Anabaptistica
Southwestern Journal of Theology
Volume 56, No. 2 – Spring 2014
Managing Editor: Terry L. Wilder
Edited by Darrell L. Bock and Mitch Glaser. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2012. 334 pages. Paperback, $27.99.
This work is a gem for all those interested in the exegesis of Isaiah 53, but more importantly in the use of Isaiah 53 for the evangelism of Jews. It is divided into three parts: (1) Christian and Jewish interpretations of Isaiah 53; (2) Isaiah 53 in biblical theology; (3) Isaiah 53 and practical theology.
In part one, R. Averbeck briefly surveys Christian interpretations of Isaiah 53 and then provides an extended discussion on the term “guilt offering” in 53:10. He helpfully suggests viewing the Servant songs as beginning with corporate Israel, be- ing narrowed to a righteous remnant, and finally narrowed to an individual in Isaiah 53 (37). Michael Brown surveys Jewish interpretations, noting nine Jewish sources which interpret Isaiah 53 messianically, and this list is probably not exhaustive (62- 63). He then shows that, despite these sources, the corporate interpretation of Isaiah 53 has been dominant in Jewish interpretations since Rabbis Rashi, Ibn Ezra, and Radak in the eleventh and twelfth centuries (64).
Part two is primarily exegetical work on Isaiah 53 itself, as well as hermeneutical discussions on the use of Isaiah 53 in the NT. W. Kaiser surveys the identity and mission of the Servant in the OT and the NT (ch. 3). M. Wilkins traces and briefly comments on the allusions and quotations of Isaiah 53 in the NT (ch. 4). D. Bock provides a penetrating analysis of Isaiah 53:7-8 in Acts 8:32-33 (ch. 5). C. Evans looks at Isa 53 in Paul, Peter, Hebrews, and John (ch. 6). D. Allen examines the substitutionary and cultic terminology in Isaiah 53 (ch. 7). R. Chisholm looks at forgiveness and salvation language in Isaiah 53, especially for whom these are intended and what exactly they are (ch. 8).
The heart of the book is in part three. J. Feinberg first relates postmodern themes from Isaiah 53 in order to make the message more applicable to this large audience today. He argues that, from Isaiah 53, we can see a great narrative about God and his love, that God cares and is personal, that Christianity provides freedom within community, and that God enables concern for the marginalized. The best chapter, in this reviewer’s opinion, came from M. Glaser on using Isaiah 53 in evangelism to Jews (ch. 10). He came to believe in Jesus as Messiah through Isaiah 53, although the same was not true for his parents, who shunned him. He has been using the passage to evangelize ever since his conversion. He notes that most Jews today are not religious and do not read the OT, nor do they believe in revelation. He then lays out twelve barriers that hinder communicating the truth of Isaiah 53 to modern Jews, as well as five practical ways to overcome these barriers. D. Sunukjian suggests a model for preparing to preach on Isaiah 53 (ch. 11) and provides two appendices of actual sermons, one expositional and one a dramatic-narrative sermon. D. Bock provides a conclusion, in which he summarizes at length the content of each article.
This book was executed well. It is intended not as a heavy scholarly contribution to the exegetical issues of Isaiah 53, although the issues were covered in detail. The book is intended for pastors, students, and laymen. The first two parts provide an extensive amount of information for the reader to become familiar with the meaning of Isaiah 53, both Christian and Jewish. The chapter by Glaser is especially helpful in understanding how practically to go about sharing Isaiah 53 with Jewish people today. His words are especially important that warn against sharing Isaiah 53 with a Jew with the assumption that they believe in revelation, sin, heaven and hell, or that they understand the nature of prophecy. As a concise resource for those interested in preaching and teaching Isaiah 53, this may be one of the best available. It should be highly recommended for laymen, students, pastors, and scholars alike.
