Isaiah 53 Resources

Explanation - The following list includes not only commentaries but other Christian works by well known evangelical writers. Most of the resources below are newer works (written after 1970) which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) they do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/contact. The resources are listed in alphabetical order by the author's last name and some include reviews of the particular resource. 

Be Comforted (Isaiah) by Wiersbe, Warren - Always worth checking. Literal. 

Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament 

With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W

"Even the most difficult Scriptures come alive as Warren Wiersbe leads you book-by-book through the Old Testament and helps you to see the "big picture" of God's revelation. In this unique volume, you will find: • Introductions and/or outlines for every Old Testament book • Practical expositions of strategic chapters • Special studies on key topics, relating the Old Testament to the New Testament • Easy-to-understand expositions that are practical, preachable, and teachable If you have used Dr. Wiersbe's popular BE series, you know how simple and practical his Bible studies are, with outlines that almost teach themselves. If not, you can now discover a wonderful new resource. This work is a unique commentary on every book of the Old Testament. It contains new material not to be found in the BE series.

Bible Knowledge Commentary - Old Testament - 1608 pages. Dallas Theological Seminary - Literal. Isaiah written by John A Martin. (About 100 pages of commentary)

James Rosscup - Martin briefly defends unity by Isaiah, then provides a succinct, carefully-studied and clear commentary following a good outline. On problem passages he often offers views and reasons, but is brief due to his limitations of space. On the Servant Songs he provides logic for seeing fulfillment in Jesus Christ, and in many texts he argues for realization in a future earthly millennial era, after the Second Advent. He sees many passages fulfilled in Old Testament days and is quite specific about historical details that match these. Cf. also the related book he and his father wrote: Alfred Martin and John Martin, Isaiah: The Glory of the Messiah (Chicago: Moody, 1983).

Events to come : a study in Isaiah By: Martin, Alfred, 1916- This is a study guide and not the full commentary "Isaiah: The Glory of the Messiah."

Cyril Barber (Comment on full commentary "Isaiah: The Glory of the Messiah.") Though designed for laypeople, this treatment of the theme of Isaiah can only be described as brilliant. It is a masterful summation of what God chose to reveal through this OT prophet. It is happily free from critical issues and maintains the unity of Isaiah's thought. It builds on a consistent eschatological foundation so that NT truths are brought into harmony with the OT without confusing Israel and the church.

Isaiah Prophecies Promises Warning by W.E Vine. Recommended resource which takes a literal approach.

James Rosscup - Though this helpful work of a premillennial nature is somewhat brief, it often refers to the original text and observes the syntax. It contributes to the student who has other works which get into the details more at length.

The Book of Isaiah. Chapters 1-39 by Oswalt, John N.

Cyril Barber - This is a very extensive, scholarly and generally reliable commentary, discussing the historical background, unity, date, and authorship of Isaiah's prophecy. Oswalt assesses the prophet's theology under four topics: the nature of God; humanity and the world; sin; and redemption. He follows this with a lucid exposition. Pastors will find his handling of the text most helpful.

James Rosscup - This and Motyer’s longer work rate high among evangelical products of the past few years, offering belief in supernatural prophecy, even if amillennial on passages relating to the future kingdom and Israel’s restoration. Oswalt provides a diligent fullness of comment, with readable and usually clear explanations of passages.

Isaiah : an introduction and commentary Tyndale OT Commentary Series - 416 pages - Alex Motyer - 1999 - Note this is NOT the longer  The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction & Commentary. which is highly ranked by Tim Challies. In his comments on the longer work he writes "Motyer has written a couple of commentaries on Isaiah; this is the longer and better of the two and should not be confused with his contribution to the Tyndale Commentary on the Old Testament (though that one is also worth consulting)."

James Rosscup - This compact work retains much wording and the essence of Motyer’s longer product (above). It does not have as much grammar, word study, and other detail. Some material is new. All in all, verse by verse, this is a lucid, helpful aid for teachers wanting a highly competent assist, and for pastors, students, and lay readers, except on details of prophecy. It ranks among the best medium-length expository sources, usually contributing well on verses. For prophecy (ED: ISAIAH IS FILLED WITH PROPHECY!), one can gain a better framework and perspective in Robert L. Thomas’s comments on Isaiah, done for The MacArthur Study Bible, and also the comments in Bible Knowledge Commentary, Vol. 2, or in W. E. Vine’s work (Isaiah Prophecies Promises Warning), as examples.

