Summary
We find Peter C. Craigie, Page H. Kelley, Joel F. Drinkard’s Jeremiah 1-25 a substantial technical guide to the opening half of Jeremiah. It keeps us close to the text, helps us weigh difficult interpretive decisions, and gives careful attention to structure and flow so we are not preaching isolated fragments.
Because it is written for serious study, it serves us best when we are doing patient preparation. It is not a ready made sermon handbook, but it strengthens the sort of exegesis that makes proclamation clearer, steadier, and less driven by guesswork.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We should own this commentary when we want technical help that improves accuracy. Jeremiah can be dense, emotionally charged, and full of repeated themes, and a careful technical companion helps us keep context, argument, and emphasis in view.
We also benefit when a resource forces us to slow down and give reasons for our conclusions. That discipline guards the pulpit. It helps us speak with confidence that rises from the passage, not from habit or borrowed impressions.
For Reformed preaching, the value is often indirect but real. Strong text work supports more faithful Christward proclamation, especially in a book where judgement, covenant, and newness of heart demand theological clarity.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend this as an advanced technical companion for those who teach Jeremiah with some regularity. Pair it with a more directly pastoral commentary for sermon shape and application, and let this one do its best work in the detailed exegesis that keeps us honest and grounded.
As pastoral next steps, use the Bible Book Overview to stay oriented in Jeremiah, browse Top Recommendations to strengthen your shelf, and consult the Reformed Commentary Index for a wider set of trusted options.
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Page H. Kelley
Page H Kelley is a scholar and teacher of biblical Hebrew in the modern era, working within mainstream academic study.
His contribution has been especially valuable in helping students and pastors gain the tools needed for careful Old Testament reading. By giving clear explanations of grammar and syntax, he supports a kind of exegesis that is patient, text led, and less dependent on second hand conclusions.
He remains valued for clarity, practicality, and a teacher’s instinct that lowers the barrier to deeper engagement with the Hebrew text. Recommended titles include Biblical Hebrew, An Introductory Grammar, Biblical Hebrew, An Introductory Grammar, and related resources for Hebrew study and reading.
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical