INFANT NEGOTIATOR? GOD'S IRONICAL STRATEGY FOR PEACE: A PERSPECTIVE ON CHILD-FIGURES IN ISAIAH 7-11, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE ROYAL FIGURE IN ISAIAH 9:5-6

Abstract

An attempt to design a hermeneutical model whereby the exegete/pastor/teacher may gain access to Isaiah 9:5-6 in order to address the current violent situation in South Africa. Ancient Near Eastern texts, views and iconographical material as well as biblical trajectories are engaged to understand the passage. The central paradox of Isaiah 7-11, namely the focus on defenceless children as God's instruments for peace in a context of violence, leads the reader to avoid allegorical, moralistic, political, exemplary, and certain typological readings in favour of a messianic model supported by a socio-anthropological approach.