The Old Testament prophets played a crucial role in the history of Israel. Although there were many prophets who brought the message of God to his people, we have recordsof only a few. Of these, our k
The Old Testament prophets played a crucial role in the history of Israel. Although there were many prophets who brought the message of God to his people, we have records
of only a few. Of these, our knowledge of Jeremiah is probably the most complete. In this commentary for scholars and pastors, originally part of the New International Commentary on the Old Testament, J. A. Thompson examines the book of Jeremiah with its message urging the people of Israel to be true to their covenant Lord and to live in conformity with his covenant requirements.
Thompson begins his study by looking at the role of the prophets in Israel and at Jeremiah’s place among them. He then discusses the historical setting of Jeremiah’s message. From this background, Thompson moves to an examination of the book of Jeremiah itself, focusing on its structure and composition before considering some important issues for exegesis—the date of Jeremiah’s call, the significance of the symbolic actions he performed, and the relationship between Jeremiah and Hosea. In the last part of his extensive introduction, Thompson examines the text and poetic forms of Jeremiah.
“This is by far the most comprehensive work that has been done on the prophet Jeremiah. . . . An excellent work that is sure to become the classical major study of this prophet. A must for any serious student of the Bible.”
— Southwestern Journal of Theology
“Thompson’s Jeremiah rivals John Bright’s commentary as the best in English on
Jeremiah. . . . His highly competent treatment lends itself to use by scholars and teachers as well as for sermon preparation and personal study.”
— Christianity Today
“An outstanding commentary that is bound to become a standard classic for English-speaking students.”
— Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
“A helpful conservative commentary on Jeremiah for years to come.”
— Bibliotheca Sacra
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
I. Jeremiah among the Prophets
II. Jeremiah in His Historical Setting
III. The Book of Jeremiah
IV. Some Important Issues for Exegesis
V. The Life of Jeremiah
VI. The Message of Jeremiah
VII. The Text
VIII. Poetic Forms
IX. Analysis of Contents
X. Select Bibliography
TEXT AND COMMENTARY
Superscription (1:1–3)
I. The Call of Jeremiah and the Two Visions (1:4–19)
II. The Divine Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem (2:1–25:38)
III. Jeremiah’s Controversy with False Prophets (26:1–29:32)
IV. The Book of Consolation (30:1–33:26)
V. Incidents from the Days of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah (34:1–39:18)
VI. Jeremiah’s Experiences after the Fall of Jerusalem (40:1–45:5)
VII. Oracles against the Nations (46:1–51:64)
VIII. Appendix: The Fall of Jerusalem (52:1-34)
INDEXES
I. Subjects
II. Authors
III. Persons and Places
IV. Scripture References
V. Nonbiblical Texts
MAPS
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