The Old Testament Library is a series of commentaries and general studies specifically designed for use by scholars, students, and teachers. Perhaps the most significant and enduring series in the field, the Old Testament Library presents a critically informed theological reading of the Old Testament. The editorial advisory board consists of William P. Brown, Carol A. Newsom, and David L. Petersen.
The book of Jeremiah offers a remarkable range of literature, including prose, poetry, oracles, homilies, and proverbs. This commentary understands the book as a work of religious literature, to be examined in its final form and yet with careful attention to the historical contexts of writing and development through which the present text took shape. Jeremiah proclaimed a message of coming judgment, because of the people’s unfaithful worship, and yet also emphasized the call to know Yahweh and to live as God’s faithful people. Through it all, Allen identifies a trajectory of grace, in which the proclamations of doom can be understood within the context of promises for a renewed future.
With the publication of this volume on Jeremiah, the Old Testament Library now has a commentary volume in print for every book in the Old Testament.
Leslie C. Allen is Senior Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary.
