Isaiah 40–55: A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture (Concordia Commentary | CC)
Overview
“Isaiah 40–55 contains some of the best-known, most-cherished, and theologically significant texts in the Bible . . . Isaiah 40–55 provides us with the vocabulary and conceptual framework to understand the nature and purpose of the Father’s mission in and through his Son, Jesus, with the Spirit” (from the introduction).
Dr. Lessing’s scholarly expertise and decades of service as a seminary professor and pastor are evident as he meticulously expounds the text, historical setting, theology, Christology, and pastoral applications of “the fifth Gospel.” He explains why the prophet’s saving message, soaring language, and unforgettable imagery are so tightly woven into the fabric of Christian hymnody, liturgy, and prayer. Pericopes from chapters 40–55, which include the Suffering Servant Songs, permeate the lectionary throughout the church year.
Key Features
- Analyzes Isaiah’s language, imagery, and themes
- Affirms the divine inspiration, inerrancy, and authority of Scripture Text
- Engages contemporary life and culture
Contents
- This Commentary’s Method
- The Authorship of Isaiah 40–55
- The History of Isaiah Studies
- The Historical Setting of Isaiah 40–55
- The Structure and Outline of Isaiah 40–55
- Genres in Isaiah 40–55
- The Text of Isaiah 40–55
- The Theology of Isaiah 40–55
- The Servant Songs in Isaiah 40–55
- Isaiah 40–55 and the Reuse of Old Testament Texts
- Commentary on 40:1–48:22—Yahweh Calls Cyrus to Get Israel Out of Babylon
- Commentary on 49:1–55:13—Yahweh Calls the Suffering Servant to Get Babylon Out of Israel
Top Highlights
“At the Last Supper, when Jesus says to his disciples in the Upper Room that he will not drink wine again until he drinks it anew in the Father’s kingdom (Mt 26:29), he may be referring to the meal described here by Isaiah. After the Servant’s suffering (Is 52:13–53:12), the feast is ready (55:1–3). There is no monetary price for admission to the Holy Supper, only faith in the words of institution and discernment of Christ’s true body and blood (1 Cor 11:27–29), given and shed for the forgiveness of sins.” (Page 659)
“The exodus was not just a one-time historical event, but it also became a pattern for Yahweh’s future acts of deliverance. His power over the desert during the time of Moses when manna, quail, and water nourished Israel is also repeatable (see 1 Cor 10:1–4).” (Page 307)
“Rather than looking back on the glory days of the exodus and living with retrospective angst, Yahweh wants his people to see him as their present-exodus God who is leading them into a glorious future.” (Page 317)
“The verb נָחַם in the Piel means ‘to comfort (with words); ‘to comfort does not mean to sympathise but to encourage.’ ’2” (Page 104)
“Now in chapter 55, with sixteen commands, Yahweh encourages these servants to receive his free gifts of grace” (Page 657)
- Title: Isaiah 40–55
- Author: R. Reed Lessing
- Series: Concordia Commentary
- Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
- Print Publication Date: 2011
- Logos Release Date: 2013
- Pages: 792
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. O.T. Isaiah 40-55 › Commentaries
- Resource ID: LLS:CONCOM23IS40
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-03-06T18:10:23Z
