LE3 .A278 1999

1999

Ashley, Timothy

Acadia University

Bachelor of Arts

Masters

Theology

Acadia Divinity College

This thesis examines the form critical unit designated as 'lawsuit genre' or 'trial speech', specifically within Isaiah 40-48. A survey of various scholars who have written on the subject reveals that they have not reached a consensus as to its form, or even its existence. A form critical study of the so-called trial speeches in Deutero-Isaiah must first establish that such a form exists. The analysis of non-Deutero-Isaiah texts establishes this. The characteristics revealed in that study assist the form critical analysis of Isaiah 40-48. The discovery of trial speeches in Deutero-Isaiah leads to the question addressed by rhetorical criticism--what is the function of the 'trial speech'? This exploration led to conclusions concerning the style and intent of Deutero-Isaiah.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2970