Die struktur der Jesaja-Apokalypse und die deutung von Jes 26,19

Abstract

The question of the origin, unity, structure, perspective and interpretation of the so-called Isaiah Apocalypse (Isa 24-27) continues to be subject to great disagreement among scholars. A particular source of controversy is the issue of resurrection. While a majority of exegetes interpret Isa 26,19 (some also 25,8a) as an allusion to bodily resurrection, others believe that this passage is more of a metaphorical indication of the national restoration of Israel. In my view the concentric structure of the different passages or sections is an argument for the original unity of the Isaiah Apocalypse. This should really provide the basis for an interpretation of the crux interpretum Isa 26,19 in the light of its overall context. While especially the corresponding verse 26,14 and the announcements in 26,21 support bodily resurrection, national restoration seems rather to be indicated by 26,10.15-18 and 27,2-13. © Walter de Gruyter 2008.