Evaluation

Overall Score: 7.7/10

A substantial technical guide to Jeremiah 26 to 52 that supports careful, steady proclamation.

Publication Date(s): 1995

Pages: 402

ISBN: 9780849902260

Faithfulness to the Text: 8.4/10

We find careful engagement with Jeremiah's text and sequence, with sustained attention to how the book holds together in its closing movements.

Christ Centredness: 6.6/10

This is not framed as Christ centred preaching, but it strengthens the textual foundations we need to preach Jeremiah within the whole canon.

Depth of Insight: 8.7/10

We are helped by detailed handling of complex passages, especially where narrative setting and prophetic speech interlock.

Clarity of Writing: 7.5/10

Generally clear for an advanced technical volume, though it rewards slow, careful use rather than quick scanning.

Pastoral Usefulness: 7.6/10

Most useful as an exegetical support that steadies preaching in weighty texts, especially when paired with a more pastoral exposition.

Readability: 7.2/10

Readable in sections, but best treated as a reference and preparation tool.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 402 pages
Type: Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Overall score: 7.7 / 10
Strength: Strong help in late Jeremiah passages where narrative and prophecy combine.
Limitation: Limited direct guidance for sermon structure and immediate application.

We find Jeremiah 26 to 52 to be a gripping close to the book, where rejection of the Word of the Lord ripens into exile, and yet hope still breaks through with stubborn grace. Keown, Scalise, and Smothers help us follow the movement from conflict and collapse toward the Lord’s purposes that neither kings nor armies can cancel.

This is a technical commentary, strongest when we need help with interpretation and careful attention to how narrative and prophecy work together. It is not primarily a sermon manual, but it supports faithful preaching by keeping us close to the text.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary if we plan to preach or teach the second half of Jeremiah with care. These chapters carry heavy pastoral weight, including persecution, political fear, and the pain of judgment. The authors help us keep the shape of the text clear, so we do not preach impressions instead of passages.

We also benefit when Jeremiah’s themes press into our own ministry, including courage in speaking God’s Word, the danger of false assurances, and the Lord’s faithfulness even when His people fall. Careful exegesis helps us speak these truths with both firmness and compassion.

For Reformed preaching, the value is again indirect. The clearer the text, the steadier our Christward proclamation will be, because we will be driven by Jeremiah’s message before we draw the wider lines of fulfilment.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as an advanced technical companion for Jeremiah 26 to 52. It will serve best alongside a more directly pastoral exposition, but it offers substantial help for serious preparation and careful teaching.

As a next step, we can visit the Bible Book Overview for Jeremiah, browse Top Recommendations, or use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser, more balanced shelf.

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