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The Message of Jeremiah
The Prophet Jeremiah addressed the people of Judah and Jerusalem over a forty-year period leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC. The book of Jeremiah addressed the exiles, especially those in Babylon, in the years after the catastrophe.
First of all then, says Chris Wright, we must encounter Jeremiah the prophet who, from his youth to old age, delivered the word of God to the people of Israel at the most terrifying time in all their troubled history. Understanding his times is essential to understanding his life and message. Next, we must strive to grasp how this enormous book (the second longest in the Bible, after Psalms) has been put together. And finally, if Jeremiah spoke in his day, and if the book still speaks today, in both cases it is because of the God who called the man to speak and commanded the book to be written. So we must encounter the God of Jeremiah an encounter that should be both profoundly disturbing and ultimately reassuring, as it was for him.
First of all then, says Chris Wright, we must encounter Jeremiah the prophet who, from his youth to old age, delivered the word of God to the people of Israel at the most terrifying time in all their troubled history. Understanding his times is essential to understanding his life and message. Next, we must strive to grasp how this enormous book (the second longest in the Bible, after Psalms) has been put together. And finally, if Jeremiah spoke in his day, and if the book still speaks today, in both cases it is because of the God who called the man to speak and commanded the book to be written. So we must encounter the God of Jeremiah an encounter that should be both profoundly disturbing and ultimately reassuring, as it was for him.
444 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2014
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About the author
Christopher J.H. Wright
102 books205 followersChristopher J.H. Wright, (born 1947) is a Anglican clergyman and an Old Testament scholar. He is currently the director of Langham Partnership International. He was the principal of All Nations Christian College. He is an honorary member of the All Souls Church, Langham Place in London, UK.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 2, 2025
Another great installment in the BST series, and another great work by Wright. Jeremiah has been one of the more daunting books in the Bible for me: the imagery is often so vividly grim, the mood is predominantly bleak, the language and action are dramatic. And...it's long. Super long. But, as usual, Wright makes a challenging book much more approachable.
Many of the things I appreciated seem rather basic, like pointing out how Jeremiah's commission ("See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant" [1:10]) shapes the message of the whole book; or demystifying the structure and timing of the chapters, since the book doesn't proceed chronologically but thematically/theologically. Sometimes I just need to have the obvious pointed out, because I tend not to notice these things when reading chapter by chapter through a book on my own.
Beyond those contributions, having focused a lot lately on the exilic and post-exilic books, I really appreciated this further insight into the message of God to Judah in the years leading up to the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and how it pointed forward to the people's restoration and beyond. Among the elements Wright emphasizes are the three "horizons" to which these prophecies look: the return from exile; the incarnation of the Son; and the ultimate restoration of all things in His Second Coming. I've found it eye-opening to reflect on how the Lord's faithfulness to recall Israel from the death of exile was a picture of the still-greater resurrection of the Messiah, breaking the rule of powers both earthly and heavenly. Judgment comes: another thing Wright emphasizes is the way people can harden their hearts against the call to repentance, and that even though God remains sovereign, their refusal to "choose life" in some way breaks His heart. But though judgment falls, there is, as the book's subtitle proclaims, grace in the end. Wright draws out the message of hope for the exiles in Babylon, the truth that while God had rejected the people who remained in the land/ran to take refuge in Egypt, He would not reject Israel entirely, but would stay true to His covenant promises and give a new future to the exiles. The chapters of the "Book of Consolation" are glorious.
Many of the things I appreciated seem rather basic, like pointing out how Jeremiah's commission ("See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant" [1:10]) shapes the message of the whole book; or demystifying the structure and timing of the chapters, since the book doesn't proceed chronologically but thematically/theologically. Sometimes I just need to have the obvious pointed out, because I tend not to notice these things when reading chapter by chapter through a book on my own.
Beyond those contributions, having focused a lot lately on the exilic and post-exilic books, I really appreciated this further insight into the message of God to Judah in the years leading up to the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and how it pointed forward to the people's restoration and beyond. Among the elements Wright emphasizes are the three "horizons" to which these prophecies look: the return from exile; the incarnation of the Son; and the ultimate restoration of all things in His Second Coming. I've found it eye-opening to reflect on how the Lord's faithfulness to recall Israel from the death of exile was a picture of the still-greater resurrection of the Messiah, breaking the rule of powers both earthly and heavenly. Judgment comes: another thing Wright emphasizes is the way people can harden their hearts against the call to repentance, and that even though God remains sovereign, their refusal to "choose life" in some way breaks His heart. But though judgment falls, there is, as the book's subtitle proclaims, grace in the end. Wright draws out the message of hope for the exiles in Babylon, the truth that while God had rejected the people who remained in the land/ran to take refuge in Egypt, He would not reject Israel entirely, but would stay true to His covenant promises and give a new future to the exiles. The chapters of the "Book of Consolation" are glorious.
