131 - Comfort My People: A Guide to Isaiah 40-66

Comfort My People:
A Guide to Isaiah 40-66
By E. John Hamlin
Atlanta, John Knox, 1979. 230 pp. $5.95.

Following a very brief introduction, the author plunges immediately into the textual study of Isaiah 40-66. Since the book is intended as a study guide, he divides the treatment of each pericope into five sections: (1) background and outline; (2) reading suggestions, (3) interpretation, (4) notes; and (5) study suggestions. The reading suggestions consist primarily in how to read the biblical text-things to look for, questions to ask, etc. And the study suggestions consist of review and discussion questions. A glossary, with abundant references in the text, is also included.

Hamlin is both a teacher and a preacher, concerned to make the message of Second Isaiah relevant. As a result, his work is full of homiletical insights. Often, however, his zeal clouds sound exegesis. This book will make a useful study guide for high school and adult classes, but remains inadequate as a commentary.

J. J. M. Roberts
Princeton Theological Seminary
Princeton, N.J.