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The Literary Message of Isaiah
The Literary Message of Isaiah very good used book
- GenresReligion
624 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1994
31 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 31, 2014
I found my eyes glazing over during the first half of this book. It's very dry, and I say that as a person who's read plenty of academic literature. I think it would help immensely to already be quite familiar with Isaiah. That being said, I found a couple of chapters quite intriguing, and I can honestly say that because of this book, I have a greater desire to read Isaiah in its entirety than I have ever before had. I also feel more confident that I can understand it, although that remains to be seen.
I should mention that I believe the edition I have (published in 2012) must have been altered from earlier editions. Mine is less than 300 pages, as opposed to the nearly 700 pages reported by Goodreads. Some reviews I've seen have suggested that this book once contained a full translation of the entire Isaiah text. Well, mine does not, so I suppose that is one of the changes (and one that readers should consider a loss). I have also seen some reviewers make mention of what the book has to say about the LDS Church. The version of the book I have makes no mention of the LDS Church whatsoever, so if it once did have explicit references, those references have since been omitted. Either that, or those reviews are based solely on what is implied about the LDS Church, given certain assumptions. (I am aware of key events surrounding Gileadi's membership in the LDS Church, but I do not know if the text of his book has been altered as a result of those events. As I said, I don't know how my version of the book differs from those published previously, but I am trying to be useful to anyone who might expect more from the book based on other reviews that are out there.)
I should mention that I believe the edition I have (published in 2012) must have been altered from earlier editions. Mine is less than 300 pages, as opposed to the nearly 700 pages reported by Goodreads. Some reviews I've seen have suggested that this book once contained a full translation of the entire Isaiah text. Well, mine does not, so I suppose that is one of the changes (and one that readers should consider a loss). I have also seen some reviewers make mention of what the book has to say about the LDS Church. The version of the book I have makes no mention of the LDS Church whatsoever, so if it once did have explicit references, those references have since been omitted. Either that, or those reviews are based solely on what is implied about the LDS Church, given certain assumptions. (I am aware of key events surrounding Gileadi's membership in the LDS Church, but I do not know if the text of his book has been altered as a result of those events. As I said, I don't know how my version of the book differs from those published previously, but I am trying to be useful to anyone who might expect more from the book based on other reviews that are out there.)
August 23, 2018
It literally took me years to get through this book. It is massively dense. It is an expansion of Gileadi's doctoral dissertation, and is therefore very technical in nature. There are many, many very long strings of scripture references. Failing to look them up will prevent you from grasping the thesis and following the arguments. This is not a general-audience pop non-fiction book. Is reads more like part textbook, part index, part user manual. I only got through it in an attempt to generate content for my newly launched Isaiah Explorer (http://isaiah.scripture.guide).
The content of this book is based on the premise that the Book of Isaiah can be organized into 14 units, the first 7 lining up with the last 7. Together, the compound, non-sequential 7 sections agree thematically:
Ruin and Rebirth (Isaiah 1–5; 34–35)
Rebellion and Compliance (Isaiah 6–8; 36–40)
Punishment and Deliverance (Isaiah 9–12; 41–46)
Humiliation and Exaltation (Isaiah 13–23; 47)
Suffering and Salvation (Isaiah 24–27; 48–54)
Disloyalty and Loyalty (Isaiah 28–31; 55–59)
Disinheritance and Inheritance (Isaiah 32–33; 60–66)
Each main chapter of the this book is dedicated to each of these sections, presenting evidence relating to why these sectional divisions are justified, and what thematic unity they contain.
There are discussions of other relevant ancient near eastern topics throughout the text, such as the Davidic covenant, vassal/suzerain relationships, etc.
If you put in the effort to parse the text as the author proposes, a unified message appears that doesn't come through in any single given passage. It relates to the fall and redemption of mankind, nations, families, couples and individuals, and spells out the path through which anyone emerges from chaos, passes into the crucible of life, and invokes creative forces to overcome setbacks, trust in deliverers, and arise from the depths as ultimate victors.
