Peace in Isaiah 2:1-4 as an eschatological reality: implications for peace in the contemporary society

Abstract

Isa 2:1-4 is usually referred to as Isaiah’s oracle of peace and nonviolence. Isaiah looked forward to a time when humans will reject war and embrace peace; when weapons of war will be transformed into implements of agriculture and human wellbeing. The peace which Isaiah proclaimed is dated to an undetermined future. The dawn of universal peace which Isaiah “saw” is one that will take place “in days to come” (be’aḥặrîṯ hayyāmîm). Such a peace which Isaiah foresees is eschatological in the sense that it points to what will happen at an unspecified time in the future. While the fullness of the peace which Isaiah points to is “a not yet” reality, it is at the same time in continuity with the present.