The Relationality of the Holy One of Israel in the Book of Isaiah

This dissertation explores the ways that “the Holy One of Israel ” is used in the book of Isaiah to depict Yahweh, the powerful and unapproachable God, in his personal relationship with Israel. It investigates the actions and character of Yahweh as the Holy One of Israel and the nature and purpose of Yahweh’s holiness as reflected in the Holy One of Israel’s treatment of Israel. It considers how Yahweh seeks to manifest his holiness in the midst of rebellion through righteous actions. In particular, it examines how the Holy One of Israel rebukes, redeems, and restores Israel, despite her rebellious disposition and actions. This research affirms that Israel’s relationship with the Holy One is not contrived, but comes out of a genuine experience, as evidenced by Yahweh’s desire to empower Israel to live righteously. When God and his people act righteously, the Holy One has manifested his holiness. This thesis demonstrates that the Holy One of Israel is a relational God who has the spiritual and sanctifying power to transform unrighteous people to live righteously. Therefore, the prophet Isaiah calls Israel to return to the Holy One of Israel who, though he rebukes his people, does so in order to restore them, and transform them into “oaks of righteousness ” (Isa 61:3). Thus the Isaianic use of the special epithet reminds Israel of the immanence of Yahweh who belongs to Israel, and it connotes: “the Holy One of Israel, the powerful righteous redeemer is with you.