Isaiah 40-66

by Walter Brueggemann

In this volume (volume 2), Walter Brueggemann focuses on Second Isaiah (Isaiah 40-55), believed to be written by a second exilic poet, and Third Isaiah (Isaiah 56-66), a third group of texts that rearticulate Isaianic theology in yet another faith situation. Brueggemann discusses both the distinctiveness of the texts and their canonical relatedness.

Books in the Westminster Bible Companion series assist laity in their study of the Bible as a guide to Christian faith and practice. Each volume explains the biblical book in its original historical context and explores its significance for faithful living today. These books are ideal for individual study and for Bible study classes and groups.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Biblical

280 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

About the author

Walter Brueggemann was an American Christian scholar and theologian who is widely considered an influential Old Testament scholar. His work often focused on the Hebrew prophetic tradition and the sociopolitical imagination of the Church. He argued that the Church must provide a counter-narrative to the dominant forces of consumerism, militarism, and nationalism.

Reviews

[Whitney Dziurawiec · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I liked this one even more than 1-39

[Sagely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. This is the Brueggemann I like. Isaiah poetry is robustly situated (thickly described) in its political and historical context. Syntax and diction are wrestled with. Really, this is a beautiful commentary.

What I appreciate most--and what makes this volume stand out from others commenting on Isaiah--is the allusive resonance Brueggemann elicits from Isaiah for congregations today. Without ever heavy-handedly connecting the dots, Brueggemann positions experiences of exile and its aftermath then and our experience now so that they stand in striking parallel. This is a commentary to read with a commonplace book nearby. Words and phrases jump out as readymade aphorisms.

Quality. Glad to have this volume in the library.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the vast majority of this book for a graduate level Prophets course. It's commentary is extraordinarily helpful in understanding Isaiah - who God is, who Israel is and applications to today. God's salvation (the gospel) is spoken in Hebrew scripture especially in Isaiah 40-55. Brueggemann helps open scripture for the reader.

[Scott Wison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference I did not read the whole book