Integral to the message is a Davidic figure, represented historically by Davidic Kings such as Ahaz and Hezekiah, and also symbolized through the "stem of Jesse," interpreted to be Christ and/or his forerunner(s) in later times. The vignettes sometimes have documented fulfillment or analogs, and sometimes do not, suggesting that the themes are just as forward-looking (apocalyptic) as they are rearward looking (historical), adding increased modern relevance to Isaiah's words.
This is the literary message of Isaiah.
Treat this book like a roadmap. The evidence in the text demonstrating how this message takes form is in here.
The content of this book is based on the premise that the Book of Isaiah can be organized into 14 units, the first 7 lining up with the last 7. Together, the compound, non-sequential 7 sections agree thematically:
Ruin and Rebirth (Isaiah 1–5; 34–35)
Rebellion and Compliance (Isaiah 6–8; 36–40)
Punishment and Deliverance (Isaiah 9–12; 41–46)
Humiliation and Exaltation (Isaiah 13–23; 47)
Suffering and Salvation (Isaiah 24–27; 48–54)
Disloyalty and Loyalty (Isaiah 28–31; 55–59)
Disinheritance and Inheritance (Isaiah 32–33; 60–66)
Each main chapter of the this book is dedicated to each of these sections, presenting evidence relating to why these sectional divisions are justified, and what thematic unity they contain.
There are discussions of other relevant ancient near eastern topics throughout the text, such as the Davidic covenant, vassal/suzerain relationships, etc.
If you put in the effort to parse the text as the author proposes, a unified message appears that doesn't come through in any single given passage. It relates to the fall and redemption of mankind, nations, families, couples and individuals, and spells out the path through which anyone emerges from chaos, passes into the crucible of life, and invokes creative forces to overcome setbacks, trust in deliverers, and arise from the depths as ultimate victors.
Integral to the message is a Davidic figure, represented historically by Davidic Kings such as Ahaz and Hezekiah, and also symbolized through the "stem of Jesse," interpreted to be Christ and/or his forerunner(s) in later times. The vignettes sometimes have documented fulfillment or analogs, and sometimes do not, suggesting that the themes are just as forward-looking (apocalyptic) as they are rearward looking (historical), adding increased modern relevance to Isaiah's words.
This is the literary message of Isaiah.
Treat this book like a roadmap. The evidence in the text demonstrating how this message takes form is in here.
August 29, 2020
Helpful in understanding Isaiah
I found this book to be helpful in understanding the complex book that is Isaiah, with patterns being pointed out to help me understand how the book is structured, and how I can find meaning in it. A word of caution, this book is very technical at times and there are numerous scripture references that are cited, so make sure you have your scriptures handy!
I found this book to be helpful in understanding the complex book that is Isaiah, with patterns being pointed out to help me understand how the book is structured, and how I can find meaning in it. A word of caution, this book is very technical at times and there are numerous scripture references that are cited, so make sure you have your scriptures handy!
November 27, 2018
When a person dedicated his life to the study of a certain material, he does become an expert on the subject. The insights Gileadi extracts from the writings of Isaiah are enlightening. Isaiah's writings can be seen in a whole new light with greater understanding after reading this book. I would recommend it for anyone who would like to get more from their study of this portion of the Bible.
November 17, 2021
This book is awesome. It's definitely dense -- but so is Isaiah itself.
December 31, 2023
Avraham Gileadi is probably the best translator of Hebrew to English in our day. Great help in understanding Isaiah's prophecies pertaining to our time and dispensation.
June 30, 2009
Much like his other books on Isaiah. He covers the Suzerain/Vassal relationships of God and Man. Also explains the three Abrahamic covenants that Isaiah refers to through much of his writings.
If you want bedrock understanding of Isaiah, then this is it. But, there are some doctrinal issues that need to be noticed and weighed.
If you want bedrock understanding of Isaiah, then this is it. But, there are some doctrinal issues that need to be noticed and weighed.
March 26, 2008
Tough read, very technical. Biblical scholars and the very religious will enjoy it. Points out that the LDS church may well be in a type of apostacy and needs a Davidic servant to save it.
August 30, 2008
Really helped me understand Isaiah in a whole new way.
September 3, 2009
Great insights in to The Book of Isaiah. I'm still reading at this point but there's too much to absorb.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews