A unique commentary that explores each passage from three vital perspectives: original meaning, bridging context, contemporary significance. Isaiah wrestles with the realities of people who are not convicted by the truth but actually hardened by it, and with a God whose actions sometimes seem unintelligible, or even worse, appears to be absent. Yet Isaiah penetrates beyond these experiences to an even greater reality. Isaiah sees God's rule over history and his capacity to take the worst of human actions and use it for good. He declares the truth that even in the darkest hours, the Holy One of Israel is infinitely trustworthy.
Isaiah (NIV Application Commentary, The)
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle.
Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
A unique commentary that explores each passage from three vital perspectives: original meaning, bridging context, contemporary significance
Isaiah wrestles with the realities of people who are not convicted by the truth but actually hardened by it, and with a God whose actions sometimes seem unintelligible, or even worse, appears to be absent. Yet Isaiah penetrates beyond these experiences to an even greater reality. Isaiah sees God’s rule over history and his capacity to take the worst of human actions and use it for good. He declares the truth that even in the darkest hours, the Holy One of Israel is infinitely trustworthy.
About the Author
Dr. John N. Oswalt (PhD, Brandeis University) is Visiting Distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of numerous articles and several books, including the two-volume commentary on Isaiah in the New International Commentary on the Old Testament series and Called to be Holy: A Biblical Perspective.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Dr. John N. Oswalt (PhD, Brandeis University) is Visiting Distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of numerous articles and several books, including the two-volume commentary on Isaiah in the New International Commentary on the Old Testament series and Called to be Holy: A Biblical Perspective.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
As a pastor who looks for great ideas to develop sermon points in commentaries, I have found this commentary to be the very best one I have for Isaiah. As the NIVAC series does so well, this commentary gives some exegetical information, contextual bridging from ancient to contemporary settings, and then wrestles with contemporary issues and real life needs.
For example, Oswalt deals with several theological ramifications from Hezekiah's story in Isaiah 38-39. (Hezekiah's life was extended by 15 years after crying out to God in prayer). Oswalts exegetical comments are careful, insightful and lead to practical and powerful application. In this passage he points out that Hezekiah's illness was not necessarily a result of sin, and deals with the issue that sin is often a result of sin but not always. He brings in both concepts with multiple scripture references.
Then he swings to the issue of God's sovereignty, man's freewill and the Open Theism debate and it's potential support from an overly simplistic interpretation of this passage. He clearly and without a lot of fluff deals accurately with that issue. He leaves no room for an over emphasis on God's sovereignty in light of the multiple references to human freewill, yet fully embraces a biblical concept of sovereignty. He also explains with a minimum of verbage (something I always appreciate by a technical scholar) why Open Theism is an over simplistic conclusion from this passage. He shows why this passage does not warrant a conclusion that has too much of an emphasis on the 'freewill of man' or an over emphasis on the Sovereignty of God. The points are pretty hard to reject if one welcomes all the data involved and comes without a blinding bias.
This particular volume in the NIVAC series may be the very best one that exists. It certainly is my best one, and I have several. It is also a 'Gold Medallion Book' sporting the coveted award on the front cover. So it has been widely embraced by a variety of editors, scholars and pastor/teachers. In fact I will say this much...I stopped using this commentary series after finding several of them promoting applications that I thought were way out of touch with the people I minister to. This commentary has completely reversed that general thought in my mind.
As I work through Isaiah, I find myself turning to this volume more and more. It's a great companion to the more technical and less practical 'The Prophecy of Isaiah' by Motyer, and to the NICOT 2 volume series by this same author, Oswalt.
It's my recommendation that you buy this volume first unless you are only doing a more critical exegetical paper. In that case I recommend Oswalt's NICOT and Motyer's volumes instead. I went ahead and got all four books and am not sorry at all. They are all fantastic tools.
I am grateful for great scholars who provide so many helpful insights to the text.
For example, Oswalt deals with several theological ramifications from Hezekiah's story in Isaiah 38-39. (Hezekiah's life was extended by 15 years after crying out to God in prayer). Oswalts exegetical comments are careful, insightful and lead to practical and powerful application. In this passage he points out that Hezekiah's illness was not necessarily a result of sin, and deals with the issue that sin is often a result of sin but not always. He brings in both concepts with multiple scripture references.
Then he swings to the issue of God's sovereignty, man's freewill and the Open Theism debate and it's potential support from an overly simplistic interpretation of this passage. He clearly and without a lot of fluff deals accurately with that issue. He leaves no room for an over emphasis on God's sovereignty in light of the multiple references to human freewill, yet fully embraces a biblical concept of sovereignty. He also explains with a minimum of verbage (something I always appreciate by a technical scholar) why Open Theism is an over simplistic conclusion from this passage. He shows why this passage does not warrant a conclusion that has too much of an emphasis on the 'freewill of man' or an over emphasis on the Sovereignty of God. The points are pretty hard to reject if one welcomes all the data involved and comes without a blinding bias.
