The book of Isaiah uses both prose and poetry to engage readers in a drama of great emotion and intensity. Although the circumstances under which this book took its present form remain in scholarly dispute, this commentary highlights its larger purpose—to provide the people of Judah and Jerusalem with hope for the future and the will to re-embrace their ancestral religious traditions. Leslie Hoppe assumes the composite character of the books and approaches the work as a whole with its own literary and theological integrity. Unlike many other contemporary commentaries on the book of Isaiah, Hoppe divides the book according to literary shape rather than the history of its composition. With this approach, we recognize that the book of Isaiah is an expression of faith in the Holy One of Israel and in the future of Jerusalem, both of which have decisively shaped the faith of Jewish and Christian believers over the centuries.
“The rebuilding of the temple and the renewal of priestly service do not appear to be priorities for the prophet. What is more significant for him is the renewal of Judahite society on the basis of justice.” (Page 161)
“Just as all physical life on earth is dependent upon the moisture that comes from the sky, so Jerusalem’s restoration is dependent upon God. But God has spoken. Zion’s future is assured.” (Page 147)
“people will no longer remember the exodus but will recall with wonder and praise this new act of God’s saving power” (Page 118)
“The contrast between this passage and the preceding oracle against Edom could not be any stronger.” (Page 92)
“God will deal with Assyria for its arrogance. Assyria will face its own day of judgment (10:12).” (Page 38)