Denver Journal - 6:0105 - Deutero-Isaiah.

A Commentary on Isaiah 40-55

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Volume 6 - 2003
Editor: Richard S. Hess

Baltzer, Klaus Deutero-Isaiah. A Commentary on Isaiah 40-55. Translated by M. Kohl. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress.
2001 Hardback, $62.40. 597 pp. ISBN 0-8006-6039-0.
This work represents the thorough research and exegesis of the author on the sixteen chapters traditionally ascribed
to Second Isaiah. Those looking for a discussion of the questions of authorship in the light of traditional Evangelical
apologetics on this issue will not find it here. Baltzer's concern lies elsewhere. He presents spirited arguments for a
distinctive analysis of the form and theology of the text. In terms of the form, Baltzer seeks to argue for a kind of dramatic
presentation. Although he surveys ancient Near Eastern and particularly Egyptian dramatic texts, his real interest lies with
the Greek dramatists. It is with these that he spends most of his time, and here that he devotes the greatest emphasis in
analysis of the form and in its comparison with the text of Isaiah as it develops through the sixteen chapters. This formal
comparison allows for a coherent analysis to an otherwise difficult text in terms of its organization. The nature of the series
allows Baltzer free reign to argue his thesis and to interact with so much of the secondary literature that has appeared on
these chapters. Baltzer demonstrates many interesting comparisons throughout the overall organization of the text.
However, ultimately his thesis remains one on which most readers will reserve judgment. The comparisons are not so close
as to provide the sort of clear section-by-section identification and sequence that would convince. This thesis, especially the
comparison with the Greek drama form, also tends to push the date later (into the fifth century) than many scholars would
accept for the basic composition of much of this text. The theory does raise questions about the possibility of a comparison
an earlier form of dramatic composition (Mesopotamian?), concerning which we do not yet have sufficient data.
The theological perspectives of the work follow many traditional lines of thought regarding the important contribution
that this biblical text makes to the Israelite understanding of the nature of God as Creator and his unique and sole nature as
divine. Baltzer's contribution lies rather in his analysis of the Servant Songs, those texts that review the role and mission of
the Servant and culminate in the Suffering Servant passage of Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Where the author identifies the Servant
as an individual, he does so with the view that this figure is explicitly modeled on Moses. Again and again Baltzer returns to
texts from the Pentateuch to identify parallels with the language and picture of the Servant and the Lawgiver. This is a
significant comparison, although the identification of messianic figures in prophecy with Moses not unique. However, the
nature of the argument does not ultimately convince. This is not because Baltzer does not sufficiently argue his case. To
the contrary, some textual discussions, such as those of the Suffering Servant, are dominated by pages of discussion
seeking to make verbal and thematic connections with Moses narratives. Nevertheless, in the end there is a sense that the
author argues too much with too little evidence. The point is never proven to this reviewer's satisfaction. At times homonyms
are identified and used to interpret texts that are removed from the context. For example, the general interpretation of the
first verbal root in 53:5 is that which means "pierce." However, Baltzer prefers that root meaning "profane," despite the
absence of any clear mention of cultic sins in the context whereas the theme of the Servant's suffering and death is
dominant. In this he follows a proposed BHS emendation made without any manuscript support. Although this may improve
the proposed parallel with Moses, the first priority for the interpretation of a vocabulary term must be the context. Even more
problematic is the manner in which the attempt to argue this thesis so dominates the exegesis of some of the Servant
Songs that it limits the exegetical analysis that is not directly tied to the thesis. This is unfortunate because it does not allow
Baltzer to provide more of an exegesis that would contribute to the understanding of the text even by those who are not
inclined to accept this distinctive thesis.
Baltzer has provided a useful contribution to the study of Isaiah 40-55. His awareness of the vast secondary literature
and interaction with it are particularly valuable. However, the author's theses regarding the formal analysis of the chapters
as well as the literary and theological connections with Moses remain uncertain.
Richard S. Hess, Ph.D.
Professor of Old Testament
Denver Seminary

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08.03.2007 20:55:38