NICOT: The Book of Isaiah Chapters 1 - 39

The first of John N. Oswalt's two-part study of the book of Isaiah for the
NICOT series, this commentary on chapters 1-39 combines theological acumen,
literary sensitivity, philological expertise, and historical knowledge to
present a faithful and accurate reading of one of the Old Testament's most
important books. In the introduction to this work, Oswalt considers Isaiah's
background, unity of composition, date and authorship, canonicity, Hebrew text,
theology, and problems of interpretation, and he offers a select bibliography
for further research. Oswalt also provides substantial discussions of several
issues crucial to the book of Isaiah. He notes, for example, that scholars
often divide Isaiah into three divisions, with chapters 1-39 addressing
IsaiahÉs contemporaries in the eighth century B.C., chapters 40-55 presupposing
the exile of the sixth century, and chapters 56-66 presupposing the eventual
return from exile. While taking this scholarship into account Oswalt defends
the unity of the prophetic book and argues convincingly that the whole book can
be attributed to the Isaiah of the eighth century. The commentary proper, based
on Oswalt's own translation of the Hebrew text, provides pastors, scholars, and
students with a lucid interpretation of the book of Isaiah in its ancient
context as well as an exposition of its message for today.
'In the Old Testament we read GodÉs word as it was spoken to his people Israel.
Today, thousands of years later, we hear in these thirty-nine books his
inspired and authoritative message for us.' These twin convictions, shared by
all of the contributors to The New International Commentary on the Old
Testament, define the goal of this ambitious series of commentaries. For
those many modern readers who find the Old Testament to be strange and foreign
soil, the NICOT series serves as an authoritative guide bridging the cultural
gap between today's world and the world of ancient Israel. Each NICOT volume
aims to help us hear God's word as clearly as possible.
'These volumes are solidly conservative and well-researched.' -
Tremper Longman
Series: New International Commentary on the Old Testament.
Recommended € 59,90