The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 1-39

The New International Commentary on the Old Testament

by John N. Oswalt

 

The first of John N. Oswalt's two-part study of the book of Isaiah for the NICOT series, this commentary on chapters 1û39 combines theological acumen, literary sensitivity, philological expertise, and historical knowledge to present a faithful and accurate reading of one of the Old Testament's most important books.

In the introduction to this work, Oswalt considers Isaiah's background, unity of composition, date and authorship, canonicity, Hebrew text, theology, and problems of interpretation, and he offers a select bibliography for further research. Oswalt also provides substantial discussions of several issues crucial to the book of Isaiah. He notes, for example, that scholars often divide Isaiah into three divisions, with chapters 1–39 addressing Isaiah's contemporaries in the eighth century B.C., chapters 40–55 presupposing the exile of the sixth century, and chapters 56–66 presupposing the eventual return from exile. While taking this scholarship into account Oswalt defends the unity of the prophetic book and argues convincingly that the whole book can be attributed to the Isaiah of the eighth century.

The commentary proper, based on Oswalt's own translation of the Hebrew text, provides pastors, scholars, and students with a lucid interpretation of the book of Isaiah in its ancient context as well as an exposition of its message for today.

Genres: Reference, Old Testament, Christian, Biblical Studies, Nonfiction, Theology, Christianity

759 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1985

Reviews

[Stan Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This commentary was very highly ranked among Isaiah commentaries. It's a great book and I enjoyed it immensely. It comes from a very conservative viewpoint with a high view of scripture. The author talks a lot about various modern views of Isaiah so those aren't ignored.

The author uses his own translation of Isaiah rather than any commonly available translation (NIV, ESV, NASV etc). On the one hand this is really impressive in that he doesn't have to justify whatever the common translation said. On the other hand, it makes it difficult if you are using this book as a tool for presenting the book (Isaiah, that is) to a class or church. The author will make a point based on his translation and then you go to your common translation and realize that they didn't translate it that way and so it adds an extra step or two.

A small quibble in an otherwise very good book.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent commentary on Isaiah. Oswalt ably defends the historicity and integrity of the book. He sheds light on obscure passages. Most importantly, he describes the overarching theme of the book as one of servanthood through trusting God. While he deals with technical matters in an understandable way, Oswalt's strength is practical application and devotional spirit. I used the commentary for my daily Bible study and was often blessed. Oswalt is not only clear in his writing, he is often eloquent. I highly recommend it.

[Chad Gibbons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best all around commentary on the Book of Isaiah today. Look no further (except for the book that covers chapters 40-66)

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I'm saying this about a Bible commentary, but this is my favorite book of 2022.

I've just started a project of reading through the Bible and I wanted to tackle Isaiah pretty early on because it's always been a book I consider pretty dry, and I'm more of a fan of the history parts of the OT. I just don't have the mind for the prophecy books. So I bought this to kind of lead me through it, and I'm just amazed at how fascinating Isaiah is.

Oswalt brings the book to life, showing layer upon layer of nuance. Oswalt's book is like a pair of glasses you can slide on that show you how everything in the book works, how it's all connected, what it all means, what it all would have meant to the people in the 8th century BC (Oswalt is a firm believer in one Isaiah who wrote the whole thing), and he gives you a vivid picture of the events that take place. I was surprised at the amount of stuff that actually happens in Isaiah.

This first volume only covers the first half of the book, chapters 1-39. These chapters are a call to God's people to stop being so impressed with the kingdoms around them, kingdoms that are all eventually going away. I can't think of a more important theme for God's people living in 2023. We have the same problem that the people in Judah did. We are so enthralled by the world - politics, elections, entertainment, sports - that we have pulled back in our reliance and awe of God.

I highly recommend this to anyone interested in digging into Isaiah. Oswalt makes it a great trip.

Two notes - 1) It is a commentary, so it can be a very technical book. But it's worth it for the insights. 2) It is also very expensive to buy a physical copy of (the cheapest I see online right now is $46), but there is a Kindle version for $21.

[Josh Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic commentary on the pinnacle of OT prophetic literature. Oswalt digs deep into Isaiah, deftly explaining difficult passages and interacting with different views. But what really makes this book top-notch is his pastoral, devotional style. The author has a knack for not only explaining Isaiah's theology, but applying it to our lives. A must-have commentary if you're doing a deep dive in Isaiah.

[Josh Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent commentary overall. Introduction was stellar. The only reason not 5 stars is the aspect of near term fulfillment isn’t explored enough.

Immanuel, Babylon, Cyrus, and other apocalyptic language clearly refers to events near at hand. Granted, as a preterist these things stick out to me.

[Matthew Bonzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic commentary on Isaiah 1-39.
This, along with Motyer’s larger work, should be the pastors go to commentary when preaching through Isaiah. In my estimation, Oswalt’s commentary has the most devotional warmth that I’ve seen in the NIC, while still retaining the academic precision one would expect.
With this said, I think the length might intimidate some.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent commentary on Isaiah.

[Michael Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as helpful as I had hoped. It’s half commentary and half devotional. There’s some solid exegesis, but it is larded with pious moralizing that detracts from the message of the text.

[Lena Morrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skimmed some of this, but most of it I read.

[John Hayward · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't finish

[Vanjr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent commentary on Isaiah that argues strongly for the book to be read as a theological whole and to be read as predictive prophecy. I found it more engaging than Edward Youngs classic commentary. If you want a more "current" multi-author treatment you need to look elsewhere, but if you do I would recommend this commentary for balance. I look forward to starting volume 2 tomorrow.