The Tyndale Commentary series, published by IVP, continues its revision in this successful replacement volume for Jeremiah and Lamentations. In fact, this volume is superior to the R. K. Harrison volume it replaces–if for no other reason, it gives us 373 pages to 240. The longest of the Prophets needed those extra pages for sure.

There are fine, succinct Introductions for both Jeremiah and Lamentations. The section on historical background was well done and fits Jeremiah into Israel’s history, as well as international influences. His life and ministry covered the final dark days of a people who had little time left for the Lord all the way through their overthrow and subsequent captivity. This history explains the hard words we often find here and makes more poignant the promises of restoration.

Their is only a little talk of redaction as the author lands on the text as we have it for commentary purposes. This is far superior and spares us the endless speculation some commentaries are compelled to encumber us with. There are other helpful discussions: the key word “turn”, how “falsehood” in false prophets is a recurring theme, and suffering which hits prophet and people alike. Finally, the New Covenant and Jeremiah in the New Testament finish out the helpful introduction.

The commentary proper offers thoughtful help. Perhaps you will still find some passages with less commentary than you wished, but that is likely only because Jeremiah is so long. Still, you will find it worth consulting.

In my opinion, this commentary is not quite as good as another commentary published by IVP and aimed at a similar audience, “The Message of Jeremiah” by Christopher Wright. Still, multiple helps on Jeremiah are so beneficial, and at this price how could you go wrong? I recommend it!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.