The Characterization of the Assyrians in Isaiah: Synchronic and Diachronic Perspectives

Description

This is a literary analysis of every text in Isaiah in which the Assyrians explicitly or implicitly feature. In addition, a few texts regarded by dominant voices in scholarship as referring to the Assyrians are discussed. The general approach of this work is to assume a literary synchronic reading in order to appreciate the narrative artistry and meaning conveyed by the final form of the text and to establish a standard from which diachronic inquiry may proceed. Each chapter is a study in its own right, usually concentrating on a passage or chapter of Isaiah. In addition to analysing the role of the Assyrians from both synchronic and diachronic perspectives, these chapters also explore the sophisticated ways by which literary devices function in relation to the depiction of the Assyrians.

Dr. Mary Katherine Y. H. Hom received her PhD from the University of Cambridge, UK, and was formerly an Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Ambrose University College. She currently resides in northern California. She has lectured and taught in numerous countries and contributed to various scholarly journals.