First, everyone shall write their essay on Isaiah 52.13-53.12 This essay shall be 1-page
single spaced, and in 12pt font. The trick here is that you cannot write more than
1-page. Yet, I expect you to explain all the main points of the passage. Choosing your
words caretully is a skill all good wrters must master. Second, your task is a relatively straightforward one, namely, to explain the main argument of the passage, establish how it connects with the overall argument of the book, and to identify certain points of curiosity within the passage that you can return to answer in later drafts. As far as the last point goes, that means identifying words or concepts in the passage that confuse or interest you. That is, questions you want to research going forward. You are also encouraged to reflect on the genre of the passage and where it came from. What is the historical setting of the text? To whom was it written? Please note that you are not yet trying to explain the meaning of this passage That will come at a later stage in the writing process as you begin to engage with
scholarly sources. Third, some tips regarding how to approach this assignment. Read the assigned passage through, slowly, a few times. Doing so in a variety of translations is oftentimes helpful. (If you enjoy reading the Bible devotionally, try Lectio Divina. Helpful overviews of this ancient discipline can be found online.) The practice of reading a variety of translations will help you identify significant words that translators had a difficult time
dealing with. Then read a few of the chapters that precede and follow this passage. Again, you want to identify the argument of the letter as a whole, and consider how this particular passage contributes to the author’s overall project. You may consult
commentaries for this assignment. But at this point, no sources are required from you.
However, if you do consult a source in this essay, please cite your work Fourth, after these essays are submitted, everyone shall sit for a 10-minute face-to-face grading session with me to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their
essay. Please note that these meetings are required to receive full points on the
assignment. Anyone that does not schedule a meeting with me shall lose one letter grade on this draft. I have enough flexibility in my schedule so that evervone should be
able to find a meeting time with me
Fifth, begin to think about how you want to approach this passage. I shall warn you that
this text is difficult to work win for a number
