Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey (Encountering Biblical Studies)
In this comprehensive introduction to the book of Isaiah, Old Testament scholar Bryan Beyer surveys the book's content, its meaning in its original context, and its application for people today. He presents the prophet's recurring themes and gives 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."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"Although not a traditional verse-by-verse commentary, Bryan E. Beyer'sEncountering the Book of Isaiahdoes a good job of discussing the major themes and issues contained in this most important of the Old Testament prophetic books. Especially commendable are Beyer's numerous explanatory sidebars as well as his chapter objectives and study questions geared to helping the reader apply Isaiah's teachings to contemporary Christian life and ministry. He is also eminently fair in analyzing and evaluating divergent viewpoints with respect to authorship, date, and other disputed matters before stating his own conclusions. Whether beginners or veterans in encountering the book of Isaiah, readers of this volume will be grateful to its author for his careful and thoughtful treatment of the writings of Isaiah, the 'Prince among the Prophets.'"--Ronald Youngblood, professor emeritus of Old Testament and Hebrew, Bethel Seminary San Diego"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