Jeremiah (The Soncino Books of the Bible), commentary by Rabbi Dr H Freedman
Soncino Press, 1949 369 pages
available from Langdon eTraders via Amazon £15
This commentary on the Old Testament book of Jeremiah is one of a series (14 vols in all) published, with many reprints, just after the second World War.
Rabbi Dr H Freedman displays all the erudition to be expected of a Jewish scholar whose knowledge of the tenach (the Old Testament to Christians) is profound and detailed and, allied with impressive knowledge of the history and geography of Jeremiah’s time, he provides a vivid background for a sound and helpful spiritual interpretation of the people and events of Judah and Babylon in the 8th century BCE.
There is much valuable insight to be gained from this commentary, allowing for an understandably clear focus on the Jews of Israel and Judah as the chosen people of God.
The extensive breadth of reading may be seen in the frequent references to Christian commentaries as well as traditional Jewish sources.
Christian students of the Old Testament scriptures are able to reciprocate this courtesy by making use of this Jewish commentary – a valuable source in understanding the life and times of the prophet of doom and gloom and the difficulties he faced – his perseverance and, in the end, his complete justification as God’s mouthpiece.