Q233 : Understanding the Book of Isaiah
I am doing a study on the Book of Isaiah, but I am so lost. Can you recommend a source of information that will perhaps be more understandable? The teacher is using Arnold Fruchtenbaum's mp3, but I did not hear the introduction, and I am lost as well as some of the other students. I need a source I can trust. |
A233 : by Tony Garland
Isaiah is a pretty challenging book so it can take quite a bit of time (even years) to get a really good grasp of it. I'm mentioning this because, if you haven't been through it in detail before, then you should expect to feel lost in portions! Especially coming to a better understanding of the historical context. 
Another challenge with Isaiah is that many of the commentaries are either superficial or overwhelming.
I would start out with an intermediate-depth commentary, and add some additional resources which go into greater depth where desired. Some that I can recommend:
- John A. Martin, Isaiah in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Old Testamenta, Walvoord and Zuck, editors. I'd recommend purchasing the two-volume set which covers the entire Scriptures, including the New Testamentb.
- Geoffrey W. Grogan, Isaiah in Gaebelein, F. E., Grogan, G. W., Feinberg, C. L., Ellison, H. L., & Alexander, R. H., The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel (Vol. 6)c.
- Edward J. Young, Studies In Isaiahd. This is an advanced three-volume work and goes into great detail.
All three of these works can be had in book form, or as electronic modules for bible study software such as Logose.
Unfortunately, I'm not presently aware of a good intermediate-level audio/video course available freely over the Internet.
Hang in there! It is OK to feel lost at times. Ask God to help you understand more each time you study: God will bring greater clarity with time.
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