March 20, 2015
Are you looking for a clear, helpful commentary on Jeremiah that focuses less on technical exegesis and more on explaining the meaning of the text you read? Then I strongly recommend this volume in The Bible Speaks Today series published by IVP.
The first thing you will notice and appreciate is the passion that exudes from Mr. Wright for Jeremiah. In fact, he displays a belief and love for all of God’s Word that is sadly lacking in some modern commentaries. It doesn’t hurt, either, that his prose sparkles on page after page. That is a distinct bonus in commentary writing.
This volume replaces the volume by the quintessential short commentary writer Derek Kidner. That man could say so much in a few words. Though I plan to continue using the Kidner Volume (IVP has republished it as a classic commentary), this new volume surpasses it. Mr. Wright gives us help on every passage, which Kidner could not do because of stricter space constraints.
After a truly helpful, short introduction for Jeremiah, the bulk of the 444 pages explain the text. In reviewing this volume I especially studied his comments on about ten passages that I had studied in-depth and preached on previously in my pastoral ministry. His commentary was outstanding in each case and I look forward to using this volume often in the years ahead as it will take a prominent place on my shelves. He gives great explanation coupled with real spiritual insight.This volume is a real boon to the expositor!
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.
The first thing you will notice and appreciate is the passion that exudes from Mr. Wright for Jeremiah. In fact, he displays a belief and love for all of God’s Word that is sadly lacking in some modern commentaries. It doesn’t hurt, either, that his prose sparkles on page after page. That is a distinct bonus in commentary writing.
This volume replaces the volume by the quintessential short commentary writer Derek Kidner. That man could say so much in a few words. Though I plan to continue using the Kidner Volume (IVP has republished it as a classic commentary), this new volume surpasses it. Mr. Wright gives us help on every passage, which Kidner could not do because of stricter space constraints.
After a truly helpful, short introduction for Jeremiah, the bulk of the 444 pages explain the text. In reviewing this volume I especially studied his comments on about ten passages that I had studied in-depth and preached on previously in my pastoral ministry. His commentary was outstanding in each case and I look forward to using this volume often in the years ahead as it will take a prominent place on my shelves. He gives great explanation coupled with real spiritual insight.This volume is a real boon to the expositor!
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.
September 21, 2017
While Wright's volume is not exactly a “commentary,” it is not a sermon series either (a la Preaching the Word). In his volume, Christopher Wright writes specifically to pastors and preachers, those called to fill God’s people with his word and a solid, biblical knowledge of him. Wright is an ideal person to write on Jeremiah. He is an OT theologian who has been writing on the OT, OT ethics, and OT commentaries for years. Having written so much about the OT, Wright is able to keeps the entire story and canon of the Bible in mind as he fills in the details about the suffering prophet.
Structure and Content
Unfortunately, Wright doesn’t provide an outline. Instead his volume is made up of 34 chapters, with Jeremiah 25 as the “hinge” chapter. He says, “Chapter 25 is clearly a ‘hinge’ chapter that first looks back to all that has gone before in chapters 1–24 (25:1–7). Then it effectively ‘programmes’ the rest of the book by looking forward to the inevitable judgment on Judah that God will bring through the agency of Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon (25:8–11), followed by God’s promised judgment on Babylon itself and indeed on all the earth (25:12–38)” (27).
Chapters end with a section on “theological and expository reflections” which present short thoughts for the reader (paster/congregation) to consider. For example, Wright says, “Jeremiah highlights biblical standards for human governments,” and then asks why Christians are more vocal over the new sexual agenda than they are about government policies which keep the poor and the vulnerable confined in their present state (246). To know God is “to practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness” in this life now (Jer 9.23–24).
Wright sees wordplays, alliteration, OT allusions, the repetition of words and themes all throughout Jeremiah. He draws together Jeremiah’s messages throughout the book and shows his unified message. In commenting on the abrupt, jarring verses of 30:23–24, Wright says, “Why is that past oracle of doom repeated here? For the purpose of wrapping it in the smothering embrace of the core covenant promise that Israel had known from their origins” (311).
My two disappointments with this volume concern the lack of an outline and a lack of indexes, specifically a Scripture index (my same complaint with Lalleman's and Kidner's volumes). With so many NT Scriptures referenced, this volume would have been even more resourceful if one could easily see all of the Bible verses used.
Recommended?
