A fascinating commentary on one of the most difficult of the Old Testament prophets.

Because of language, cultural, time, and geographical barriers interpreting the minor prophets has at times frustrated and even defied Old Testament scholars. In response to this frustration, Robert Chisholm has written this volume. Interpreting the Minor Prophets surveys the structure, message, and theological themes of each of the twelve minor prophets. But the author does not stop with a mere survey. As Ryken and others have demonstrated, literary approaches are sweeping into the arena of biblical studies and, according to Chisholm, this way of studying the Bible is long overdue and most welcome. Therefore, he emphasizes the literary and rhetorical aspects of each prophets' message as the key to understanding the prophetic books. Interpreting the Minor Prophets is an ideal text or resource for anyone seeking thorough information on any or all of the minor prophets.

Writing a commentary on the book of Isaiah in the middle of a paradigm shift in biblical studies, and in the study of the prophetic books in particular, is no easy task. The book of Isaiah has been the object of more scholarly interest over the past two or three decades than during the preceding century. At the same time, much of the received wisdom on the formation of the book has been called into question, including such matters as the date of its several components, the standard tripartite division, the role (if any) to be assigned to the prophet Isaiah himself, and the passages dealing with the anonymous Servant of the Lord. A great deal of effort has been, and continues to be, expended in exploring new approaches to the book, both within the conventional critical methodologies and beyond them.

This commentary by Joseph Blenkinsopp on the first thirty-nine chapters of the book, the first of a three-volume commentary on Isaiah, is written from a critical perspective in the belief that only in this way can these texts be given the opportunity to say what they have to say--and also in the conviction that what they have to say still retains its transforming power for those willing to listen attentively today. The result is a commentary of unequaled brilliance and insight that will stand as the definitive study of one of the Hebrew Bible's most compelling and elusive books.

Dr. Watts has revisited this work he produced almost twenty years ago, updating it in light of current scholarship. He continues to hold to the unity of Isaiah, rather than ascribing it to two or three composers or schools, even though the work ranges over three crucial centuries of Israel's history.

In this second WBC volume on Isaiah, he continues to focus on the central figure of Yahweh and to examime the changing roles played by Israel, Jerusalem, Assyria, Babylon, and Persia. He carefully examines the language, form, theological content, and scriptural parallels of the book.

The Word Biblical Commentary series provides an exceptional resource for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

The latter half of the sixth century BCE found the Jewish community fragmented and under great strife after having been conquered by the Babylonian armies. As a response to a growing despair over life in servitude and exile, Isaiah 40-66 was written. Paul Hanson examines the writings of Second and Third Isaiah. What he discovers is a poetic argument for a loving and attentive God and the rightful place of God's creatures in the unfolding of history.

Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.