This particular volume in the NIVAC series may be the very best one that exists. It certainly is my best one, and I have several. It is also a 'Gold Medallion Book' sporting the coveted award on the front cover. So it has been widely embraced by a variety of editors, scholars and pastor/teachers. In fact I will say this much...I stopped using this commentary series after finding several of them promoting applications that I thought were way out of touch with the people I minister to. This commentary has completely reversed that general thought in my mind.
As I work through Isaiah, I find myself turning to this volume more and more. It's a great companion to the more technical and less practical 'The Prophecy of Isaiah' by Motyer, and to the NICOT 2 volume series by this same author, Oswalt.
It's my recommendation that you buy this volume first unless you are only doing a more critical exegetical paper. In that case I recommend Oswalt's NICOT and Motyer's volumes instead. I went ahead and got all four books and am not sorry at all. They are all fantastic tools.
I am grateful for great scholars who provide so many helpful insights to the text.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am a new Sunday School teacher and for me this is a God send. It was recommended to me and I will continue to buy one for each book of the Bible as I need it. It is a little pricey but when you get the entire set it will be marvelous. Gives insight into difficult biblical passages and also gives commentary on the relevance in today's world. Would make a great gift for a teacher or anyone who wishes to further their study in God's word.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am currently studying the book of Isaiah in Mens BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). This is the first year for Isaiah, so quite a few are struggling. I find this book is extremely helpful. It is also an easy read in that it can go as deep as you want with footnotes, yet is not technical in just sitting down and reading it alone.
I actually look forward to reading this before my lesson as it puts everything in proper perspective for the period of study, bridges then and now, then puts it in today's perspective. I plan on buying more of this series as it really helps with my bible reading and understanding my walk with God.
I actually look forward to reading this before my lesson as it puts everything in proper perspective for the period of study, bridges then and now, then puts it in today's perspective. I plan on buying more of this series as it really helps with my bible reading and understanding my walk with God.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Fantastic commentary!
I am about 300 pages through this commentary and have found it fascinating and inspiring. It has helped me to understand the book of Isaiah and apply it to my own life in a way... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Jennifer
execellence
This product is more than expected, thanks Amazon, now that I have a taste of how Niv application commentary is I want to get the whole collection. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Pearl Luv
The NIV Application Commentary
This commentary offers an easy to read and UNDERSTANDABLE explanation of the complicated book of Isaiah. Read more
Published 18 months ago by jul1
Wonderful study help
This book is a great help for studying the book of Isaiah. Very helpful in that it gives biblical(orginial meaning)view & contemporary significance that applies for today's living. Read more
Published 19 months ago by patnmel
Excellent commentary
Well written and thorough. Just what I was looking for to aid in my preparation for weekly Bible study on the Book of Isaiah.
Published 20 months ago by Dorothy D. Boer
Great book for preachers and bible study leaders
I use this to prepare bible study guideline for my church's cell group bible study.
This is the book that I needed. Read more
This is the book that I needed. Read more
Published on October 11, 2009 by Hyuk Soo Kwon
Fair to good
This is another good commentary in the NIV Application Commentary Series. I have really liked most of their other commentaries, but this one is only fair to good. Read more
Published on August 21, 2009 by A. D. Oltmann
Excellent lay commentary
Dr. Oswalt is an excellent communicator as well as a great teacher. This commentary is accessible and helpful for the layperson. Read more
Published on January 21, 2009 by Dan
Norm M
While this commentary would seem to be useful to a lay person in studying Isaiah, I found it not to be up to level of more detailed commentaries. Read more
Published on January 15, 2009 by Norman L. Martin
Love It!
Theologically on, yet practical/applicable and easy to understand. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to get a deeper look into the world of Isaiah!
Published on November 10, 2006 by J. Schmerse
Inside This Book
(learn more)
First Sentence:
THE VISION CONCERNING Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Old Testament, Holy One of Israel, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, New Testament, God of Israel, New York, Grand Rapids, Near East, Second Isaiah, Israel's God, Mount Zion, World War, United States, Son of God, Valley of Vision, John Wesley, Promised Land, Red Sea, Garden of Eden, Spirit of God, Lord God, Servant Songs, British Empire, Chicago Press New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
THE VISION CONCERNING Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Old Testament, Holy One of Israel, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, New Testament, God of Israel, New York, Grand Rapids, Near East, Second Isaiah, Israel's God, Mount Zion, World War, United States, Son of God, Valley of Vision, John Wesley, Promised Land, Red Sea, Garden of Eden, Spirit of God, Lord God, Servant Songs, British Empire, Chicago Press New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 85
books:
See all 85 books this book cites
- The Prophecy Of Isaiah by J A Motyer on 47 pages
- The Book of Isaiah (3 Vol. Set) by Edward J. Young on 11 pages
- British Poetry and Prose by Paul R. Lieder in Front Matter, page 154, and page 213
- Called to Be Holy by John N. Oswalt on page 378, and page 638
- The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings by Edwin R. Thiele on page 218, and page 399
See all 85 books this book cites
Books on Related Topics
(learn more)
|
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
