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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

Biblical studies, Isaiah, symbols, inhabiteth eternity, God, Christian

College

Humanities

Department

Asian and Near Eastern Languages

Abstract

The language that people use conveys a myriad of meaning. In examining the language an author uses, for example, one can discover his or her understanding of a subject. This holds true for the author of the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 57:15 contains a curious phrase that is used nowhere else in the Hebrew Bible. Here, God is referred to as One who “inhabiteth eternity.” These words imply a certain understanding of deity. Traditionally, this verse has been interpreted as a metaphor regarding God’s kingship and His transcendence. In a careful examination of the phraseology and context of the verse, however, Isaiah’s description is reflective of symbols in which ancient Israel found superlative meaning: the tabernacle and temple of God.

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