A Commentary on Jeremiah: Exile and Homecoming

By Walter Brueggemann

Book Overview

Jeremiah's poignant lament over Judah's social and religious disintegration reflects God's own pathos-laden yearning for his disobedient covenant people. In this widely praised expository commentary Walter Brueggemann, one of the premier Old Testament scholars of our time, explores the historical setting and message of Jeremiah as well as the text's relevance for the church today.

Offering a fresh look at the critical theological issues in the Jeremiah tradition, Brueggemann argues that Jeremiah's voice compels us to rediscern our own situation, issuing an urgent invitation to faith, obedience, justice, and compassion.

This combined edition of Brueggemann's original two-volume work, published until recently as part of the International Theological Commentary series, is an essential resource for students, pastors, and general readers alike. It is reprinted here with a new introduction by Brueggemann that surveys the current state of Jeremiah studies.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080280280X
• ISBN13: 9780802802804
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Length: 516 Pages
• Weight: 1.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

this ain't "light reading"

Brueggemann's commentary is worth the price of admission. Personally, it has not struck me as a cover-to-cover read; it is a reference tool. But as reference works go, I would describe it as "readable". Brueggemann isn't afraid to stir the pot. He is generous with his unexpected perspectives. I think of him as "unorthodoxly orthodox".

Brueggemann Never Disappoints

Professor Brueggemann has written an extremely helpful book for the wearied and busy parish pastor who chooses to jump into the prophet Jeremiah. Brueggemann always brings to light the issue or subject that most needs thoughtful attention. I recently completed a sermon series on the prophet Jeremiah and my copy of Bruggemann's book is highlighted, underlined, and has been heavily used. One may not always agree with Brueggemann, but one never leaves without having been educated and enlightened. Very helpful for the preaching pastor!

2 in 1

The author is one of the premier Old Testament scholars of our time. This comprehensive commentary explores the historical and social world of Jeremiah and offers a theological interpretation of Jeremiah's work. Uses a combination of sociological and literary analysis to provide a fresh look at the critical theological issues in the Jeremiah tradition. This is a look that finally yeilds compelling insights into the message and significance of Jeremiah both for this tumultuous time in the history of ancient Israel, but also for our own complicated times. THIS IS THE COMBINED EDITION OF A 2 VOLUME COMMENTARY PUBLISHED EARLIER IN THE '90S.

Prophet Brueggemann deeply looks at Prophet Jeremiah!

As Prof Bruegge introduces the editor's preface of Jeremiah, he sets up parallel outlines for Isa 1:1; Hosea 1:1; plus Amos 1:1! He reminds all readers that we're in the tradition of these four prophetic books. He deftly describes the fourth as historically rooted in the priestly traditions of Anathoth, likely derived from covenantal traditions of Abiathar as I Kings 2:26-27, also theologically as recipient of Yahweh's invasive, sovereign word. Most of his lectures on Jeremiah, begin with those traditions as Prophetic, Historical, and Theological. Look forward to hearing him make use of adjectives like invasive, sovereign, covenantal, alongside historical and theological traditions! Moving through the unique "Calling of Jeremiah" he proceeds into two visions of "shaqed" (almond) and "shoqed" (watching) only to use one of his 117 references to O.T. scholars. From the next chapter, "The Word through Jeremiah" he describes his familiar topic of the Wild Vine as the prophetic lawsuit, then introduces that remarkable poem of "Return to Me" in resuming his metaphor. Sir Walter moves precisely between sections of his outline with incredible ease, yet continually allowing class questions that often lead him into carefully related traditions! He supplied the final lecture for his Sister Scholar, Kathleen O'Connor last Fall with his summary of Jeremiah's Oracles to the Nations and possible endings for the words from Jeremiah. After his ominous chapter entitled, "Terror on Every Side" then from the North; the result is Jeremiah becomes a Laughingstock from his words of Complaint, Judgement, Lament! As only Sir Bruegge can pull-off, he dramatized the emotions in Psalms of Lament using his key verbs: "deceived, harassed, abused, even raped!" When you hear the Words of the Prophet Jeremiah coming from such a mouth, as Walter Brueggemann's, be sure it is authentic, real, dramatic and introspectively awesome! Simply but powerfully true because of his continual affirmation, they are the Words of GOD! My good fortune has gifted me in hearing 3 similiar treats, his Montreat Conference Lectures, Central Presbyterian Lectures, also the McAfee/Mercer Seminary Lectures within two years! Be sure to expect new insights and visions from studies with the Prophet Brueggemann, on the Prophet Jeremiah! Good News from the Retired Chaplain, Fred W Hood