Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Isaiah: Chapters 40-66
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
The latter half of the sixth century B.C.E. found the Jewish community fragmented and under great strife after having been conquered by the Babylonian armies. As a response to a growing despair over life in servitude and exile, Isaiah 40–66 was written. Paul Hanson examines the writings of Second Isaiah. What he discovers is a poetic argument for a loving and attentive God and the rightful place of God's creatures in the unfolding of history. This commentary provides a wealth of insight into the world and worldview of Second Isaiah.
- Detailed introduction
- Bibliography
Top Highlights
“The problem is not that the people are unreligious. That would be easy to condemn. No, they are hyper correct in their religious observances and delighted to exhibit their piety, but in their very exercise of religion they miss the essential point, God’s order of compassionate justice.” (Page 204)
“‘comfort, comfort my people, speak tenderly to Jerusalem.’ This word of comfort has specific content: The era of warfare under which Israel has suffered incalculable loss and shame has come to an end. Termination of conflict, however, is not attributed to luck or chance. It is given specific theological grounding: Peace has returned as a result of the restoration of a proper relation between Israel and her God, that is, ‘her iniquity is pardoned’ (v. 2, rsv).” (Page 19)
“Thus the sovereign of the world draws the sublime beings of heaven into the mission of comforting, pardoning, and redeeming the broken nation. In a world dreading the influences of various divine forces, some good, some evil, Israel receives the assurance that the heavenly beings constituting the divine council are participants in the redemptive drama of the one true God.” (Page 18)
“Those who had cried out from their anguish to God for deliverance need fear no longer, for they are about to experience God’s intervention on their behalf. No longer would earthly oppressors determine their fate. The barrier of sin that had cut them off from their source had been removed.” (Page 24)
“First an unusual invitation is extended. The list of those to be included is not limited to people of social standing, not even to people of sufficient means to come properly attired. The only requirement is hunger and thirst.” (Page 177)
The Interpretation series from Westminster John Knox Press is clearly established as a rich source for teaching and preaching. They have tapped the talents of a varied and esteemed group of contributors, resulting in what is clearly the essential comprehensive commentary series on the Bible.
—W. Eugene March, A.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament Emeritus at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
The Interpretation series is an invaluable resource for any leader or scholar interested in interpreting the biblical text to the broader church. Its works are essential for pastors, educators, and church libraries.
—Brian K. Blount, President and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary
- Title: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Isaiah: Chapters 40-66
- Author: Paul D. Hanson
- Publisher: John Knox Press
- Publication Date: 1995
- Pages: 255
Paul D. Hanson is Florence Corliss Lamont Research Professor of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Reviews
2 ratings
Vince Conroy
2/17/2016
John Vignol
7/12/2013
