Customer Reviews

The New American Commentary - Isaiah 40-66

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I compared more than 10 Isaiah commentaries and I found out that this is the best! I eagerly expected this one after I read the first volume. I love it!

Smith's commentary is a perfect example of how presuppositions can put blinders on the plain meaning of Scripture. Smith, unlike other conservative interpreters like Leupold and Oswalt refuses to understand the context of chapters 40-66 as reflecting the exile and Cyrus' edict that the exiles can return to the land. Because of this his understanding and applications are skewed and essentially unhelpful.

If you want a conservative take on Isaiah 40-66 get Oswalt. If you want something that will preach go for Brueggemann, Hanson, or perhaps best of all, the old Interpreter's Bible on Isaiah 40-66 by Muilenburg.

I gave 4 stars to Isaiah 1-39 by Gary Smith. I'm giving 2 stars to this commentary. There are fewer chapters to cover, but he writes more. In many cases, Mr. Smith dragged out the commentary far beyond what was necessary. It's helpful to know the relevance of archaeological finds and of the literature of the region. It's also helpful to know how problems with the text were resolved. However, once Mr. Smith had given all of this information, he filled page after page with sermons. This made it very difficult to focus on the message of Isaiah.