Be Comforted (Isaiah): Feeling Secure in the Arms of God

The "Be" Commentary

by Warren W. Wiersbe

For anyone who thinks that comfort is equivalent to pity and that it is only priceless to those who need an emotional crutch, best-selling author Warren Wiersbe applies the words of the prophet Isaiah to prove that God's comfort is no such thing. The word comfort actually translates "to repent" in Hebrew; our English translation, however, adds another dimension to the word since it originated from two Latin words meaning "with strength." With definitions and insights like this, the "pastor of pastors" and phenomenal author Warren Wiersbe continues to enliven the Scriptures as he weaves the words of Isaiah with historical explanations and thought-provoking questions for every chapter, creating a study guide that can be used in personal Bible study or with a group.  With over 4 million copies of his "Be" series alone in circulation, he is a man who has given his life to a deep examination of the Word of God, to communicating it in such a way that the masses see its relevance for today.

Genres: Christian, Reference, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Ebooks

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1992

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Michael O'Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as commentaries go, this was neither great, but neither was it unsatisfactory. Bibically and doctrinally, "Be Comforted (Isaiah)..." was solid. However, it's written in the bland style that, over the last 20 or so years, I've seen with some Southern Baptist Sunday school Bible study materials I've seen in church. It informs, but it does not engage the reader --- even though Isaiah is one of the most dynamic and beautiful books in all of scripture. It follows more the format of a Bible study than it does a true commentary. So, in summary, it is a satisfactory commentary, but not a great one. I have read better.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy Wiersbe's devotional commentaries. This one provided an overview of the book of Isaiah. Anytime a Bible book with 66 chapters is covered in only 13 chapters, something will be omitted. I missed the depth he provides in commentaries covering shorter Bible books and wish he'd chosen to break Isaiah into multiple volumes to provide more insights into one of my favorite Old Testament books. If you are seeking a broad overview of the book, this volume will serve well. If you want deeper coverage of specific passages, seek a longer readable commentary. (3.5 stars)

[Lee Button · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing that I like about Wiersbe's commentaries is the big picture view he offers. This book on Isaiah offered a helpful overview of the 66 chapters that had just enough detail to give a good summary. He also picks up on specific words and phrases that a particular writer might use often.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this study a lot. I read a little each day -- but started by reading the Bible passage before reading Wiersbe's commentary. I learned so much about God and Israel. Now I can read Isaiah without being confused about everything! He does an excellent job of giving practice application to the truths learned. It is the third Wierbe study I have done and I am looking forward to doing more of them (especially since many of them are free through Kindle).

[Mike Eccles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read right through a book in the bible and used a commentary to help me. I have found it to be both a challenging and enlightening experience. I don't believe that I would have persisted without the helpful insights and explanations offered by Warren Weirsbe. I'm ready for another now, perhaps Genesis...

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Commentary for the layman

Really enjoyed this book. It gave a lot of explanation to a book of the Bible I find very confusing. I particularly found it helpful how it put Isaiah into historical context with other books of the Bible. Calling Isaiah a book about comfort sounded weird when I started but now I see that it is.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated: C

Wiersbe's "Be" series are outstanding biblical commentary.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part of our required reading as we study the Book of Isaiah in Biblical School.

[Brian Whited · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times a bit too dispensational for me, but there are quality insights to the historical realities, which Isaiah was ministering in. Also, there are good application points that can be gleaned.

[Diana Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great commentary to go along with a bible study on Isaiah. I was really struggling throughout the study and this book opened new meanings for me and I was able to dig deeper into the Word!

[Bob Mendelsohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaiah is not an easy book to unpack, and Wiersbe nails it again.

[Robert Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a commentary on the book of Isaiah and a compliment for our adult Sunday School study guide by the same author. We completed the insightful study in May 2024. The lessons learned for life today were abundant and the prophecies give us hope for today… Isaiah and Psalms are the most quoted in the New Testament…

Comment on God’s glory:

“Gods glory had once dwelt in the tabernacle (Ex. 40:34-38), only to depart because of Israel’s sin (1 Sam. 4:21). God’s glory then came into the temple (1 Kings 8:11), but it departed when the nation turned to idols (Ezek. 9:3; 10:4, 18; 11:22-23). The glory came to Israel in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14), but the nation nailed that glory to a cross. Today, God’s glory dwells in His church (Eph. 2:20-22) and in His people individually (1 Cor. 6:19-20); but one day His glory will be revealed to the earth when He answers His people’s prayer: “Thy kingdom come.”

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful guide for a long, confusing book. This commentary helped me find the themes of Isaiah and added the author's insights as well. It's easy-to-read and the chapters aren't long. It focused on Isaiah 12:1 about being comforted by God turning away His anger.

