cover image Thus Saith the Lord: The Revolutionary Moral Vision of Isaiah and Jeremiah

Thus Saith the Lord: The Revolutionary Moral Vision of Isaiah and Jeremiah

Richard E. Rubenstein, . . Harcourt, $25 (258pp) ISBN 978-0-15-101219-0

The history of the ancient nation of Israel is marked by conflict and compromise, rebellion and repentance. Often at war with surrounding nations as well as with the God who brought Israel into existence, the people needed strong, authoritative voices calling them back to lives of holiness. In this clear and eminently readable account, Rubenstein studies two of those prophetic voices and demonstrates their unique place in history. Describing them as "influential political advisers as well as recipients of divine messages about history's inner meaning and direction," the author puts flesh on the stories of Isaiah and Jeremiah, who emerge as remarkable messengers of God. Rubenstein depicts their faults as well as their assets: Isaiah, bold and decisive, and Jeremiah, sometimes petulant but deeply committed and finally hopeful in the ultimate triumph of God's providence and plan for the chosen nation. A professor of conflict resolution and public affairs at George Mason University, Rubenstein is the author of two previous works, including the popular When Jesus Became God . As with that previous volume, this is beautifully written, offering the general reader as well as the scholar a compelling account of a turbulent time in Israel's history. (Nov.)