What do you think?
Rate this book
The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context.
To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three
Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context.Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible.Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved.This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.
To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three
Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context.Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible.Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved.This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.
742 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2003
123 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 19, 2018
I love this book. It’s one of the best I’ve seen in the New International Version Application Commentary (NIVAC) series. Two words come to mind about the content of this commentary: mature and conservative. The tough questions are in no way dodged and quality, robust analysis can be found on every page. It probably helped that John Oswalt had already turned out an impressive commentary on Isaiah in the NICOT series. This second pass is something special.
The Introduction to Isaiah that he provides is rich, probing, and something different. Not that he fails to cover the normal introductory issues, but how he succeeds in tying these introductory issues to contemporary life is something to behold. The historical background he provides is a page turner. His conclusions in the section on authorship and date blow much of the absurd liberal scholarship that Isaiah has been subjected to right out of the water. The section on the central themes of Isaiah bring the book alive. He discusses the uniqueness of Jehovah, servanthood, the Lord of history, and realized righteousness. There’s some quality theology all across that section.
The commentary itself is excellent and follows the typical pattern of this series. Whether you agree with every conclusion he makes or not, you will find this commentary an outstanding asset to your studies. You need this book!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Introduction to Isaiah that he provides is rich, probing, and something different. Not that he fails to cover the normal introductory issues, but how he succeeds in tying these introductory issues to contemporary life is something to behold. The historical background he provides is a page turner. His conclusions in the section on authorship and date blow much of the absurd liberal scholarship that Isaiah has been subjected to right out of the water. The section on the central themes of Isaiah bring the book alive. He discusses the uniqueness of Jehovah, servanthood, the Lord of history, and realized righteousness. There’s some quality theology all across that section.
The commentary itself is excellent and follows the typical pattern of this series. Whether you agree with every conclusion he makes or not, you will find this commentary an outstanding asset to your studies. You need this book!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
June 16, 2010
Though it took me over a year to finish, I thoroughly enjoyed Oswalt's commentary on Isaiah in the NIV Application Commentary series. This is is second commentary on Isaiah. His other, more technical commentary is in the NICOT series. Obviously Oswalt has mastered the text (although he would say he has only scratched the surface of this marvelous book--crazy!) The strength of this commentary is its format--like all the NIV Application commentaries, it has a section for comment on the passage, and then two separate sections for application--one for bridging contexts from the Biblical text for today, and one for application in today's culture. Oswalt uses this format in masterful way, supplying countless relevant stories connecting the Biblical text to today's context. It's convicting, enlightening and enriching. If you are ever planning on spending some significant devotional time in the book of Isaiah, this is the commentary to get to read side-by-side with the biblical text.
April 1, 2021
I have perused several commentaries on Isaiah. I searched our local library and ordered all they had.
Unfortunately, most of those commentaries did not believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, and thus the value of their commentaries was essentially nil.
This author breaks down Isaiah into sections and then for each of those sections separates his writing into 3 parts, original meaning, using source material, bridging context, adding historical and more current information between 'the world of the Bible and the world of today's, and lastly, contemporary significance.
I have grown in my understanding of this rich and encouraging prophetic text! Take a dive in and see what the Lord shows you about Himself from His Word.
Unfortunately, most of those commentaries did not believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, and thus the value of their commentaries was essentially nil.
This author breaks down Isaiah into sections and then for each of those sections separates his writing into 3 parts, original meaning, using source material, bridging context, adding historical and more current information between 'the world of the Bible and the world of today's, and lastly, contemporary significance.
I have grown in my understanding of this rich and encouraging prophetic text! Take a dive in and see what the Lord shows you about Himself from His Word.
July 19, 2024
An excellent in-depth overview of notably one of the more challenging books of the Bible to read (see Acts 8:31). Oswalt doesn’t get bogged down with the various historical controversies inherent in ancient prophecies, rather he shows how this book was influenced by what came before it and influenced by what came after, all the while maintaining his firm stance that Isaiah was one man who received direct revelation from God.
I appreciated how Oswalt never shied away from offering better alternative translations to the NIV when applicable and that he revealed patterns throughout the book that are easily missed when reading linearly through Isaiah. While many of his modern-day applications were well thought out, he did seem to hyperfixate on the Nazis a lot.
It also seemed to me that the last half of the book was a bit rushed in his commentary, perhaps because he had already written a book on chapters 40-66 or perhaps because the prophet’s work itself becomes more repetitive, but I found myself taking far fewer notes than I had in chapters 1-39.
I appreciated how Oswalt never shied away from offering better alternative translations to the NIV when applicable and that he revealed patterns throughout the book that are easily missed when reading linearly through Isaiah. While many of his modern-day applications were well thought out, he did seem to hyperfixate on the Nazis a lot.
It also seemed to me that the last half of the book was a bit rushed in his commentary, perhaps because he had already written a book on chapters 40-66 or perhaps because the prophet’s work itself becomes more repetitive, but I found myself taking far fewer notes than I had in chapters 1-39.
October 24, 2018
I got this book because I am piecemeal collecting the series. I used this book to assist me in writing an essay on Isaiah, and it an amazing resource.
June 14, 2024
We went through this for Bible study. It is excellent for studying the content of Isaiah. However, the application sections seemed a bit dated. Overall, it’s a great resource.
October 23, 2015
27 Sep 2015
Started this yesterday. The introductory matter is excellent, giving the history of the times and going over various viewpoints of the unity of the book. The introductory matter, alone, is worth studying several times.
The Pope just completed his visit to the U.S. I am one of those Protestants who was energized by his visit. I have been a fan of Francis since his inauguration as Pope. I am reminded of him as I read the commentary on the first four chapters of Isaiah.
