Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.4/10

A thoughtful and pastorally sensitive commentary useful for preaching and teaching.

Publication Date(s): 2022

Pages: 240

ISBN: 9780802825421

Faithfulness to the Text: 9/10

Goldingay works carefully from the Masoretic text, provides his own translation, and attends to the Hebrew poetic and structural features without forcing speculative emendations.

Christ Centredness: 7/10

While the focus remains squarely on the original context and theology of Lamentations, he leaves space for the preacher to draw gospel-centered connections, though such connections are not heavily developed.

Depth of Insight: 8.5/10

The commentary offers rich theological, literary, and historical insights, including comparisons with ancient Near Eastern laments and reflections on communal grief and worship practices.

Clarity of Writing: 8/10

Goldingay writes in a readable, engaging style that balances scholarly rigour and pastoral sensitivity.

Pastoral Usefulness: 9/10

The commentary equips pastors well to preach or teach Lamentations in a way that honours the text’s grief and hope and applies its truths to congregational life.

Readability: 8.5/10

The volume is not overly technical but remains substantial; it reads smoothly for pastors and advanced students alike.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 240 pages
Type: Exegetical (Technical), Expository (Mid-Level), Homiletical
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical, Reformed
Overall score: 8.4 / 10
Strength: Combines serious exegesis with pastoral heart and accessible writing.
Limitation: Offers limited explicit Christ-centred or New Testament application.

The Book of Lamentations by John Goldingay (NICOT) is a thoughtful, pastorally sensitive yet scholarly commentary on one of the Bible’s most moving books. Goldingay begins with a robust introduction exploring background, authorship, textual issues, theology, and the social-historical context behind Lamentations. Then he provides his own English translation based on the Masoretic Text and delivers a verse-by-verse commentary. The commentary reflects deep engagement with the Hebrew, literary features such as the acrostic structure, ancient Near Eastern parallels, and theological themes — all while never losing sight of the grief, protest, and hope embedded in the poems.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

First, this volume serves the preacher’s task with real care. Goldingay does not burden the text with endless linguistic minutiae that obscure the message. Instead he draws out how Lamentations confronts trauma, judgment, grief, and trust in Yahweh, themes that speak powerfully to churches facing suffering or uncertainty. The style is accessible yet serious, making it usable not just for seminaries but for busy pastors preparing sermons or group teaching.

Second, Goldingay brings a mature balance between historical-critical insight and reverent faith. He acknowledges uncertain matters responsibly, for example about authorship and dating, without forcing neat conclusions. He also helps the reader feel the emotional and theological weight of the poems. The “Reader’s Response” sections after each poem help the preacher imagine how original worshipers might have heard and lived these laments, a feature rare in academic commentaries.

Closing Recommendation

We believe this commentary is a strong addition to any pastor’s or teacher’s library. It stands as a bridge between scholarly insight and pastoral application, a resource that honours the original text and yet speaks to real hearts. For those wanting to preach or teach Lamentations with care, clarity, and theological weight, Goldingay’s work will not disappoint.

🛒 Purchase here

Classification

Level: Mid-level
Best For: Advanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-training
Priority: Strong recommendation

Reviewed by

An Expositor

↑ Back to the top

Previous review: The Message of Lamentations