Isaiah 1–39 (The Anchor Yale Bible | AYB)

by Joseph Blenkinsopp

Publisher:

Yale University Press

, 2008

Overview

Writing a commentary on the book of Isaiah in the middle of a paradigm shift in biblical studies, and in the study of the prophetic books in particular, is no easy task. The book of Isaiah has been the object of more scholarly interest over the past two or three decades than during the preceding century. At the same time, much of the received wisdom on the formation of the book has been called into question, including such matters as the date of its several components, the standard tripartite division, the role (if any) to be assigned to the prophet Isaiah himself, and the passages dealing with the anonymous Servant of the Lord. A great deal of effort has been, and continues to be, expended in exploring new approaches to the book, both within the conventional critical methodologies and beyond them.

This commentary by Joseph Blenkinsopp on the first 39 chapters of the book, the first of a three-volume commentary on Isaiah, is written from a critical perspective in the belief that only in this way can these texts be given the opportunity to say what they have to say—and also in the conviction that what they have to say still retains its transforming power for those willing to listen attentively today. The result is a commentary of unequaled brilliance and insight that will stand as the definitive study of one of the Hebrew Bible’s most compelling and elusive books.

Logos Bible Software gives you the tools you need to use this volume effectively and efficiently. With your digital library, you can search for verses, find Scripture references and citations instantly, and perform word studies. Along with your English translations, all Scripture passages are linked to Greek and Hebrew texts. What’s more, hovering over a Scripture reference will instantly display your verse! The advanced tools in your digital library free you to dig deeper into one of the most important contributions to biblical scholarship in the past century!

Key Features

• Offers original translations, including alternative translations, annotations, and variants
• Provides verse-by-verse commentary on the text
• Presents the reader with historical background, including analysis of authorship and dating
• Features an extensive bibliography of primary and secondary literature

Contents

• Isaiah 1–12
• Isaiah 13–27
• Isaiah 28–35
• Isaiah 36–39

Top Highlights

“The tendency among many critical scholars in recent decades is to assume that both the Pentateuch and the book of Isaiah are essentially Second Temple compilations, literary constructs put together by the intellectual and religious elite during the Persian period (sixth to the fourth centuries b.c.e.) or even later.” (Page 73)

“That all eight books are classified as prophetic is due to the belief that emerged in the late Second Temple period that the writing of history was a prophetic activity.” (Page 74)

“This splendid poem announces the emergence from David’s family line of a ruler divinely endowed with all charismatic attributes required to fulfill the ideal, often proclaimed but rarely if ever realized, of bringing about a just order in which the poor and powerless can enjoy equal rights with the wealthy and powerful.” (Page 263)

“Purification of the lips (rather than, for example, the hands) indicates preparation for a specifically prophetic mission and was a necessary prelude to the conversation and commissioning to follow.” (Page 226)

“But I see no reason to disallow a significant eighth century b.c.e. Isaian substratum, especially in view of the rather clear indications of affinity with Amos and Micah, however overlaid it may be by the literary deposit of subsequent rereadings before and after the disasters of the early sixth century b.c.e. I will also hold out for a degree of consistency of language, subject matter, and theme throughout Isa 1–39 that allows us to speak of an Isaian tradition carried forward by means of a cumulative process of reinterpretation and reapplication.” (Page 74)

Product Details

• Title: Isaiah 1–39
• Author: Joseph Blenkinsopp
• Series: Anchor Yale Bible (AYB)
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication Date: 2000
• Pages: 544

About Joseph Blenkinsopp

Joseph Blenkinsopp is John A. O’Brien Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. He is also the author of Opening the Sealed Book: Interpretations of the Book of Isaiah in Late Antiquity, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Ezekiel, and Treasures Old and New: Essays in the Theology of the Pentateuch.