Message And Composition Of The Book Of Isaiah

The study deals with the theological message and composition of the Book of Isaiah and promotes a thesis that an early Jewish reception history helps us to find perspectives to understand them. This study treats the following themes among others: 1 Hezekiah as Immanuel was an important theme in the reception as can be seen in Chronicles and Ben Sira as well as in rabbinical writings. The central event which makes Hezekiah such an important figure, was the annihilation of the Assyrian army as recounted in Isaiah 36-37. 2 The Book of Isaiah was interpreted in apocalyptic milieu as the Animal Apocalypse and Daniel show. Even though the Qumran writings do not provide any coherent way to interpret Isaianic passages its textual evidence shows how the community has found from the Book of Isaiah different concepts to characterize the division of the Jewish community to the righteous and sinful ones (cf. Isa 65-66). 3 Ezra and Nehemiah received inspiration from the theological themes of Isaianic texts of Levitical singers which were later edited in the Book of Isaiah by scribes. The formation of the Book of Isaiah then went in its own way and its theology became different from that in the Book of Ezra–Nehemiah.

A multifaceted seven-part structure of the Book of Isaiah draws on events from Israel's past to systematically develop an apocalyptic message and a Hebrew messianic theology. When subjected to several literary analyses simultaneously-structural, rhetorical, and typological-the Book of Isaiah discloses secrets that have lain dormant for millennia.

The book of Isaiah is outstanding in its brilliance of style, poetic power, and foretaste of the hope of the gospel. It tells how God himself has provided the highway to holiness for those who have been redeemed. These are images that evoke the exodus from Egypt and foreshadow Christ's achievement at the cross. There is joy even in Isaiah's portrayal of judgment—rebuilding within the demolition, the new replacing the old—as world events reveal God's hand. In the visionary world of Isaiah, the varied themes and imagery of the Old Testament converge and blend as they project an extraordinary climax of the story of Israel and of the world. Barry Webb calls Isaiah the Romans of the Old Testament, where all the threads come together and the big picture of God's purposes are most clearly set forth. Attuned to the magnificent literary architecture of Isaiah, Webb escorts us through this prophecy and trains our ears and hearts to resonate with its great biblical-theological themes. Part of the beloved Bible Speaks Today series, The Message of Isaiah offers an insightful, readable exposition of the biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to contemporary life. Used by students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for those studying or preaching the Bible and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the text. This revised edition of a classic volume features lightly updated language and a new interior design.

The book of Isaiah has nourished the church throughout the centuries. However, its massive size can be intimidating; its historical setting can seem distant, opaque, varied; its organization and composition can seem disjointed and fragmented; its abundance of terse, poetic language can make its message seem veiled—and where are those explicit prophecies about Christ? These are typical experiences for many who try to read, let alone teach or preach, through Isaiah. Andrew Abernethy's conviction is that thematic points of reference can be of great help in encountering Isaiah and its rich theological message. In view of what the structure of the book of Isaiah aims to emphasize, this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume employs the concept of "kingdom" as an entry point for organizing the book's major themes. In many respects, Isaiah provides a people living amidst imperial contexts with a theological interpretation of them in the light of YHWH's past, present and future sovereign reign. Four features of "kingdom" frame Abernethy's study: God, the King; the lead agents of the King; the realm of the kingdom and the people of the King. While his primary aim is to show how "kingdom" is fundamental to Isaiah when understood within its Old Testament context, interspersed canonical reflections assist those who are wrestling with how to read Isaiah as Christian Scripture in and for the church. Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship and to point the way ahead.

In this groundbreaking literary analysis of Isaiah, Avraham Gileadi leads the layman and scholar to discover Isaiah's apocalyptic message and messianic theology. The ancient writings of Isaiah now appear -- through Gileadi's illuminating work -- to bridge the gap between the Old and New Testaments, with an ennobling view of the Messiah acceptable to both Jew and Gentile. Employing sophisticated literary structures, isaiah draws on events out of Israel's past to communicate the future and answers pressing political and religious questions of our day by giving us a preview of what will transpire in the "last days" of the history of humanity. The Literary Message of Isaiah will revolutionize your understanding of Hebrew prophecy and profoundly enrich your love for the Bible.

One in an ongoing series of esteemed and popular Bible commentary volumes based on the New International Version text.

Preaching's Preacher's Guide to the Best Bible Reference "Yahweh sits enthroned, high and lifted up A shoot grows from the stump of Jesse A Servant pours himself out to death Kings and nations stream to Zion" The book of Isaiah's imagery sparkles as it inspires. It draws us in to meditate and extends our vision toward the future. But what should we make of this sprawling and puzzling book—so layered and complex in its composition—as a whole? John Goldingay helps us make sense of this "book called Isaiah" as a tapestry of patterned collages, parts put together in an intentional whole. The Theology of the Book of Isaiah studies the prophecies, messages and theology of each section of the complex book, then unfurls its unifying themes—from Zion to David to the Holy One of Israel. Like a program guide to Handel's Messiah, Goldingay helps us see, hear and understand the grandeur of this prophetic masterpiece among the Prophets.

This clear and readable introduction provides guidance on the history and theology of the book of Isaiah.