James Rosscup: (ED: This comment is on longer work The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction & Commentary.) Motyer in this 594-pp. book  draws on three decades of study in Isaiah to help readers by careful evangelical, exegetical work in grammar, word study, context, background, customs, and theology. He meets problems, not dodging them or putting a haze on them. He combines clarity with fresh and stimulating style and even an eye for relevancy today. He believes that Isaiah 7:14 refers to “the divine son of David” (86), defending this view and connecting the child with the mighty God in Isaiah 9:6–7. Characteristics of the work are discussion of issues and obvious broad adeptness in the scholarly literature about his subjects (cf. the footnotes on writings and problems). This work, despite Amillennial views on prophetical parts, which show blinders as to a true system in which God will fulfill details, has to rate as one of the top recent commentaries. Cf. also Motyer’s somewhat condensed work on Isaiah (408 smaller pp.).

GotQuestions.org on the amillennial approach - "the fact that fulfilled prophecy was fulfilled literally is the best reason of all for assuming that unfulfilled prophecy will also be literally fulfilled. The prophecies concerning Christ's first coming were all fulfilled literally. Therefore, prophecies concerning Christ's second coming should also be expected to be fulfilled literally. For these reasons, an allegorical interpretation of unfulfilled prophecy should be rejected and a literal or normal interpretation of unfulfilled prophecy should be adopted. Amillennialism fails in that it uses inconsistent hermeneutics, namely, interpreting unfulfilled prophecy differently from fulfilled prophecy." Amillennialism

Cyril Barber on Tyndale OT Commentary Series - 416 pages. Motyer, J. Alex. The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction and Commentary - A wise and winsome guide by an acknowledged evangelical Bible scholar. Isaiah’s prophecies are strung out along a historical timeline. Motyer finds three central, recurring themes--the Messiah presented as King, Servant, and Anointed Conqueror. Preachers will find this work exceedingly helpful. Amillennial.

Unger's Commentary on the Old Testament (Volume 2 - Isaiah - Malachi) by  Unger, Merrill Frederick. Literal. 

Interpreting Isaiah : the suffering and glory of the Messiah By: Wolf, Herbert, 

Cyril Barber - The many quotations and allusions to Isaiah in the NT provide a vital clue to understanding this prophetic work. Indeed, one of the most fruitful challenges in the preparation of this book was the interpretation of those quotations and allusions, especially the ones that refer to the Person and work of Christ. Wolfs main concern is to explain clearly the meaning of Isaiah's words and concepts and in that way begin to fathom the meaning of his prophecies about the future of God's people in a world that will be judged and then marvelously renewed.

The Gospel of Isaiah by Allan A. Macrae Chicago: Moody Press, 1977.

James Rosscup - The President and Professor of Old Testament at Biblical School of Theology in Hatfield, PA wrote this. He was one of Dr. Robert Dick Wilson’s outstanding students. The work is not a commentary but a book elucidating themes in Isaiah 40:1–56:8, showing the interrelation of thoughts and the development of themes, based on the original Hebrew. The section has more verses cited in the New Testament than any other Old Testament passage of its length. Several portions of Handel’s Messiah came from here. The chapter on Cyrus as God’s instrument has many good insights (cf. p. 29), as do the discussions on Isaiah 40 and the several chapters on the Servant of the Lord in Isaiah 41–53, and the thoughts on chapters 54–56.

Cyril Barber - A brilliant study of the servant motif in Isaiah 40:1-56:8. Opens up the content for examination and discussion. Recommended

The Prophecy of Isaiah - volume 1 The Prophecy of Isaiah - volume 2 - G Campbell Morgan

James Rosscup - A thorough analytical treatment of a pre-millennial nature which some have regarded as one of the finest broad studies on Isaiah.

Commentary on Isaiah By: Bultema, Harry Translated from Dutch by Cornelius Lambregtse. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1981, original publication In Dutch, 1923. 630 pp.

