Encountering the Book of Isaiah: A Historical and Theological Survey

Encountering Biblical Studies

by Bryan E. Beyer

Bryan E. Beyer follows previous bestselling texts with this comprehensive introduction to the book of Isaiah. Here is a survey with depth, presenting the prophet's overarching themes and sweeping issues while including copious details that round out a study of the man and his work. Chapters begin with outlines and objectives that allow easy entry into the discussion and end with conclusions and study questions that aid comprehension and recall. Informative sidebars delve further into the language, theological connections, and controversies of Isaiah. This volume is useful to any serious student of the Bible.

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Bryan E. Beyer (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is associate provost and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina, where he has taught for more than twenty-five years.

Reviews

[Sabrina Pannell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an excellent chapter-by-chapter exposition of the book of Isaiah. Beyer walks the reader through Isaiah with thorough detail, and yet in clear and understandable terms. However, at times, the book failed to explain the overall purposes of the larger sections of Isaiah. Due to this failure, the book grew somewhat redundant, especially in the latter half. Explanation of the same details over and over became somewhat repetitive and tedious when unsupported by an understanding of the overall flow and unity of Isaiah. The book also seemed somewhat biased toward a dispensational hermeneutic without sufficient support enumerated. However, I would highly recommend the book as a reference work for deeper study in specific passages of Isaiah, due to its thorough and accurate nature. The read was highly beneficial.

[Sharon Snider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference to accompany an in depth study of the book of Isaiah. It provides both historical viewpoints and explains what was going on in the lives of the Israelites, as well as prophecies for their future and our own.

[Jeremy Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're reading through Isaiah this would be a worthwhile book to keep next to your Bible. It isn't terribly academic, but still adds good insight into the text of Isaiah. Beyer doesn't always take sides when it comes to controversial parts of the text, but he does present all of the different views.

[David Haines · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an introductory commentary on the book of Isaiah. It is written from a basically conservative position. The author defends the unity of the book of Isaiah, and seems to favor a form of pre-millenium interpretation of Jewish eschatology. The author presents most of the pertinent research on the book of Isaiah, and provides an interesting introduction to this prophet.

[Débora Lee Hudnall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy book for reading Isaiah

Good book for the study of Isaiah. Very easy read and self explanatory. 4 stars are good enough for this book. Not a great book if you want to make a more detailed and deep analysis of the book of Isaiah

[Guillaume Bourin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good survey of the book of Isaiah, but don't expect more. Chapters 20 and 21 (on Isaiah's use of the Old and New Testament) are the most useful.

[Jerome · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid introduction to a worthy book of the Bible.