Editorial fatigue and the relationship between 2 Kings 18-20 and Isaiah 36-39

The near verbatim agreement between Isaiah 36-39 and 2 Kings 18-20 has long invited speculation about the relationship between these passages. Most scholars theorize Isaian dependence on Kings or mutual dependence on a third source, but a minority has argued for Isaian priority. In connection with the similar problem of the relationships among the Synoptic Gospels of the New Testament, recognition of a phenomenon known as editorial fatigue has helped to clarify which Gospels serve as sources for the others. By identifying several instances of editorial fatigue in Isaiah 36-39, this article provides strong evidence against Isaian priority and for the dependence of Isaiah 36-39 on a version of 2 Kings 18-20.

Automated summary

This article provides strong evidence against Isaian priority and supports the dependence of Isaiah 36-39 on a version of 2 Kings 18-20 by identifying several instances of editorial fatigue in Isaiah 36-39.