The commentary is not what I expected. All the history, so far, is only in the introductory matter, not in the analysis of the text itself. I rarely read Old Testament commentaries, so my expectations might have been out of line. However, this is definitely a Life Application Commentary, and it does not fail to apply Isaiah to my times and to my life, In that regard, it is excellent.
Note about this Kindle edition on my Android: The cross references work both backward and forward. I am one who, when reading any reference book may scan the footnotes and trace them back to the text. In an eBook, I expect to enjoy this habit easily with a touch of my finger. Not all eBook reference books allow me to do this. My congratulations to the programmers and the publisher for a job well done!
2 Oct 2015
The more I read, the more impressed I am with this commentary by Oswalt. The history begins to appear - a thrilling and sweeping ride, along with contemporary application and encouragement. Great, consistent writing. Very accessible!
10 Oct 2015
I am at Isaiah 36 now, and I have begun to note the many instances Oswalt starts a sentence with "I believe ..." I did a Kindle search on the phrase, and he does this numerous (more than 30) times throughout the commentary. I truly appreciate this! So many times, commentators tell me what everyone else has written and never give me a hint of his (or her - but there are few women commentators) understanding or belief on the matter. Thank you, John Oswalt!
23 Oct 2013
Am nearly finished with Isaiah (Daily Bread annual reading plan), and my final thoughts on Oswalt's commentary can be summed up in the Word "powerful!" He drives his points home strongly. I would love to sit in on a Bible study lead by this man. I would walk away on a cloud, higher than a kite on the 4th of July, energized to share the news of God's saving grace and love to every person I met! Powerful. Powerful! Powerful! 5+ stars! Well done, John Oswalt!
(As for the Kindle edition on my Android, a "Well done!" to the publishers, too. They did not shrink in their efforts to create a fully accessible e-book with hyperlinked index and footnotes. Nothing cheap about this production. Thank you!)
(Isaiah in a month! No way! Much more to read in this book. It is so complete and well done, it could serve as a daily devotion or Bible study for the better part of a year.)
Started this yesterday. The introductory matter is excellent, giving the history of the times and going over various viewpoints of the unity of the book. The introductory matter, alone, is worth studying several times.
The Pope just completed his visit to the U.S. I am one of those Protestants who was energized by his visit. I have been a fan of Francis since his inauguration as Pope. I am reminded of him as I read the commentary on the first four chapters of Isaiah.
The commentary is not what I expected. All the history, so far, is only in the introductory matter, not in the analysis of the text itself. I rarely read Old Testament commentaries, so my expectations might have been out of line. However, this is definitely a Life Application Commentary, and it does not fail to apply Isaiah to my times and to my life, In that regard, it is excellent.
Note about this Kindle edition on my Android: The cross references work both backward and forward. I am one who, when reading any reference book may scan the footnotes and trace them back to the text. In an eBook, I expect to enjoy this habit easily with a touch of my finger. Not all eBook reference books allow me to do this. My congratulations to the programmers and the publisher for a job well done!
2 Oct 2015
The more I read, the more impressed I am with this commentary by Oswalt. The history begins to appear - a thrilling and sweeping ride, along with contemporary application and encouragement. Great, consistent writing. Very accessible!
10 Oct 2015
I am at Isaiah 36 now, and I have begun to note the many instances Oswalt starts a sentence with "I believe ..." I did a Kindle search on the phrase, and he does this numerous (more than 30) times throughout the commentary. I truly appreciate this! So many times, commentators tell me what everyone else has written and never give me a hint of his (or her - but there are few women commentators) understanding or belief on the matter. Thank you, John Oswalt!
23 Oct 2013
Am nearly finished with Isaiah (Daily Bread annual reading plan), and my final thoughts on Oswalt's commentary can be summed up in the Word "powerful!" He drives his points home strongly. I would love to sit in on a Bible study lead by this man. I would walk away on a cloud, higher than a kite on the 4th of July, energized to share the news of God's saving grace and love to every person I met! Powerful. Powerful! Powerful! 5+ stars! Well done, John Oswalt!
(As for the Kindle edition on my Android, a "Well done!" to the publishers, too. They did not shrink in their efforts to create a fully accessible e-book with hyperlinked index and footnotes. Nothing cheap about this production. Thank you!)
(Isaiah in a month! No way! Much more to read in this book. It is so complete and well done, it could serve as a daily devotion or Bible study for the better part of a year.)
February 23, 2015
I used this as a go-to commentary in my series of 68 two- to five-minute videos on the book of Isaiah during Advent and Epiphany. I found very helpful in developing ideas, seeing details I missed or in getting through interpretive difficulties.
As with this commentary series generally, I think Oswalt's contribution brings each pericope or section to life and aids greatly in providing devotional content out of a very ancient and foreign original context.
As with this commentary series generally, I think Oswalt's contribution brings each pericope or section to life and aids greatly in providing devotional content out of a very ancient and foreign original context.
March 2, 2023
Just starting out, but this series has become a favourite as I prepare sermons. The church I pastor is going through Isaiah this year - starting with Advent readings, then moving to the second "half" of the book for January to June. While I may not borrow much directly, this series sparks thinking about how the text speaks to our current context in our city.
November 30, 2020
Lacking in some spots and divinely insightful in others, this is a very good book to have handy while studying Isaiah. It provides ancient context, highlights main themes, and provides modern context for the contemporary Christian.
Read
April 17, 2009Isaiah (NIV Application Commentary) by Dr. John N. Oswalt (?)
July 14, 2012
Page 108
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.