Isaiah 40–66: A Commentary (Eerdmans Critical Commentary | ECC)

by Shalom M. Paul

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2012

Overview

This Eerdmans Critical Commentary volume is Shalom Paul’s comprehensive, all-inclusive study of the oracles of an anonymous prophet known only as Second Isaiah who prophesied in the second half of the sixth century BC Paul examines Isaiah 40–66 through a close reading of the biblical text, offering thorough exegesis of the historical, linguistic, literary, and theological aspects of the prophet’s writings. He also looks carefully at intertextual influences of earlier biblical and extrabiblical books, draws on the contributions of medieval Jewish commentators, and supports the contention that Second Isaiah should include chapters 55–66, thus eliminating the need to demarcate a Third Isaiah.

The Eerdmans Critical Commentary offers the best of contemporary Old and New Testament scholarship, seeking to give modern readers clear insight into the biblical text, including its background, its interpretation, and its application.

Contributors to the ECC series are among the foremost authorities in biblical scholarship worldwide. Representing a broad range of confessional backgrounds, authors are charged to remain sensitive to the original meaning of the text and to bring alive its relevance for today. Each volume includes the author’s own translation, critical notes, and commentary on literary, historical, cultural, and theological aspects of the text.

Accessible to serious general readers and scholars alike, these commentaries reflect the contributions of recent textual, philological, literary, historical, and archaeological inquiry, benefiting as well from newer methodological approaches. ECC volumes are “critical” in terms of their detailed, systematic explanation of the biblical text. Although exposition is based on the original and cognate languages, English translations provide complete access to the discussion and interpretation of these primary sources.

Key Features

• In-depth exegesis from a renowned Hebrew scholar
• Written in an academic yet readable style
• Perfect for students, professors, and the general reader

Contents

Top Highlights

“(8) The repetition of words and expressions in the same or consecutive verses” (Page 30)

“The time of calamity has passed and God has finally forgiven His people. The context does not imply repentance on the part of the nation, nor reprieve for the sake of their forefathers, but rather that God, who was responsible for the people’s sentencing, has decided that the time for reconciliation is at hand.” (Page 128)

“(3) The employment of triads for purposes of accentuation” (Page 26)

“(7) Phrases expressing and accentuating a leitmotif” (Page 30)

“The only foreign monarch who appears in the prophecies of Deutero-Isaiah is Cyrus, king of Persia (559–530 bce), who is mentioned by name (44:28; 45:1), alluded to explicitly (41:2–3, 25; 43:14; 45:2–6, 13; 46:11; 48:14–15), and referred to as ‘My shepherd’ (44:28), ‘His anointed one’ (45:1), and ‘the man of My counsel’ (46:11). Cyrus appears on history’s stage as a tool of God whose purpose is to free Israel from captivity and perform the divine will of rebuilding the Temple and Jerusalem (44:28).” (Page 2)

Product Details

• Title: Isaiah 40–66: A Commentary
• Author: Shalom M. Paul
• Series: The Eerdmans Critical Commentary
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 672

About Shalom M. Paul

Shalom M. Paul is Yehezkel Kaufman Professor Emeritus of Bible at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and chair of the Dead Sea Scrolls Foundation. His many books include Studies in the Book of the Covenant in the Light of Cuneiform and Biblical Law and Divrei Shalom: Collected Studies of Shalom M. Paul on the Bible and the Ancient Near East, 1967–2005.