THE BOOK OF ISAIAH AND GOD'S KINGDOM
A thematic-theological approach
By Andrew T. Abernethy
IVP (Apollos). 247 pages. £14.99
ISBN 978 0 783 594 283
The size of the book of Isaiah is intimidating, its range vast and it is far from easy to get to grips with it. It requires an experienced guide to show us the way. This is the role Abernethy effectively occupies with this volume.
That Abernethy has developed a lifelong relationship with the prophet is evident on every page. Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, his knowledge of the scholarly literature is comprehensive and his methodology generally sure footed. He is anxious to first place Isaiah in his setting, before exploring his ‘canonical’ relevance both in terms of the relationship of the message to Jesus but, then, through him to us. Thus, potential teaching outlines for preaching or adult-education classes conclude the book.
Helpful perspective
The author is persuaded that the theme of God’s kingdom provides a helpful perspective in the study of Isaiah. He suggests that chapter 1–39 introduce God ‘the king now and to come’, that 40–55 emphasise that he is the ‘only saving king’ and that 56–66 depict him as ‘the warrior, international and compassionate king’. He suggests that the ‘lead agents’ of the king are, successively, the Davidic ruler (of 1–39), the servant of the Lord (40–55) and the messenger (56–66). He concludes that ‘while a tendency in the church may be to give one-sided attention to mes-sianic figures… the book of Isaiah reminds us that such figures must always be understood in the light of the broader purposes, reign and person of the King’ (p.170). His final discussion explores, helpfully, a number of themes that emerge from this approach by asking two questions: ‘Where is God's kingdom… and who are the people of God's kingdom?’ (p.171).
Throughout, the study is grounded in detailed exegesis of many of the key texts in Isaiah and the present writer is persuaded that he will turn to Abernethy for interpretative assistance whenever he opens the prophet’s book. Others who are serious about Isaiah would be churlish (even negligent) not to do so. However, there is one point at which the reviewer would take issue. So anxious is Abernethy to not read the New Testament into the Old prematurely (and the reviewer sympathises deeply with him), that he can describe the fulfilment of its/Isaiah’s message in Jesus as a surprising canonical turn. This seems to go too far. Simeon, for example, was waiting for the consolation of Israel and recognised in the baby in his arms the one upon whom his hopes had been placed. No ‘surprise’ there; only a delighted celebration that he was present at its unveiling. This apart, a magisterial book!
