The Message of Jeremiah

by Christopher J.H. Wright

Summary

In The Message of Jeremiah by Christopher J. H. Wright (IVP, 2023; 480 pages; ISBN 978-1783590322) we encounter a richly engaging and thoughtful commentary on the book of Jeremiah, crafted within the Bible Speaks Today series. Wright draws on his wide experience as an Old Testament scholar and pastor to guide readers through Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry against the background of Israel’s judgment, exile and future hope. The journey he takes us on is faithful to the text, alert to the book’s literary shape, mindful of the theological weight of judgment and grace, and intent on making the message relevant for the church and its mission today.

Wright begins by orienting us to Jeremiah’s world—his calling, the turmoil of Judah, the Babylonian crisis—and helps us grasp how the book is assembled and why it matters. Then he moves through key sections of Jeremiah, offering exposition that is neither overly technical nor superficial. Throughout, readers will appreciate his consistent attention to the God of Jeremiah, the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh, and the redemptive-historical horizon that finds fulfilment in the Messiah and the new creation.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

If you are a pastor who wants a dependable yet accessible guide to Jeremiah, this volume is a strong asset. It speaks to sermon preparation, to teaching Sunday classes, and to small group leadership. The balance struck is admirable: the commentary is deeply grounded in the text, yet never loses sight of the preacher’s need for practical application and theological reflection. For example, Wright handles the weighty themes of judgment and exile without ignoring the church’s call to hope and witness in a broken world.

Moreover, Wright’s theological commitments—rooted in evangelical scholarship and global mission—make the commentary pastorally robust. He brings to Jeremiah a gospel-lens that highlights how this Old Testament book still speaks to Christ’s work, the church’s identity and the world’s redemption. That said, the volume is not aimed primarily at the specialist who wants full Hebrew exegesis, but rather at the intelligent pastor or Bible-teacher who values clarity, sound theology and applicability.

Because you lead and teach, you will appreciate how Wright connects Jeremiah’s ancient context to present ministry. Whether you are preaching on the themes of repentance, covenant renewal, or the new covenant hope, this commentary provides substantive help. It fits well in a Reformed framework: the sovereignty of God, the seriousness of sin, the certainty of redemption—all receive due space.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend The Message of Jeremiah by Christopher J. H. Wright as a very good commentary for pastors, preaching teams and serious Bible-teachers. It offers theological insight, solid exposition and practical relevance in a format that honours both the book of Jeremiah and the life of the church today. While you may want to supplement it with more technical Hebrew-level works for advanced study, for the majority of sermon-preparation and teaching contexts this is a worthy companion.

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