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

"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