Zion's Destiny as Theological Disclosure: Mapping of a Metaphor across Isaiah

Zion's metaphoric depiction as woman in her varied forms (prostitute, mother, barren one, wife, etc.) is arguably one of the most pervasive literary constructs across Isaiah. The shift in portrait of the metaphoric personification of female Zion from the opening chapter of Isaiah to its conclusion in chap. 66 suggests the required societal shift regarding women envisioned for the realization of Isaian eschatology. In this study, I consider how woman as the root of this metaphor not only bears this revelatory significance but also may even serve as a theological linchpin for a more holistic reading of the Book of Isaiah.