Continental Commentary Series: Isaiah 13–27 (CC)
Overview
The middle chapters of Isaiah are more difficult to understand than the chapters which precede and follow them. They constitute a complex portion of the book of Isaiah, and have consequently received a relative lack of attention. This commentary demonstrates that a study of this part of Isaiah is rewarding and fruitful. A careful reading promises to be both stimulating and satisfying to those who are willing to devote their attention to this part of the book.
Top Highlights
“A broad, general consensus has been reached that this myth has its roots outside Israel, but it cannot be found in any form, neither in Canaanite materials nor in those from Israel’s wider circle of neighbors.” (Page 63)
“the covenant with Noah, in the priestly writing, which is identified specifically as an ‘eternal covenant’” (Page 479)
“this song was originally composed with someone in mind who was a non-Babylonian” (Page 53)
“Does it mean that Israel will be used as a proverbial example when words of blessing are spoken (see Scharbert, Bib 39 [1958] 25), or that Israel, as a people of בְּרוּכִים (blessings), will also serve as a source of בְּרָכָה (blessing) for others as well, i.e., the source of everything connected with life and its necessities, with physical and spiritual wholeness being fostered and multiplied? At the very least, the present passage has to be speaking of the second possibility; on this, see H. Junker, BETL (1953) 553, 557.” (Page 280)
“This text is not speaking directly about resurrection but says, rather, that there are no longer any limits to how far Yahweh wishes to go in bringing restoration.” (Page 533)
It would be hard to imagine a more thorough and a more convincing presentation. I recommend this commentary unreservedly to all serious students of the Old Testament.
—John Bright, author of A History of Israel
Wildberger's commentary is a work of such importance that it must be carefully studied by each serious student of Isaiah. It is a rich and significant contribution.
—Bernhard E. Hasel, Bibliotheca Orientalis
- Title: Continental Commentary Series: Isaiah 13–27
- Author: Hans Wildberger
- Translator: Thomas H. Trapp
- Publisher: Fortress Press
- Publication Date: 1997
- Pages: 640
