Despite the themes of doom and destruction, the primary message of Jeremiah is one of the love and grace of a God who never gives up on those he has called to be his own. The prophet's life is characterized by suffering, but he points to a new beginning, a new covenant and a new hope, eventually made possible through the unique Suffering Servant. Lamentations powerfully expresses personal and national suffering. Yet, even in these utterances of desperate grief, there are glimpses of hope. Hetty Lalleman opens up these fascinating books for today's readers.

Iain M. Duguid is Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Grove City College, Pennsylvania. Previously he taught at Westminster Seminary, California. He is the author of several commentaries on Old Testament books.