Isaiah Prophet, Seer, and Poet

by Victor L. Ludlow

Book by Ludlow, Victor L.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, Inspirational, Church, History

Paperback

First published May 1, 1982

About the author

Dr. Victor L. Ludlow graduated with high honors from Brigham Young University (and was a Danforth Fellow at Harvard and Brandeis Universities, where he received a Ph.D. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies. Beginning in 1972, he taught a variety of classes at BYU and in Jerusalem, with an emphasis on the Bible (especially the writings of Isaiah), the Book of Mormon, and Judaism. He is an emeritus professor of Ancient Scripture and the Coordinator for Near Eastern Studies at BYU. He has also served as chair of the BYU Faculty General Education Council and on the BYU Faculty Advisory Council.

Dr. Ludlow has served in the Church as a bishop, branch president, high councilor, stake young men's president, counselor in a stake presidency, and president of the Germany Frankfurt Mission (1983-86).

He and his wife, V-Ann (Virginia Ann), are the parents of four sons and two daughters, and the grandparents of fifteen children.

Dr. Ludlow has written many books and articles on the Bible, the Middle East, and comparative studies between Jewish and Latter-day Saint theology. He is especially noted as author of Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, and Poet and Principles and Practices of the Restored Gospel.

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little over a year ago, I noticed while reading the Book of Mormon that the Savior commands us explicitly to study the words of Isaiah. In addition, there are at least two other locations in the Book of Mormon where we are told to study and ponder on the words of Isaiah. In the past, I had always had difficulty understanding the Isaiah portions of the Book of Mormon, but I decided that it was time for me to give it a bit more effort.

Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, and Poet is great because it helped me to understand much more of the symbolism in Isaiah than I previously understood. It provided historical context for many of the chapters, as well as information on Isaiah's writing techniques (such as chiasmus, which is everywhere in the book) and patterns found in his writings. It helped me to see that Isaiah truly was an amazing author - there is so much to be found in his writings, and with a bit of effort, they can be understood on so many different levels!

This book isn't a book I was able to sit down and read for hours on end, but I gave it 5 stars because of how much it helped me understand the writings of Isaiah. Isaiah has now become one of my favorite books of scripture.

[Loraine McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great are the words of Isaiah!

This book is an in depth study of the Book of Isaiah. It helped me to understand and decode confusing terms and passages in Isaiah. The author picked up on themes and elements such as chiasmas and types of poetry the genius Isaiah used. It helped me see that Jesus is the Christ who loves us and of a loving Heavenly Father who eagerly waits for us to come to Him and be exalted!

[Robert Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Commentary from an LDS perspective

So first off this commentary is somewhat dated, although it was definitely well researched for its time in my opinion. I learned plenty of new things about the Book of Isaiah, and the book was good in that it cross referenced in depth other books of scripture and how they are related to the Book of Isaiah.

[jared lesueur · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best commentary out there on Isiah!

[Ramona Siddoway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on understanding Isaiah. Covers geographical, cultural, and political timelines to help understand this prophet!

[Mikey Staker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but it covers the history too fast and is way too wordy in pretty much every other aspect

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished! A great book; ccomprehensive, enlightening, interesting, and really helpful in gaining a better understanding of Isaiah the prophet and his teachings. I already loved Isaiah, and now I know way more historical background, language insights/analysis, and applications for this remarkable book of scripture.

I really like this book. Obviously, since I'm still reading it, and it's a big one!
I've been interested in Isaiah for a long time; I love the poetry and all the beautiful, wonderful promises he makes/the Lord makes through him, and am always impressed with its logic and descriptions. I'm captivated by the story told in its prophecies and lamentations, and held to it by the connections to my life and our world today. It's a vitally-important book as well as a wonderful one, so any opportunity to better understand it, to grasp more out of something which has so many layers and levels in it, is one I want to take.
This is a really detailed look at the whole book, with a first section which gives excellent strategies for interpreting and understanding Isaiah's writings, and a second which goes through each chapter. I'm getting all the historical settings, multiple interpretations, and personal application at the heart - such as reading the 'servant songs' as advice for how to develop my character. A rich, very useful book that I'm working through as part daily scripture study (alternating with standard works) and part Sunday reading.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good for studying Isaiah in the Old Testament, but I feel it misses somw when it comes to the Book of Mormon Isaiah chapters. The chapters from Isaiah that are in the Book of Mormon are covered with relation to what was happening in Isaiah's time (pre-Nephi) but doesn't include much in the way of interpretation for the latter days. For 2nd Nephi 12-20 we are left to ourselves to understand how to interpret these Isaiah chapters for our day, since this book focuses on Assyria and the conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you really want to understand the chapters of Isaiah, then read this book. It is filled in information, but it is accessible and manageable to read. It isn't just another text over the average person's head. The author (my professor at BYU) did an amazing job of making the text thorough yet understandable.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our oldest son gave me this book many years ago and I turn to it often as I study Isaiah's words. It has allowed me to come to love Isaiah and to love his words and to seek ways to better understand them. I love how it not only gives an understanding of the words but of the times that Isaiah lived in.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be insightful, and will keep it in my library as a reference book. There are lots of good bits about words and their meanings. There is also useful information on historical context and culture. I do not agree with many of his interpretations but those are easy to separate out.

[Ligia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always known that we were commanded to read and study the words of Isaiah. But every time I attempted to, I could never finish it until my institute director suggested this book. It has helped me tremendously. Although I still dont completely understand it I can say I have a BETTER understanding of it.

[Brandon Burrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took this class from Brother Ludlow a few years ago and I've never learned more about the Prophet Isaiah before or since. Bro Ludlow's insights and wisdom were a great tool to helping me further my own knowledge and spiritual growth.

[Vince Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing, easy to read book for anybody who wants to learn more about Isaiah. He goes chapter by chapter, verse by verse in breaking down the poetry, symbolism, and religious significance of Isaiah. This should definitely be a companion to anyone reading Isaiah.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a class on Isaiah at BYU from the author. This was our textbook. I haven't read it since then, but I remember the insight I got at the time.

[Stanley Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just wish the book was twice as long! I still don't understand most of isaiah but this book definitly helped

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I've learned so much, but it is very dense and time consuming.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insights into the the historical context, language structure, and cultural underpinnings of Isaiah's writings

[Jeremy McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book for understanding Isaiah verse by verse. Great hsitorical background given.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on Isaiah. I learned more from this book than most I've read in my life on any subject. Extremely in-depth and accurate. Helped me understand the intense work much more fully.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book and took his class on Isaiah and learned so much. The information carries over to other books also.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

For an institute class.

[Kosmas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Isaiah
I Want to read

[Corinne Drollette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met my husband in Brother Ludlow's class and we were both inspired with a love for the writings of Isaiah. I guess you could say this book was life-changing!

[Mary Sasala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing LDS companion to the Book of Isaiah and the Book of Mormon.

[Ryan Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isaiah - 5* ...
Ludlow - 4-4.5*

[Martha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Laboriously long.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stretched me. I still have a lot of questions and study that I need to do. I really enjoyed reading the other translations that were presented as they gave me new insight and understanding of the scriptures. His including the historical background behind the prophecies helped me understand the context of the prophecies. Most of all I appreciated the subtle invitation to study on my own and learn in my own way. Having read this book I have a greater appreciation for this wonderful prophet, his optimism, and his unflinching testimony of the Savior and His mission.

[Becky]

Interesting.