James Rosscup - Bultema (1884–1952), greatly nurtured for Christ by a Christian mother in the Netherlands, studied at Calvin College and Seminary and pastored Christian Reformed churches. He became persuaded of premillennial dispensationalism and left the Christian Reformed movement to found the Muskegon Berean Church. He writes a respectable commentary verse by verse, sometimes going into detail on arguments to distinguish Israel with its past and future from the church of the present (cf. pp. 51–53 and often in Chapters 40–66). He prefers the Messianic view of 7:14 but is brief and weak in discussion of such a debated verse. He argues on 11:9 that there will be literal animals in the glorified state of the new earth, that Isa 14:12 refers not merely to the king of Babylon but to Satan, and that Isa 26:19f refers to resurrection of believers. In introducing Chapters 40–66, he offers ten arguments that the same writer who penned 1–39 also wrote these. This is a fairly good commentary despite such a view as on Isa 11:9.

Isaiah. 1-33 Volume: 24 Word Biblical Commentary - Watts, John D. W

Cyril Barber - Awakens new interest in Isaiah's early prophecies. Describes the change in God's dealings with His people. Important themes are to be found in these pages: the day of the Lord, true servanthood, God's discipline of the nations, and the like. Excurses on theological themes are included. A redactional exposition.

Isaiah - Volume 1 (chapters 1-32)  Volume 2 - Daily Study Bible. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1984. By: Sawyer, John F. A

Cyril Barber - Covering chapters 1-32, this well-outlined discussion succeeds in elucidating the main tenets of Isaiah's indictment of Israel

Isaiah By: Ridderbos, Jan -  Bible Students' Commentary. Translated by J. Vriend. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, Regency Reference Library, 1984

Cyril Barber -  Part of the Korte Verklaring Der Heilige Schrift. This study deals adequately and conservatively with the history of the times and the unity of Isaiah's prophecy. Students will find Ridderbos' treatment to be insightfully written and exegetically sound.

James Rosscup - This is evangelical, originally in a Dutch series in 1950–51 for lay readers without Hebrew. The NIV has been edited. The introduction is so taken up with authorship issues that it fails to deal with the aim, theology, unique characteristics and other matters that give perspective. Ridderbos sums up each section at the outset of it, and often has beneficial exegesis and theology on verses, with some freshly stimulating insights. He is amillennial on prophecy of Israel’s future but gives reasons for Messianic fulfillment in such texts as the Servant Songs. It is a very good commentary on many passages, and in his amillennial stand shows how one of that persuasion reasons his view.

Understanding the Old Testament Proverbs, Isaiah, Jeremiah by Scripture Union

Isaiah : Bible study commentary by Garland, D. David

James Rosscup - A handy premillennial survey of Isaiah, holding to the book’s unity, using a good outline, giving a competent overall view of the book and comments on some key passages.

Exposition of Isaiah By: Leupold, H. C. (Herbert Carl), 1892- Exposition of Isaiah.Published: 1976

Cyril Barber - Defends the unity of this prophecy and furnishes a satisfying exposition. Amillennial

James Rosscup - Leupold, as usual, offers much detail in explaining verses from the standpoint of the background, Hebrew word meanings, customs, and the context. It is a fine commentary and is a good recent example of amillennial understanding on prophetical sections such as Isaiah 2, 4, 9, 11, 24–27, 35, 40–66 in relation to the fulfillment of messianic and kingdom hopes.

The prophets of Israel by Wood, Leon

A thoroughly conservative work, very clearly written, in two sections, prophetism and the prophets. Wood under the first division goes into the identity, meaning of “to prophesy,” function, the Holy Spirit and prophecy, and other aspects. In the second, he discusses in some detail prophets before Samuel, Samuel, monarchy prophets, and the writing prophets from the ninth century to post-exilic days. This is a fine book that gives the student or pastor a much better, integrated understanding of the prophets behind the prophetic books.

STUDY BIBLES, ETC

Note: The first 3 resources have no time restriction and allow copy and paste function: 

(1) KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective. Pre-millennial.  User reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users. 

Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective   user reviews 

The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.

(2) The King James Study Bible Second Edition 2240 pages (2013) (Thomas Nelson) General Editor - Edward Hindson with multiple contributing editors. Pre-millennial. See introduction on How to Use this Study Bible.

