David Stacey believes that the meaning of oracles when they were first spoken is of primary importance for preachers and teachers today. In this commentary, he attempts to unravel the difficulties which even the best translations fail to make plain to place each passage in its original context. But the prophecies were repeatedly edited and re-used over a long period, and Dr. Stacey also examines this living "Isaiah tradition," which he thinks is a valuable feature of the book. The work of the ancient editors can provide a model of the way we can understand the text today. Throughout the commentary the question is asked: "If this is how the text was understood and used in various ancient settings, how can we accept it, understand it, and use it as authentic Scripture today?"
