The Message of Isaiah

by Barry G. Webb

Ever since Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue of Nazareth, Christians have gravitated to this great prophecy as the interpretive center of the Old Testament. Here the story of Israel, scourged by judgment and exile and hopeful of restoration, is framed by its witnesses, heaven and earth. How will Israel be brought through its school of suffering and be propelled toward its divine destiny as the vanguard of a new heaven and earth? In the visionary world of Isaiah, the varied themes and imagery of the Old Testament converge and blend to transcend their plainest meanings as they project an extraordinary climax of the story of Israel and of the world. Barry Webb calls Isaiah the "Romans" of the Old Testament, where all the threads come together and the big picture of God's purposes for his people and for his world are most clearly set forth. Attuned to the magnificent literary architecture of Isaiah, Webb escorts us through this prophecy and trains our ears and hearts to resonate with its great biblical-theological themes.

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2016

Reviews

[Kyle McFerren · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

For me, Isaiah has always been one of those Old Testament books that's mostly really confusing with the occasional familiar quotable passage sprinkled in. This commentary was helpful in sifting through Isaiah to find its uniting themes and internal organization, although I have to say it is still far from being an easy book of the Bible to read. Barry G. Webb does a good job at explaining the general sense of this massive book without getting into too much detail. He helps you see how many of Isaiah's prophecies looked forward to immediate historical events in Israel while simultaneously shedding light on the life of Christ and even the coming of the New Heavens and New Earth.

This definitely wasn't the strongest volume in the Bible Speaks Today series, but like the other installments it does a great job at balancing depth and clarity for the average Christian.

[Andy Bonikowsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readable and insightful

I enjoyed the reading very much. Its argumentation is with grace. It is technical when the text requires it, but it always keeps the broad themes in view so there is clear and logical movement towards the great goal of the final chapters.
20210904, finished my second reading. I followed it better than the first, and could probably use another reading, but it is long and I can’t invest that much time again. I am amazed how much he understands and how beautifully he ties it all together, always keeping in mind the overarching themes.