Avraham Gileadi takes one by the hand to explain nuances of language, setting, and Jewish modes of thought. Suddenly Isaiah, a book foreign and opaque, becomes a book of light. Its prophetic intimacy is tied to the world around us and within us, and is full of meanings for the head and the heart." Hugh Nibley, professor emeritus of ancient scriptures, Brigham Young University, says: "Dr. Gileadi is so thoroughly familiar with the book of Isaiah that he can set before us in straightforward, uncomplicated form a clear exposition of what it is all about. He gives the reader a sense of intimacy with Isaiah which is unique. ...The work inspires reflection rather than contention. Above all it leads the reader into a spiritual state of mind that brings Isaiah to life.
Being a convert of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I began to see certain patterns of apostasy in the Old Testament and within the Book of Mormon. I noticed that Nephi gave extensive commentary on Isaiah's prophecies that began to paint a clear picture in my mind; this, in conjunction with Christ's injunction to study and search the words of Isaiah (see 3 Nephi 23:1-3), it became clear that THIS prophet's words are the most important focus for any disciple's study. Thus, dead prophets are just as important as the modern ones.
In 2015, I came across the Avraham Gileadi's works on Isaiah. After studying his works, I must admit that all other attempts to interpret Isaiah pale in comparison. This book systematically reveals how the Book of Mormon prophets were cognizant of Isaiah's mode of prophecy and that they actually prophesied in the same manner, which gives the reader a panoramic understanding of the words these great servants of the Lord conveyed. Gileadi demonstrates, quite effectively, that Isaiah's words are esoteric in nature and that without the Book of Mormon few will even begin to understand his message and meaning. What does this mean for the reader? Well, if you are a superficial reader of the scriptures, meaning you are not a patient reader and expect others to give you the answers, then you WILL NOT understand what Gileadi conveys here, especially about the "arm of the Lord."
The "arm of the Lord" is a pseudonym Isaiah identifies the latter-day messianic figure the Jews have waited so long for. Yet Isaiah does not only identify this being but two others as well. Isaiah 11 is a key chapter in understanding this, along with D&C 113:1-6. Again both Isaiah and Joseph Smith use pseudonyms to identify these too. This encryption of scriptures is the exact method prominent within Hebrew prophecy, namely typology. In order to decode them, you must find the patterns and clues that help you define the term under investigation, for rarely does the Lord blatantly give you the answers. You must first study it out in your mind.
Another ground-breaking aspect of this text is Gileadi's focus on the suzerain-vassel relationship extant in the writings of the ancient Near East. He effectively demonstrates how Isaiah incorporates this concept in his prophecies, revealing that this is the type of relationship the "arm of the Lord" will have with his Lord. This concept is not only evident with the ancient Near East but also within the Homeric tradition, especially in the Odyssey.
Although these are just a few aspects of Gileadi's insights, there is so much more to be mined from this work. His footnotes and bibliography are priceless for further research and understanding. This book is a tour de force for any serious student of the scriptures. Without the words of Isaiah and the Book of Mormon, the last days are hopeless. This is a must for all who want hope in these darkening times.
Like most people I have a hard time understanding Isaiah. Avraham has studied and lived as a Jew, and is LDS. With his unique perspective and understanding I am seeing how amazing the book of Isaiah is. Isaiah's message is one that each of us needs to understand if we are going to be prepared for the Lord's coming.
Decided to tackle Isaiah and grabbed this for help :) I thought it was insightful and extremely helpful in identifying study keys for the book of Isaiah. I definitely need a deeper understanding of Jewish history and culture to truly appreciate Isaiah, but Gileadi really helped me to comfortably interpret Isaiah's writings verse by verse.
A really excellent book. Dr. Gileadi's Isaiah translation really makes it so much easier to study and comprehend this challenging but rewarding book of scripture. The introduction also had a lot of really helpful information. I will be coming back to this book again in the future to study Isaiah further.
While an extraordinarily useful guide and probably the best translation of Isaiah we have out there now, I strained a bit at some of what I feel are misunderstandings. There is a great deal of time spent on the "arm" of Jehovah, and I just don't concur with his interpretation. Unfortunately, as with anything, once the assumption has been made, everything built upon it is shaky.
Still, that is one part of the text. I find this an absolutely indispensable companion and use it often. Kudos to Gileadi.
1: You should own this book. 2: Dr. Gileadi's translation of Isaiah is phenomenal. 3: I found his interpretation enlightening and fascinating and really think for the most part that he has hit the nail on the head. It is an easy and fun read. The book is divided into two parts; the first half of the book covers the interpretive keys and the second half is the translation. This is great because you can study up on the keys and go right into Isaiah with the information fresh in your mind. This really helps open up what is going on, it is truly a unique book and one that I highly value.
Reading this translation beside the King James Version and parry's understanding gave me a good comprehensive way to begin to understand this prophetic book of scripture.