Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.5/10

A weighty classic on Jeremiah 10 to 19 that helps us confront idols and call the church back to true worship.

Publication Date(s): 1989

Pages: 496

ISBN: 9780851515489

Faithfulness to the Text: 9/10

We find strong commitment to Jeremiah’s argument, with careful handling of repeated themes and prophetic warnings.

Christ Centredness: 8.3/10

The covenant frame supports faithful gospel proclamation without forcing immediate shortcuts.

Depth of Insight: 8.9/10

We are helped by penetrating spiritual diagnosis and doctrinal clarity applied directly to the church’s needs.

Clarity of Writing: 8.1/10

Generally clear, though older in style, with consistent focus on the passage and its pastoral aim.

Pastoral Usefulness: 8.7/10

Very strong for confronting idolatry, false confidence, and hollow worship with biblical seriousness.

Readability: 7.7/10

Best used steadily, but it remains workable for preparation and spiritually strengthening.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 496 pages
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Theo. Perspective: Reformed
Overall score: 8.5 / 10
Strength: Sharp, God centred application rooted in close exposition of Jeremiah.
Limitation: Older style, with fewer modern tools for background and text criticism.

We find Calvin’s exposition of Jeremiah 10 to 19 a continuing masterclass in preaching the prophet’s call to abandon idols and return to the Lord. He keeps the text’s polemic against false worship clear, and he refuses to let Jeremiah’s vivid images become mere rhetoric.

These chapters expose the emptiness of human religion and the stubbornness of the heart. Calvin helps us feel the force of the warnings, but he also keeps us attentive to the Lord’s patience and His rightful claim on His people.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary because it helps us apply Jeremiah to a church age of subtle idols. Calvin repeatedly presses the question of where we place our confidence, and he does so with a shepherd’s urgency rather than a scold’s tone.

We also benefit from his steadiness in judgement texts. He teaches us to speak plainly about sin and consequences, while keeping the Lord’s covenant character and the call to repentance central.

For sermon work, it supports preaching that is searching, God centred, and aimed at reform of worship and life.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level resource for preaching Jeremiah 10 to 19, especially when we want classic Reformed exposition that keeps the prophet’s aim sharp. Use a modern reference work if you need detailed background, but Calvin remains deeply fruitful for the pulpit.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.

Where to buy

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