus and Conquest. The Judahites would become Israel through their brave and trustful journeying to Zion (Second Isaiah's name for Jerusalem). Second Isaiah is therefore not just a poet but an orator. His program of action ? one becomes Israel through action ? is still relevant today for both Jews and Christians who seek authenticity through their actions.