The Theology of Jeremiah: The Book, the Man, the Message, By John Goldingay

The Theology of Jeremiah

The Book, the Man, the Message

by John Goldingay

The Theology of Jeremiah
paperback
  • Length: 160 pages
  • Dimensions: 6 × 9 in
  • Published: January 05, 2021
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • Item Code: 5527
  • ISBN: 9780830855278

*affiliate partner

How do we think about the theology of the book of Jeremiah? Do we consider themes section by section, or do we step back and look at the whole? John Goldingay says "both."

In The Theology of Jeremiah, Goldingay considers the prophet Jeremiah himself, his individual circumstances and those of Judah, and his message. Though Jeremiah's message varies throughout the book, we gain insights into Jeremiah's theology by viewing the book in its entirety. In doing so, we learn about God, Israel as the people of God, the nature of wrongdoing and prophecy, and what we know about the future.

"Dr. Goldingay has produced another interesting and thought-provoking book that helps us get to the heart of the meaning of the book of Jeremiah. While you may not agree with his understanding of how the book of Jeremiah came about, there are plenty of other good thoughts in the book to make it extremely valuable. One of the most helpful discussions is on Jeremiah as a prophet; his description of Jeremiah being vulnerable but protected has some very good insights. He also highlights that there is hope in the book of Jeremiah after the catastrophe is over—a very useful perspective when we are going through trials."

Paul D. Wegner, distinguished professor of Old Testament, Gateway Seminary

"John Goldingay is a once-in-a-generation scholar who writes with relevance, power, conviction, and clarity. The Theology of Jeremiah is a gift to all who wish to ponder what Jeremiah—a scroll forged in the furnace of suffering—has to say about the God who uproots and plants."

Andrew T. Abernethy, associate professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College

"In a day when Old Testament books like Jeremiah are often merely mined for proof texts, or worse, completely ignored, Dr. Goldingay reminds us of the timeless theological message of the book of Jeremiah. Facilitated by years of Old Testament scholarship and study, Goldingay illuminates the historical setting of the prophet, wrestles with the literary complexity of the book, and savors its theological message. While readers may not agree with all his proposals, Goldingay succeeds in warmly and accessibly inviting Christians to reflect on the theological truths found in this important prophetic book."

William R. Osborne, associate professor of biblical and theological studies at College of the Ozarks in Missouri, author of Divine Blessing and the Fullness of Life in the Presence of God

"Goldingay's scholarly, concise, and vibrant writing clarifies a path for students and general readers through the maelstrom of complaints, prophecies of doom, and tragic missteps in the book of Jeremiah, helping us to hear God speak in the trauma and confusion of our times."

Jill Firth, lecturer in Hebrew and Old Testament at Ridley College, Melbourne

"This volume on the theology of Jeremiah reflects what I have always loved and respected about Dr. Goldingay's writing—deep theological reflection expressed in an accessible and engaging way that makes reading theology like reading a good story. Goldingay's straightforward development of the message of Jeremiah brings clarity and coherence to a part of Scripture characterized by many as hopelessly disordered, and he has done the church a great service in helping us to see and hear anew Jeremiah's powerful message of judgment and hope."

Gary Yates, professor of Old Testament at Liberty University School of Divinity

"John Goldingay gives us a lucid, personable, and often witty introduction. Attentive to the book's own context and message, The Theology of Jeremiah also engages interpretive challenges and explores the book's message for a Christian audience. The volume does not overburden the reader with the guild's technical discussions as it distills what is often an overwhelming book to its basics of structure, themes, and theologies. Goldingay has provided a terrific volume for beginning students or lay readers eager to make sense of Jeremiah."

Lissa M. Wray Beal, Providence Theological Seminary
More

CONTENTS

Preface

Part One: The Man, the Scroll, the Story, the Messages
1. The Man and the Scroll
2. Reading Jeremiah Backwards
3. The Themes in Jeremiah 1–25
4. The Themes in Jeremiah 26–52

Part Two: The Theology of Jeremiah
5. God
6. The People of God
7. Wrongdoing
8. Being a Prophet
9. The Future

Further Reading
Subject Index
Scripture Index

More

You May Also Like

John Goldingay

John Goldingay (PhD, University of Nottingham; DD, Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth) is professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, but lives in Oxford, England. He was previously principal and professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at St. John's Theological College in Nottingham, England. His books include An Introduction to the Old Testament, A Reader's Guide to the Bible, Reading Jesus's Bible, and commentaries on Psalms, Isaiah, and Daniel. He has also authored a Biblical Theology, the three-volume Old Testament Theology and the seventeen-volume Old Testament for Everyone series, and has published a translation of the entire Old Testament called The First Testament: A New Translation.