An Introduction to the Study of Jeremiah: (T&T Clark Approaches to Biblical Studies)

C. L. Crouch provides a clear and concise introduction to the complex text of Jeremiah. Readers are introduced to the diverse approaches to the book, with attention paid to the way that these approaches differ from but also relate to one another. After a brief introduction, Crouch addresses the formation of the book, especially in relation to its Hebrew and Greek versions; the theological interests of the book and the challenges posed by attempts to link these to an actual man 'Jeremiah'; and the relationship of Jeremiah to other biblical prophets. Crouch focuses clearly on method and on approaches to the text, as is the mark of this series. This makes the book especially useful for students in the quest to navigate the diverse body of scholarly literature that surrounds this troublesome biblical book.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgements 1. Introduction 2. The Book(s) Called Jeremiah 3. Setting the Scene 4. Approaches 5. Approaches in Action 6. In(-)Conclusions Appendix A: Chapter and Verse in Hebrew and Greek Appendix B: Ancient Near Eastern Kings Appendix C: Events of the Seventh and Sixth Centuries BCE Further Reading Index of Scriptural References Index of Authors

About the Author :
C. L. Crouch is Associate Professor in Hebrew Bible at the University of Nottingham, UK and author of War and Ethics in the Ancient Near East (2009), The Making of Israel (2014) and Israel and the Assyrians (2014) as well as articles on the prophetic books, Genesis and Deuteronomy.

Review :
This book has strong academic credentials, but is accessible and well written. Crouch takes the reader through the minefield of modern criticism and interpretative techniques in a thoughtful style. There is much to learn from this little volume. It is clear, well organized, and informative. This introduction to the book of Jeremiah provides an impressive balance of comprehensive discussion regarding critical issues in the study of the text and a detailed consideration of key passages. With characteristic sophistication and clarity, Crouch provides important insights into this intriguing and complex prophetic book, and has produced a valuable reference work for students and researchers alike. This slim but substantial volume will be greeted with joy in the classroom. A sure guide through tangled hermeneutical thickets, Crouch offers lucid descriptions of Jeremiah material, reliable mappings of methodological terrain, and refreshing candor about difficult issues. Novices and advanced students alike will benefit from following where Crouch leads. The book of Jeremiah stands as one of the most challenging texts in the Hebrew Bible for both its content and for the the perennial questions about what text actually constitutes the 'book'. Here, C. L. Crouch offers not only a valuable survey that frames these issues and numerous others that one needs to understand in order to profitably engage with Jeremiah, she provides insight into how to tackle those issues. From the potential cacophony of scholarly proclamations Crouch orchestrates a symphony of views that enables the reader to gain a deeper appreciation of this challenging prophetic book. Filled with lucid insights and marked by clarity of expression, Crouch offers far more than a mere introduction to the study of Jeremiah. Her book will be a valuable resource in the classroom and a contribution to scholarship in equal measures.