Isaiah for Everyone
by John Goldingay
WJK Press, Louisville, Ky. 260 pages
The Bible for Everyone is a very fine series introducing readers to the core of the Scriptures. Goldingay is a lucid and careful writer who, once again, helps his readers to get “inside” the text without wading through technical exegesis. That is his great gift as a teacher. One can read this commentary and come away with confidence that one knows what is essential about the text. Goldingay is clear in his desire that readers actually study the Scripture, not only his comments. Yet his commentary is rich, much in the style of the venerable William Barclay, taking nothing away from the Bible while brining it to life with contemporary anecdotes and examples, including poignant ones from his own life.
Reading (studying!) this book makes one appreciate the prophet Isaiah’s word across generations. Even now — while riots are breaking out across American cities with cries for justice and prayers for peace — one can hear echoes of Isaiah as he confronted the cities of his time. Here is insight that will deepen our public witness and ground it more clearly in the Word of God as it comes to us in the prophet. What a great thing it would be for Bible study groups to engage the prophet with this companion guide!
