Jeremiah and Lamentations (Teach the Text Commentary Series)
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Jeremiah and Lamentations showcase a dark time in Judah’s history, before and during the exile to Babylon. Here is insightful commentary to help the modern reader and teacher understand and apply these important but often neglected portions of Scripture. Jeremiah brings God’s indictment against the people for repeated and egregious covenant violations. This is accompanied by a call to repentance that, if left unheeded, will lead to God’s judgment. The people don’t repent, and God does punish them, yet Jeremiah includes a message of hope for future restoration through a new covenant that will also bless the nations. Lamentations serves as a sequel to Jeremiah, in the aftermath of Jerusalem’s fall and the exile. The author laments over the destroyed city and, more importantly, over the sin that brought its downfall. It is a study in anguish, yet it too contains glimpses of hope in a restoring God.
- Provides information pastors need to effectively communicate Scripture
- Contains a concise summary, main theme, illustrations, and interpretation for each passage
- Points to key themes and ways to communicate them to today’s audience
Top Highlights
“In the Hebrew editions of the Bible, Lamentations is anonymous. It is not located right after Jeremiah but rather in the third section of the canon called the ‘Writings.’ Following Ecclesiastes and preceding Esther in the Hebrew Bible, the book of Lamentations is part of a five-book section called the Megillot (‘Scrolls’), which is read in Jewish tradition on major annual festivals. Lamentations is read on the ninth of Ab, a date that commemorates major disasters in Jewish history (especially the fall of Jerusalem). Lamentations is followed by Esther and then Daniel, books that deal with the trials and difficulties of the exile.” (Page 326)
“The ‘word of the Lord’ is central to Jeremiah’s call and his work as a prophet. It is not the plans or ideas of Jeremiah that drive his tumultuous ministry, but rather the plans of God—indeed, the very words of God. As God’s prophet, Jeremiah will serve as God’s spokesman, speaking the very words of God to the nation.” (Page 9)
“As in the life of Jeremiah, it is certainly still true for us that the word of God should define who we are, what we are to do, and how we are to do it. It is the word of God that gives us the direction for engaging the world around us and the strength to endure the difficulties that we might encounter as we obey that word.” (Page 11)
“In Hebrew the title of this book is ’eykah (‘how’), which is the first word in the Hebrew text of Lamentations 1:1. The Septuagint (LXX), the early Greek translation of the Old Testament, gave it the descriptive title Threni, which means ‘lamentations.’ This was followed by the Latin Vulgate translation, which titled it Lamenta, also meaning ‘lamentations.’ Thus modern English translations have followed the Greek and Latin tradition in calling this book ‘Lamentations.’” (Page 325)
Daniel Hays has long been one of my go-to Old Testament scholars. His work on Jeremiah and Lamentations is going to serve very well those who teach and preach from these inspired texts. Balance, insight, careful exegesis, and healthy theology characterize this book. It is a most welcome addition to this excellent series.
Daniel L. Akin, President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
This commentary series promises informed exposition, sound theological insights, and creative connections with the modern context that demonstrate the relevance of the biblical message. This volume wonderfully meets all those expectations. Hays has provided a very useful work for pastors, teachers, and students alike that is instructive, practical, and engaging. A welcome addition.
M. Daniel Carroll R (Rodas), Ph.D., Blanchard Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College
Due to its sheer size and hard-hitting messages, the book of Jeremiah can be a bit daunting and even intimidating. Quite frankly, when reading Jeremiah, it's easy to get lost in the trees and become a bit discouraged. One would not blame Bible readers if they shied away from studying it. For those who might feel this way, Hays's commentary is exactly what you need to launch your study of this theologically rich prophetic book. Focusing on the essentials and the big picture, Hays does a masterful job identifying the main themes of Jeremiah and Lamentations and showing their relevance for believers living in the modern world. Though not exhaustive in its treatment of the text's details, Hays's commentary provides a number of perceptive and helpful insights on key verses throughout these books. I highly recommend this commentary for those who want to understand the message of these important books.
Robert B. Chisholm Jr. (ThD), Department Chair and Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary
J. Daniel Hays (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Dean of the School of Christian Studies and professor of biblical studies at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He is the author or coauthor of many articles and books, including Grasping God's Word and The Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook.
The Teach the Text Commentary Series gives pastors the best of biblical scholarship and presents the information needed to move seamlessly from the meaning of the text to its effective communication. By providing focused commentary, this volume allows pastors to quickly grasp the most important information. Each unit of the commentary includes the big idea and key themes of the passage and sections dedicated to understanding, teaching, and illustrating the text.