I found the book insightful, but still unclear. Isaiah is the good news in one book, old testament and new. It's about sin and God's call to cleansing, to returning to His ways vs the price of rebellion and going our own way. It's about how holy and majestic God is vs how unclean and crooked people are, even those going through the motions of worship. It's about how God sent His Servant Messiah to redeem us, His remnant vs His wrath for the unrighteous and His enemies.

This book is called Be Comforted, but it wasn't clear why. I think it's because of 40:1 Comfort, oh comfort my people...". But I would have liked to see this commentary talk about God's comfort being in Messiah and His call to return to His ways. Be Comforted that though God sees our sin, He wants to put sin behind Him (38:17) and redeem and save His people. God's love is evident in Isaiah, but this book didn't capture the whole message. My husband suggested it be called Be Reconciled or I think maybe Be Repentant or Be Restored since Isaiah and Messiah both were sent to bring God's people back to Him and His ways.

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the Advent season I read the book of Isaiah. It's such a perfect book for the season! I read Warren Wiersbe's book, Be Comforted, along side the book of Isaiah. It is an easy to read and understand commentary. Wiersbe dudes a great job of showing how the prophecies in Isaiah are complex and multilayered. Some were fulfilled in his day or soon after. Some were fulfilled in Jesus' coming. Some will be fulfilled at his second Advent. Some have been partially filled but will be fully filled later. This book also helped me consider: do I look forward to Jesus' second Advent with as much hope, anticipation, and comfort as the faithful Jews looked forward to his first Advent?

[Arcmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you would like to read a theologically traditional view of Isaiah, section by section, this book is for you. He states nothing earth-shattering, nor does he have a progressive theology. I found the title "Be Comforted" to be deceiving. My study group chose the book because we needed to be comforted during the Covid-19 pandemic, and found ourselves feeling let down. There is very little comforting in the first 40 chapters of Isaiah, and not enough in the last 26 chapters, even when thinking of these passages as being fullfilled in Jesus.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to celebrate and observe advent in 2020. I’m grateful for Warren Wiersbe’s detailed work and insight into the book of Isaiah. It is evident that our God loves us and wants what is best for us. His patience with us and plan for us is so humbling. I’m grateful for this overview study and would love to read more by Wiersbe.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes this was particularly challenging because of the sheer amount of information to cover 66 chapters of Isaiah in a 13 chapter study. I found it immensely helpful in unfolding some of the more challenging parts of the text. Also, I was glad Wiersbe included many places elsewhere in Scripture that quotes Isaiah.

[Marcus Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Isaiah is a beautiful and poetic book, but also a difficult one to understand. Reading it in parallel with this commentary helped me understand it a lot more, especially the historical facts.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, light commentary to go along with studying Isaiah. It's not comprehensive or especially deep, but a decent commentary to help supplement a quiet time. I recommend his books if you're looking for something that'll help you dig deeper into the Word, but not be super difficult.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaiah is a wonderful rich book. But some parts are hard to understand. Wiersbe gives a short commentary on each chapter. For all the judgment against people disobeying God, the book also shares God's love, comfort, and provision.

[Caleb Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been through this twice, it’s an incredible resource to go along with Isaiah. I would have missed out on a lot of connections if it wasn’t for this book.

The accompanying questions in the study guide book are incredible for a small group. Very in depth, highly recommend for a small group!

[Joe Molinari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me a while to finish because I kept having to set it aside. With that said, this is an easy read and a very good overview for anyone wanting a simple and concise understanding of the book of Isaiah.

[Rhonda Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read of Wiersbe to accompany a book of the Bible! His commentaries are so good, especially in a book like Isaiah! This is more set up for small groups with the questions at the end of each chapter! But good for individual study as well.

[Scott Ackerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book

I like the book. I wish the KJV was used in the quotations. It helps a lot with understanding the Book of isaiah.

[J Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging Study

Dr. Wiersbe makes the study of Isaiah interesting and practical. The review questions at the end of each chapter are great for personal reflection and application.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helped with my understanding of Isaiah.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

7/50 of be series. I read alphabetically.
I wish this book could be parted into several books with more complete commentary. the book only explained the skin of book of Isaiah.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

AS with all of Wiersbe books this book is excellent. It is readable by a layman but is filled with lots of theological thought. Wiersbe sums up his book with this statement: "Isaiah has presented us with alternatives: Trust the Lord and live, or rebel against the Lord and die. He has explained the grace and mercy of God and offered His forgiveness."

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent commentary on Isaiah.

[GRANDMAMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Warren Wiersbe’s writings. He truly is a man of God. He helps me understand the Scriptures. Isaiah is a book I love and it is explained so well. Thank you.