ARTICLE
The rîb Literary Pattern in Isaiah 1–5 as the casus belli in the Book of Isaiah
Tomasz KOSZAREK
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, pages 18-59
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsABHJ3740
Published online: 2025-06-01
Published in print: 2025-06-30
Abstract: This study explores the rîb pattern in Isa 1, 3, and 5 as the casus belli for the depictions of divine warfare in Proto-Isaiah (chapters 1–39). First, the paper highlights how the prophetic reproach (rîb) serves as a formal accusation against Israel. Then, drawing on parallels with Assyrian war rhetoric and ancient treaty traditions, the study argues that rîb functions as a theologically charged literary framework establishing God’s ultimatum, forming the basis for the warfare narratives in Isaiah.
Keywords:
Isaiah 1–39, rîb pattern, casus belli, warfare, prophetic literature, covenant