(3) NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Earl D Radmacher; Ronald Barclay Allen; Wayne H House. 2345 pages. (1997, 2007). Very helpful notes. Conservative. Pre-millennial. 

The MacArthur study Bible : new King James version - John MacArthur

ESV study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 

NIV Study Bible - (2011) 2570 pages  - Use this one if available as it has more notes than edition below.  This resource has been fully revised in 2020. 

HCSB Study Bible : Holman Christian Standard Bible - General Editor Jeremy Royal Howard (2010) 2360 pages. Conservative. Good notes. Include Holmans excellent maps. One hour limit

Life Application Study Bible : New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes

NLT Study Bible (Illustration Version) 

The Living Insights Study Bible : New International Version - Charles Swindoll. Notes are good but somewhat sparse and not verse by verse.

The David Jeremiah study bible - (2013) 2208 pages.  Logos.com - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."

The Experiencing God Study Bible: the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! 

NIV archaeological Study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 

The Ryrie study Bible - Charles Ryrie (1978) 2142 pages. Conservative. 

The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M.

Wycliffe Bible Commentary - Charles Pfeiffer - 1560 pages (1962). Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary. Conservative. Notes are generally verse by verse but brief. 

Rosscup - Conservative and premillennial scholars here have been experts in their fields. The work contains brief introductions and attempts to give a verse-by-verse exposition, though it does skip over some verses. The treatments vary with the authors, but as a whole it is a fine one-volume commentary for pastors and students to use or give to a layman. Outstanding sections include, for example: Whitcomb on Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther; Culver on Daniel; Ladd on Acts; Harrison on Galatians; Johnson on I Corinthians; and Ryrie on the Johannine Epistles.

Believer's Bible Commentary - OT and NT - MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages. Conservative. Literal. Often has very insightful comments. John MacArthur, says "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen." Warren Wiersbe adds "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word." One hour limit.

James Rosscup - This work, originally issued in 1983, is conservative and premillennial, written to help teachers, preachers and people in every walk of life with different views, explanation and application. 

MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES

IVP Background Commentary  - OT - John Walton 

Zondervan Atlas of The Bible By: Umair Mirza

Dictionary of Biblical Imagery - free for use online with no restrictions (i.e., you do not need to borrow this book). Editors Leland Ryken, J C Wilhoit, Tremper Longman III - This is a potential treasure chest to aid your preaching and teaching as it analyzes the meaning of a host of Biblical figures of speech. Clue - use the "One-page view" which then allows you to copy and paste text. One downside is there is no index, so you need to search 3291 pages for entries which are alphabetical. 

Dictionary of deities and demons in the Bible (DDD) - 950 pages (1995) Read some of the 65 ratings (4.8/5 Stars). A definitive in depth resource on this subject. Very expensive to purchase. 

Unger's bible handbook : a best-selling guide to understanding the bible by Unger, Merrill F

Halley's Bible Handbook Henry H. Halley - (2000) 2720 pages (much larger than original edition in 1965 and no time limit on use). (Halley's Bible handbook : an abbreviated Bible commentary - one hour limit 1965 872 pages)

Rosscup - A much-used older evangelical handbook bringing together a brief commentary on Bible books, some key archaeological findings, historical background, maps, quotes, etc. It is helpful to a lay Bible teacher, Sunday School leader, or pastor looking for quick, pertinent information on a Bible book. This is the 72nd printing somewhat revised. Halley packed in much information. Unger’s is better overall, but that is not to say that Halley’s will not provide much help on basic information.

The Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook - Editor - Walter Elwell (1984) 408 pages.

"This hardback is small in size but packed full of content: Brief summaries of every book of the bible, cultural, archaeological and historical info, word definitions, pictures, maps and charts." Worth checking! 

Eerdmans' Handbook to the Bible (1983) 688 pages 

The New Unger's Bible Dictionary by Unger, Merrill Frederick, 1909-

Every prophecy of the Bible: Walvoord, John F

APOLOGETICS

The Apologetics Study Bible Understand Why You Believe - Comments from over 90 leading apologists, including: Ted Cabal, Lee Strobel, Chuck Colson, Norm Geisler, Josh McDowell, Albert Mohler, J.P. Moreland, see reviews. Here is a review from The Christian Reviewer.

Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics by Geisler, Norman

Cyril Barber - This is a goldmine of valuable information! Well-indexed. Covers everything from “Absolute Truth” to “Zen Buddhism.” Extensive articles on such topics as “Agnosticism,” “Annihilationism,” “Bible, Alleged Errors in,” “Gnosticism,” “Miracles in the Bible,” “New Testament Manuscripts,” and “Objections to Resurrection,” “Big Bang Theory,” “Edward John Carnell,” “Christ, Death of,” are only a few of the insightful essays in this masterful work. Each article has been written in an understandable way, and a 28 page bibliography forms a valuable source for further research. An excellent resource.

Evidence That Demands A Verdict - Josh McDowell

The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict - Josh McDowell

More Than A Carpenter - A modern classic by Josh McDowell - Great resource for those who are skeptical that Jesus is fully God, fully Man.

Encyclopedia of Bible difficulties by Archer, Gleason L - or here with no restrictions

Hard Sayings of the Bible - Walter Kaiser

When Critics Ask - Norman Geisler

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN THE BIBLE

Today's Handbook of Bible Times & Customs by Coleman, William L

Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Manners & Customs : How the People of the Bible Really Lived by Vos, Howard Frederic

Manners & Customs of the Bible (The New Manners and Customs)  Freeman, James M., 1827-1900 Published 1998

The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times: Gower, Ralph, 1933- Published 1987

Manners and Customs of Bible lands By: Wight, Fred Published 1983

Manners and Customs in the Bible By: Matthews, Victor Harold Published 1991

Handbook of life in Bible times By: Thompson, J. A. (John Arthur), 1913-2002 Published 1986

Illustrated dictionary of Bible manners and customs By: Deursen, A. van (Arie), 1891-1963 Published 1982

The Illustrated Guide to Bible Customs & Curiosities by Knight, George W. 

Orientalisms in Bible lands, giving light from customs, habits, manners, imagery, thought and life in the East for Bible students By: Rice, Edwin Wilbur, 1831-1929 Published 1910

Bible manners and customs By: Mackie, G. M. 1854-1922 Published 1898

Teach it to your children : how kids lived in Bible days By: Vamosh, Miriam Feinberg, author

Everyday life in Bible times : work, worship, and war  By: Embry, Margaret Published 1994

Everyday living : Bible life and times : fascinating, everyday customs and traditions from the people of the Bible  Published 2006

The Land and the Book; or, Biblical illustrations drawn from the manners and customs, the scenes and scenery, of the Holy land  By: Thomson, William M. (William McClure), 1806-1894 Published 1880

Eastern manners illustrative of the Old Testament history By: Jamieson, Robert, 1802-1880 Published 1838

Scripture manners and customs : being an account of the domestic habits, arts, etc., of Eastern nations mentioned in Holy Scripture Published  1895

HEBREW WORD STUDY
RESOURCES

Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament by Harris, R. Laird - (5/5 Stars) One of the best OT lexicons for studying Hebrew words.

Here is another link to the TWOT which has no time limit on use and does allow copy and paste. Can be downloaded as PDF. 

Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words - Online pdf

Hebrew Honey: a simple and deep word study of the Old Testament - 330 pages.  The definitions have more of a devotional flavor. For example, see the descriptive definition for "Abide" (Hebrew - gur). 

Expository Dictionary of Bible Words by Richards, Larry,  It does not go into great depth on the Greek or Hebrew words but does have some excellent insights. 

So That's What it Means (Theological Wordbook) - Formerly titled "Theological Wordbook" edited by Charles Swindoll. It is now under this new title So That's What it Means and can be borrowed - it is more like a dictionary than a lexicon but the comments are superb! The contributors include Donald Campbell, Wendell Johnston, John Witmer, John Walvoord 

Nelson's Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament by Unger, Merrill. Indexed by English word and then any related Hebrew nouns or verbs. Definitions are solid and geared to the lay person. 

Synonyms of the Old Testament-Robert Girdlestone

MULTIPLE ADDITIONAL SERMONS
AND COMMENTARIES