Often named “the fifth gospel,” the book of the prophet Isaiah has more to say about Israel’s coming Messiah than any other Old Testament book. Brilliant, courageous, uncompromising, this prophet declared that “the year of the LORD” had come and God’s people needed to either step up, or stand down. Indeed, when Isaiah spoke, kings trembled.
But too often, when Isaiah speaks today, God’s people have trouble hearing. Why? We often miss the larger context. In The Epic of Eden: Isaiah, Dr. Sandra Richter takes participants back to the eighth century BCE. This eight-week study explains Israel’s religion and economy, explores the definition and role of the prophets, and helps us to apply the message of this great champion of the faith to our lives today.
Sandra L. Richter (PhD, Harvard University) is Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College and a member of the Committee for Biblical Translation for the NIV. Her scholarly publications include an array of technical studies on the history, society, and economy of the Hebrew Bible, but she is best known in the church for her work The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament and her riveting DVD curriculums designed for those serious about their faith.
I read this book while also participating in the DVD study. The author is articulate and knowledgeable, and I learned some new things. However...having recently read the original Epic of Eden, which was absolutely amazing...I was rather let down with this one. I didn't feel it was quite as comprehensive as I would have liked. It needed "more" in my opinion.
I have really enjoyed the material and she is an excellent teacher and speaker. I wish the workbook had larger areas to write and more of a lesson plan.
Excellent overview of the culture and conflicts facing Judah. Recommend this book for people interested in what Isaiah saw and God's foretelling of the future.