How does Dr. Collins distinguish apocalyptic literature from other genres? What are the key points that need to be present? Using that knowledge, do you agree or disagree that this section of Isaiah is a true apocalypse?
What, if anything, changes about our interpretation of this section when we take the apocalyptic genre into account?
This section of Isaiah feels as though it’s been dropped in the middle of First Isaiah. How does this placement affect how we read this apocalyptic vision?
Applying the Text:
What cultural contextualization do you have for “apocalypse” and “apocalyptic literature”? What comes to mind when you hear those terms? Does this section of Isaiah line up with that?
Apocalyptic literature is normally associated with intense and often fearful imagery. Do you find that this part of the text evokes those emotions? If not, what does it evoke?