Experts Recommend OT Commentaries: Isaiah
Dr. Jacqueline Grey Weighs In
Experts Recommend OT Commentaries: Isaiah
Dr. Jacqueline Grey (Guest Expert)
Dr. Grey serves as Professor of Biblical Studies at Alphacrucis University College. She specializes in hermeneutics, Isaiah, and Pentecostal theology. She has written several books including the co-written Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Grey is currently working on a commentary on Isaiah for the Pentecostal Commentary Series with Brill.
Technical
Gordon J. McConville, Isaiah (Baker Commentary on the Old Testament: Prophetic Books).
This commentary provides a close reading of the text, focusing on the rhetorical strategies. Yet, it is still accessible for students and preachers.
As would be expected, Childs focuses on the canonical unity of the book while still engaging relevant critical debates (such as form, etc). In particular, his exposition of the text is insightful and stimulating as it points to God at work in the world.
J. J. M. Roberts. First Isaiah (Hermeneia).
This series emphasises a close reading of the original text and the various historical critical issues this raises. While very technical, Roberts’s commentary on Isaiah provides rich exploration of the poetic language and forms of literature in the text.
Semi-Technical
Kim provides a literary exploration of Isaiah, reading it as a unified whole. He nicely balances historical context with socio-political concerns (including corruption and injustice) which will resonate with many readers seeking to understand the significance of Isaiah for today.
Non-Technical
Jenni Williams. The Kingdom of our God: A Theological Commentary on Isaiah (SCM Press).
This is a beautifully written commentary that navigates the complexity of material and issues in Isaiah into a simple (but not simplistic) study. It connects the message of Isaiah with the mission of the Church.
Walter Brueggemann. Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66 (Westminster Bible Companion).
The prolific OT scholar Walter Brueggemann writes like a prophet himself. He reads Isaiah in light of his prophetic imagination. While providing a solid background to the geopolitical context, Brueggemann challenges readers with the social justice ethic of Isaiah and his vision of God’s holiness.
Check out Grey’s Publications
Key Approaches to Biblical Ethics: An Interdisciplinary Dialogue with Volker Rabens and Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn
Three's A Crowd: Pentecostalism, Hermeneutics and the Old Testament
