Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey
Overview
In this volume, Bryan E. Beyer offers a comprehensive introduction to the book of Isaiah that surveys the book’s content, its meaning in its original context, and its application for people today. Beyer presents the prophet’s recurring themes of remnant, the sovereignty of God, the Day of the Lord, covenant obligations, Messiah, and God and the nations. He pays special attention to Isaiah’s use of geographical issues to illustrate his message, Isaiah’s place in the canon of Scripture, and the implications of the book for mission.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Provides detailed exposition on the major themes and arguments of Isaiah
- Discusses the meaning of the text within its original context
- Includes thorough chapter outlines to provide context for study
- Explores the book of Isaiah with the serious student in mind
- Who Was Isaiah, and What Do We Know about Him and His Book?
- Isaiah’s Opening Words to God’s People: Isaiah 1:2–31
- God’s Call to Live in Light of the Future: Isaiah 2:1–5:30
- Isaiah’s Call to Prophetic Ministry: Isaiah 6:1–13
- The Signs of Immanuel and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz: Isaiah 7:1–8:22
- God’s Kingdom Will Surpass All Earthly Kingdoms: Isaiah 9:1–12:6
- Oracles against the Nations: Isaiah 13:1–23:18
- The “Little Apocalypse”: Isaiah 24:1–27:13
- Oracles of Woe: Isaiah 28:1–33:24
- Eschatological Summation: Isaiah 34:1–35:10
- Highlights from Hezekiah’s Reign: Isaiah 36:1–39:8
- Introduction to Isaiah 40–66
- God’s People Are Coming Home! Isaiah 40:1–31
- Proclamation of Deliverance and Restoration: Isaiah 41:1–45:25
- The Fall of Babylon: Isaiah 46:1–47:15
- Israel’s Release and Exaltation: Isaiah 48:1–52:12
- The Suffering Servant: Isaiah 52:13–53:12
- Celebrating the Return: Isaiah 54:1–59:21
- The Grand Finale of God’s Restoration: Isaiah 60:1–66:24
- Isaiah and the Old Testament
- Isaiah and the New Testament
- Isaiah and the Great Commission
Top Highlights
“ Isaiah 7:10 records the only place in the Bible where a prophet offered a human being the opportunity to name the sign.” (Page 73)
“To some extent, the question of single or multiple authorship hinges at least partly on whether one allows for the existence of a God who knows the future and who can communicate it to his servants the prophets.” (Page 158)
“Rabbinic tradition suggests Isaiah died a martyr’s death during the reign of King Manasseh, Hezekiah’s son” (Page 26)
“The yom YHWH describes not a twenty-four-hour day but rather a period of time in which God works his purposes in a particularly distinctive way in the heavens and on earth. The day of the Lord includes three elements, though different elements are stressed in various usages: God’s judgment against unbelievers, the cleansing and purging of God’s people, and the salvation of God’s people.” (Pages 98–99)
“‘the zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this’—denotes two important truths. First, this kingdom will come about directly because of God’s doing. Human effort alone will not bring it. Second, God is eager to establish this kingdom. His zeal will accomplish it, and everyone will recognize his special work.” (Page 85)
Bryan Beyer has done a service for all those who struggle to understand the complex book of Isaiah. In clear yet engaging prose, he has made the profound theology of the book available to all of us. In addition, he goes the next step, addressing the related questions that study of the book raises. This is the best general handbook to Isaiah that is currently available.
—John N. Oswalt, research professor of Old Testament, Wesley Biblical Seminary
The book of Isaiah is easy to get lost in, so having a knowledgeable guide can be crucial. Bryan Beyer has provided just such a service in this accessible tour of one of the most complex and magisterial books of the canon. His judicious discussions show a depth of knowledge and a balanced assessment of difficult issues. The student of Isaiah will find the book opened up in ways that will promote scholarship as well as faith.
—John H. Walton, professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College
Bryan E. Beyer is a professor of Old Testament at Columbia International University Seminary and School of Missions. He is the author of several books and coeditor of Readings from the Ancient Near East.