Crossway Classic Commentaries: Isaiah
Overview
Rich imagery and glimpses of God’s character abound in the book of Isaiah. Even as the prophet cried out against Judah’s empty idolatry and warned of the judgment they would receive, he stressed God’s holiness, patience, and mercy. Redemption is Isaiah’s central theme, evidenced in his declarations about Judah’s temporal need for salvation—and every person’s eternal need. Consequently Isaiah, more than any other prophet, foretold the coming of the Messiah and all that would follow. John Calvin delights to point out the numerous passages that were fulfilled during Christ’s earthly ministry, and with anticipation, he expounds upon those which are yet to be realized. Accordingly, he explains Isaiah’s emphasis on God’s attributes and the prophet’s message that salvation is God’s chief work. The lessons in Isaiah are powerful and, with Calvin’s insightful commentary, are sure to inspire every believer.
Top Highlights
“‘Even in darkness—indeed, in death itself—there is good ground for hope, for the power of God is sufficient to restore life to his people when they appear to be already dead.’” (Page 90)
“The prophet, when he speaks of bringing the people back from Babylon, is not looking at a single age but includes all the rest, until Christ came and brought the most complete deliverance to his people. The deliverance from Babylon was but a prelude to the restoration of the church and was intended to last not just for a few years but until Christ would come and bring true salvation, not only to their bodies but to their souls.” (Page 90)
“If we do not perceive our wretchedness and poverty, we will never know how desirable is that remedy that Christ has brought to us or approach him with proper warmth of affection. As soon as we know that we are ruined, aware of our wretchedness, we eagerly run to avail ourselves of the remedy, which otherwise would be held by us in no estimation. In order, therefore, that Christ may be appreciated by us, let us each consider and examine ourselves, so as to acknowledge that we are ruined until we are redeemed by Christ.” (Page 326)
“This is the last title, and by it the prophet declares that the coming of Christ will be the cause of full and perfect happiness, or at least of calm and blessed safety. The Hebrew word for peace often signifies prosperity, for of all blessings none is better or more desirable than peace. The general meaning is that all who submit to Christ’s dominion will lead a quiet and blessed life in obedience to him. Hence it follows that life without this King is restless and miserable.” (Pages 93–94)
- Title: Crossway Classic Commentaries: Isaiah
- Author: John Calvin
- Publisher: Crossway Books
- Publication Date: 2000
- Pages: 400
John Calvin (1509–1564), one of the most important thinkers in church history, was a prominent French theologian during the Protestant Reformation and the father of Calvinism. His theological works, biblical commentaries, tracts, treatises, sermons, and letters helped establish the Reformation throughout Europe.
Calvinism has spawned movements and sparked controversy throughout the centuries. Calvin began his work in the church at the age of 12, intending to train for the priesthood. Calvin attended the Collège de la Marche in Paris at 14, before studying law at the University of Orléans and continuing his studies at the University of Bourges.
In 1532, Calvin’s first published work appeared: a commentary on Seneca’s De Clementia. The controversy of calling for reform in the Catholic Church disciplined Calvin in his writing project, and he began working on the first edition of The Institutes of the Christian Religion, which appeared in 1536. Calvin’s Commentaries and The Letters of John Calvin are also influential; both appear in the Calvin 500 Collection.
