Start Date
29 September, 2025
There will be 10 weekly meetings on Monday, 1.30 - 3.30pm, starting from 29 September.
Overview
Chapters 40 to 55 and 56-66 form a distinctive unit within the Book of Isaiah. Modern scholarship identifies them as Second and Third Isaiah respectively and they appear to date from the period of Exile in Babylon and the early period of the return to Jerusalem. For Christian readers there are important passages such as the Suffering Servant in chapter 53 and other verses that are thought to prefigure the coming of Jesus. We will examine these fascinating chapters to try to understand their original time and setting as well as their influence in later Jewish and Christian traditions.
The course aims to read chapters 40-66 of Isaiah covering 2-3 chapters per session and to explore the potential meanings and the different interpretations of a number of commentators.
Anyone with an interest in biblical studies will enjoy this course. .
Syllabus
Week 1. Chapters 40-41
Week 2. Chapters 42-44
Week 3. Chapters 45-47
Week 4. Chapters 48-50
Week 5. Chapters 51-53
Week 6. Chapters 54-55
Week 7. Chapters 56-58
Week 8. Chapters 59-61
Week 9. Chapters 62-64
Week 10. Chapters 65-66
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier.
In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm.
Course Lecturer: Michael Tunnicliffe
Michael Tunnicliffe is a long standing tutor for Liverpool Continuing Education teaching both face to face and online courses. These are usually in the field of ancient history and religious studies.
He is a graduate of the Universities of Birmingham (BA & MA) where he read Theology, and Cambridge (MLitt.) where he researched on Isaiah 25:6-8 in the Bible.
His interest in wider Middle Eastern studies is demonstrated by a Diploma in Judaism and Jewish Christian Relations from Birmingham and a Certificate in Egyptology from the University of Manchester. He is author of a commentary on the Old Testament books of Ezra Nehemiah and Chronicles and writes articles for Ancient Egypt magazine.
Courses fees: Full fee £155/Concession £80
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