Isaiah: An Introduction and Study Guide: A Paradigmatic Prophet and His Interpreters

by C.L. Crouch, Adrian H. Curtis (Editor), Christopher B. Hays

Overview

C.L. Crouch and Christopher Hays introduce the Book of Isaiah by examining its structure and characteristics; covering the latest Biblical scholarship, including its composition history and key historical and interpretive issues; and considering a range of scholarly approaches.

In particular, Crouch and Hays look at the presence of an Isaianic community around the text, and examines the strong themes of righteousness and holiness to show how these may be taken together to display a unified theology of Isaiah in its final form, as well as being key concerns for the various authors of parts of the book throughout its composition. They also consider the reception history of Isaiah and what the text has meant to people across history.

With suggestions of further reading at the end of each chapter, this guide will be an essential accompaniment to study of the Book of Isaiah.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780567693761
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	08/25/2022
Series:	T&T Clark's Study Guides to the Old Testament
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

C.L. Crouch is Associate Professor in Hebrew Bible at the University of Nottingham, UK.

Christopher B. Hays is D. Wilson Moore Professor of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Fuller University, USA.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Isaiah in the Eighth Century
Isaiah in the Seventh Century
Isaiah in the Sixth Century
Isaiah in the Fifth Century
Further Reading
Timeline

Editorial Reviews

Crouch and Hays are presenting great lectures on Isaiah, championed by their ancient Near Eastern expertise and their trenchant exegetical acumen. Their lectures with story-telling clarity helps prophetic oracles without many plots come alive in engaging readings. It guides readers through the journey of historical contexts, from the eighth, seventh, sixth, and fifth centuries, helping readers gain the essential knowledge on key historical events and ramifications. The guide also expounds key themes on the Isaianic texts in association with each century, as though the ancient prophet's preaching could be heard in our time. In an age of crisp yet precise SNS, this book offers the clearest guides in comprehending the book of Isaiah. Assuredly, these erudite and enchantingly captivating lectures will serve the readers well.


Crouch and Hays's lucid, concise, and engagingly written study guide is a treasure. It combines a staunchly historical outlook of the book of Isaiah with in-depth discussions of its theological messages. Overall, it offers a fresh take on the historical events that not only are reflected in but also shaped the various texts in Isaiah. Crouch and Hays express their viewpoints in dialogue with up-to-date scholarship yet never hesitate to offer new and avant-garde interpretations when appropriate. I can recommend this book wholeheartedly.


This is a clear and readable guide to one of the most complex books in the Hebrew Bible. Crouch and Hays identify four centuries (8th-5th BCE) in the growth and editing of Isaiah. They show how each stage in the book's developing theological message relates to the political context of the day. Readers initially confused by the often muddled impression made by the finished book will find here a lucid account of its meaning and importance. A great contribution to this important series

From the Publisher