Hermeneia: First Isaiah (Herm)

by J. J. M. Roberts

Publisher:

Fortress Press

, 2015

Overview

The eighth-century BCE Isaiah of Jerusalem, the so-called First Isaiah, is one of the most important theological voices in the Bible. J.J.M. Roberts takes a classical historical-critical approach to his interpretation of this material, making good use of his broad comparative knowledge of ancient Near Eastern historical and religious sources. In light of Isaiah’s very long prophetic ministry of at least thirty-eight years, and perhaps as long as fifty-three years, Roberts also suggests Isaiah often reedited older oracles from early in his ministry to address new, though somewhat analogous situations, albeit with different players, later in his ministry, without erasing telltale signs of the material’s earlier origin. In many cases, this suggestion provides a better explanation for glaring inconsistencies in an apparently connected text than the common fragmentation of the text that attributes such inconsistencies to later editors who either misunderstood or intentionally altered Isaiah’s message for their own purposes.

Key Features

• Provides a classic historical-critical reading of Isaiah 1:1–39:8
• Utilizes broad knowledge of the ancient near east and ancient primary documents to elucidate Isaiah's background and meaning
• Emphasizes the development of Isaiah as a literary document over time

Contents

Top Highlights

“There is a lively debate among exegetes of this text about the nature of that sign, and to cut through to the heart of the matter four principles need to be observed: (1) the passage cannot be taken in isolation; it must be explained with attention to its context in Isa 7:10–17; (2) the passage must be correctly translated; (3) nothing should be deleted without very good reason; and (4) one should pay close attention to the remarkable parallel in Isa 8:1–4.” (Page 118)

“the superscription in Isa 1:1 is probably intended as a heading for the whole book” (Page 11)

“Ahaz, however, refused to play by the rules. Hiding behind a false piety, he declined the invitation to ask for a sign. From Isaiah’s response it is clear that the prophet regarded Ahaz’s refusal to ask for a sign as a pious smokescreen. The king’s real concern was not about testing God but about preserving his own freedom of choice in the situation. If he accepted the prophet’s offer of a sign, and it was forthcoming, Ahaz would be locked into a quietistic policy of waiting out the expected siege.” (Page 118)

“The theological implication of the topographical symbol is that Yahweh’s abode will be exalted above all his rivals, so that even the foreign nations will acknowledge Yahweh’s supremacy.” (Page 40)

“‘Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of Hosts! His glory is the fullness of all the earth!’” (Page 89)

Praise for the Print Edition

There is simply no better historical-critical commentary on Isaiah. Roberts offers a remarkably rich interpretation of this important prophet, with original insights drawn from ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian texts and inconography. Learned, yet accessible, this will be among the very best volumes in the Hermaneia series.

—Choon-Leong Seow, distinuished professor of Hebrew Bible, Vanferbilt University

J.J.M. Roberts, one of the foremost authorities on First Isaiah, offers his most holistic interpretation of the eighth-century prophet from jerusalem in this long anticipated Hermaneia volume. All the hallmarks of Roberts‘ uncomprimising historical-critical mode of reading biblical texts—patient siftiung of textual witnesses, philological rigor, high esteem for the role of the interpretor, unparalleled knowledge of the history, literature and material realia of the ancient Near East—are marshaled here characteristically to an incisive and illuminating account of the words of Isaiah ben Amoz and the world in which he lived. A stunning achievement that fittingly caps Roberts‘ career-long study of this prophet.

—F.W. Dobbs-Allsop, professor of Old Testament, Princeton Theological Seminary

Out of his lifelong study of the book of Isaiah, Roberts has given us the definitive historical-critical commentary on First Isaiah. Few commentaries on ths biblical book give such meticulous attention to the details of the text as is provided here. While textual, historical, and literary matters are at the center of attention, Roberts does not shirk from addressing significant theological issues and the resonance of Isaiah‘s message with the New testament.

—Patrick D. Miller, professor emeritus of Old Testament theology, Princeton theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: First Isaiah: A Commentary
• Author: J. J. M. Roberts
• Series: Hermeneia
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Print Publication Date: 2015
• Logos Release Date: 2016
• Pages: 554
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. Isaiah › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780800660802, 9781506402901, 0800660803, 1506402909
• Resource ID: LLS:HRMNEIA23IS1
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T20:01:01Z

About J. J. M. Roberts

J.J.M. Roberts is the William Henry Green Professor of Old Testament Literature Emeritus at Princeton Theological Seminary. He is the author or coauthor of The Hand of the Lord: A Reassessment of the “Ark Narrative” of 1 Samuel, Commentary on Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, The Bible and the Ancient Near East, and Hebrew Inscriptions.