Wright is a highly trusted exegete who has written numerous books and commentaries. Get this one, and don’t stop there. Wright, like Lalleman, is good to have for all Bible teaching settings. His chapters are longer than Lalleman’s (only Mackay’s are longer), but are packed with exegetical and expositional insights. I would use his volume if I taught a Bible study, a Bible college class, or preparation for a sermon. Good to be paired with Lalleman's volume.
Disclosure: I received this book free from IVP Academic. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Structure and Content
Unfortunately, Wright doesn’t provide an outline. Instead his volume is made up of 34 chapters, with Jeremiah 25 as the “hinge” chapter. He says, “Chapter 25 is clearly a ‘hinge’ chapter that first looks back to all that has gone before in chapters 1–24 (25:1–7). Then it effectively ‘programmes’ the rest of the book by looking forward to the inevitable judgment on Judah that God will bring through the agency of Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon (25:8–11), followed by God’s promised judgment on Babylon itself and indeed on all the earth (25:12–38)” (27).
Chapters end with a section on “theological and expository reflections” which present short thoughts for the reader (paster/congregation) to consider. For example, Wright says, “Jeremiah highlights biblical standards for human governments,” and then asks why Christians are more vocal over the new sexual agenda than they are about government policies which keep the poor and the vulnerable confined in their present state (246). To know God is “to practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness” in this life now (Jer 9.23–24).
Wright sees wordplays, alliteration, OT allusions, the repetition of words and themes all throughout Jeremiah. He draws together Jeremiah’s messages throughout the book and shows his unified message. In commenting on the abrupt, jarring verses of 30:23–24, Wright says, “Why is that past oracle of doom repeated here? For the purpose of wrapping it in the smothering embrace of the core covenant promise that Israel had known from their origins” (311).
My two disappointments with this volume concern the lack of an outline and a lack of indexes, specifically a Scripture index (my same complaint with Lalleman's and Kidner's volumes). With so many NT Scriptures referenced, this volume would have been even more resourceful if one could easily see all of the Bible verses used.
Recommended?
Wright is a highly trusted exegete who has written numerous books and commentaries. Get this one, and don’t stop there. Wright, like Lalleman, is good to have for all Bible teaching settings. His chapters are longer than Lalleman’s (only Mackay’s are longer), but are packed with exegetical and expositional insights. I would use his volume if I taught a Bible study, a Bible college class, or preparation for a sermon. Good to be paired with Lalleman's volume.
Disclosure: I received this book free from IVP Academic. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
December 10, 2022
What a great year-long ride to study this longest book in the Bible (words, that is), and this book was a daily guide into each line, chapter by chapter, as I learned and grew personally. I'm so glad I found both this book and this book of the Bible. It has taught me significantly and helped me teach others giving them hope and clarity in a world without either!
This one, along with other commentaries (Word Biblical Commentary and Warren Weirsbe) and the Jewish commentaries, the sense of each of those 33,000 words was made clearer. Thanks be to God.
This one, along with other commentaries (Word Biblical Commentary and Warren Weirsbe) and the Jewish commentaries, the sense of each of those 33,000 words was made clearer. Thanks be to God.
March 24, 2020
Thorough, accessible
I will revisit many of the passages that I highlighted. This book helped me to see the big picture, and so not get bogged down in some of the more depressing parts of Jeremiah. I look forward to reading some of the books that Wright references, and will definitely check out some of his other books as well.
I will revisit many of the passages that I highlighted. This book helped me to see the big picture, and so not get bogged down in some of the more depressing parts of Jeremiah. I look forward to reading some of the books that Wright references, and will definitely check out some of his other books as well.
November 12, 2020
I've been studying Jeremiah on & off the last 6 months. Finally finished today! This is a really helpful commentary to help you understand Jeremiah - especially since Jeremiah is not written in chronological order. Good application pointers in each section.
January 14, 2021
Best commentary I’ve ever touched. Incredibly readable, relatable and theologically informative. I was excited each day to read more. This tough book came to life with the writing and perspective of Chris Write!
April 29, 2022
Jeremiah was crazy
May 8, 2018
EXCELLENT!!!!
February 16, 2017
I've enjoyed Christopher Wright's work before, so when I needed a book on Jeremiah, I excitedly got this one. It is not an academic commentary, it is geared towards practical and pastoral work. It is quite helpful and I'd recommend it to any pastor teaching through Jeremiah.
January 20, 2017
Enjoyed this commentary. Kind of a middle ground between the technical and devotional. Used this as the basis for my daily devotions and got a lot out of it.
December 16, 2021
A must have resource if you are teaching or preaching or studying through the book of Jeremiah. World class!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews