??The purpose of this study is to investigate the current discussion of justice(jpvm) in Isaiah 1-12. Scholarship is fairly well agreed that within these first 39 chapters there are clearly defined and agreed upon subjection, namely, chap. 1-12, 13-23, 24-27, 28-35, 36-39. And scholars also agree the situation of Isaiah 1-12 is the early works of First Isaiah, period of Syro-Ephraimite conspiracy(735 B.C.). Many verses in Isaiah 1-12 are clearly and primarily derived from a military milieu; land devastated and devoured, cities burned with fire and besieged, the taking of plunder, the presence of foreigners.
??In Isaiah 1-12, justice(jpvm) is expressed in prophetic messenger formula as follow.:
??① Prophetic Judgment Speech
??ⓐ Accusation(1:1-31(6 times); 5:1-7(2); 9:8-10:4(1))
??ⓑ Announcement of Judgement(3:1-4:1(2); 5:8-30(1); 10:5-34)
??② Message of Hope(4:2-6(1); 9:1-7(1); 11:1-16(2)) In Isaiah 1-12, justice(jpvm) in the social realm is associated with the widely dispersed cultural pattern of concern for the orphan, the widow and the poor. On their behalf, First Isaiah upbraids the negligence of the rich, the arrogance of the powerful, the greed of merchants and the propertied class. In this respect, the material content of justice(jpvm) in Isaiah 1-12 is similar to that found throughout the deuteronomic theology. Similar concerns are reflected in Amos, Hosea, and Micah and criteria for just conduct is spelled out in the covenant stipulations of the Deuteronomy(Deut. 10:18; 24:17-21; 27:19).
??In Isaiah 1-12, justice(jpvm) is associated with the judgment of the ruling classes and obligations of wealthy to care for the plight of the poor and vulnerable. The task of 'doing justice(jpvm)' is to set aright the social order by responsible governance on the part of the king and ruling class, and by just social intercourse on the part of the citizenry. The context is expressly political, economic and legal. Isaiah 1-12’s understanding of justice embraces social justice(as expressed in the variety form including the hendiadys(hqdc)), right judicial conduct, proper governance, and upright social intercourse.
??In Isaiah 1-12, justice(jpvm) is associated with hope of YHWH’s promise. YHWH is the Judge who will bring right judgment(jpvm), i.e. salvation to the righteous and punishment to the wicked. The failure of the kingdom of Israel and Judah to effect justice(jpvm) in the social realm, the prophet looks forward to an ideal king who will rule in justice(jpvm) and righteousness(hqdc).
??Through the above investigation, this study concludes that First Isaiah utilized justice(jpvm) in Isaiah 1-12 to validate Israel's crisis and to help his people have hope.