*Uses both a narratological and historical-critical method to read these specific passages of Jeremiah *Demonstrates that the story of Jeremiah and Zedekiah is not the typical god prophet/bad king story found in much of prophetic literature and the Deuteronomic History *Provides an intertextual reading of the passages which connects Jeremiah to other figures in the Old Testament The book offers a narratological and intertextual reading of Jeremiah 37:1-40:6, a text that features the dynamic interaction between the prophet Jeremiah and King Zedekiah in the context of events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem. While there have been many literary studies of biblical texts, there has been little such work on the narratives in the book of Jeremiah. This fact is surprising since the Jeremianic stories are narrated in a lively and sophisticated manner and contain complex characters and vivid dialogue and action, reminiscent of texts in the Primary History which have received much more literary attention. Roncace's book begins to uncover the richness of the prophetic narratives in Jeremiah. The study focuses on issues of characterization and point of view as well as the text's connections with other passages in the book of Jeremiah and those beyond it, particularly the Deuteronomistic History. Roncace argues that the text develops complex images of both Zedekiah and Jeremiah. It is not a story of the good prophet and the bad king; times as chaotic and confusing as the final days of Jerusalem do not call for a black-and-white story. Rather the text invites both sympathy and criticism for Jeremiah and Zedekiah. Jeremiah is the embattled prophet of God; yet at times he appears deceptive and manipulative, more concerned about his own well-being than that of the people, and his message can be ambiguous and in the end is not fully correct. Zedekiah, for his part, appears receptive to Jeremiah's word and protects the prophet from others who would harm him; yet he is too irresolute to take any action to save the city. The ambiguity in the portrayals of both figures is further developed by intertextual connections. Jeremiah can be compared to Moses, the Rabshakeh, Daniel, Joseph, Samuel, Nathan, and Micaiah, while Zedekiah can be compared to the monarchs that correspond to these figures (Pharaoh, Hezekiah, Saul, David, and Ahab).

Be refreshed by the power and beauty of faithful Christ-centered teaching. Engage the issues of today. Build a firm foundation for this generation—and the next. To be an evangelical is to believe in life-changing truth; it is to believe that the Bible not only gives us the key to eternal life in Jesus but also the way to live today. This is news worth sharing. But how do we do this in a rapidly changing culture that appears to be shifting from a general disinterest in the gospel to a more active opposition to it? When it feels like our faith is being challenged in every area, how should we respond? The Evangelical Study Bible will rejuvenate your faith through the unchanging truth of the gospel. With verse-by-verse commentary and interesting sidebars that dig deeper into the historical and contextual background of Scripture, it will help you grow in your understanding and appreciation of the life-changing truths of the Christian faith. Also included are more than fifty articles designed to help you better understand your faith and effectively share it with others. Many of these articles address the most pressing issues of our day, equipping you to engage others with confidence, and laying a foundation of truth for the next generation. Features include: Verse-by-verse commentary on the entire Bible from trusted scholars Over 200 short articles on Christian teachings and doctrine 100 articles to equip readers to navigate the cultural engagement issues of today 100 cultural background notes 100 archeological notes 550 Word Studies to explore key terms of the Bible Biographies of 150 biblical figures Full-color maps, charts, and family trees Book introductions, with outlines and reading plans Topical indexes Cross references Concordance Clear and readable NKJV Comfort Print® typeface in a 10.5-point print size

'Miller and Hayes has long been my number one recommended textbook for classes on the history of ancient Israel and Judah. While I may not agree with every word, I know of nothing like it for the systematic way in which it sets out the whole range of evidence, discusses it critically, and bases its historical reconstruction on the results. The field has been moving so rapidly, however, with new discoveries and radically different interpretations of familiar material, that it was reaching the point where this book would need to be replaced. This new edition represents such a significant revision, with account taken of all the most recent main discussions, that it will again immediately resume its premier position in the field.' --II. G. M. WILLIANISC)N, REGIUS PROFESSOR OF HEBREW, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD 'More than two decades have passed since Miller and Hayes's History helped us absorb the lessons learned when a regnant synthesis that largely authenticated Israel's version of its past had shattered. As presented in its pages, Israel's history was far more complicated (and exhilarating) than the one presented in Scripture, and its people proved concerned with much more than just communion with God. In this completely rewritten edition, the frame is basically the same but the details are richer and more absorbing, if only because archaeological discoveries and scholarly debates since then have multiplied the questions. Writing a limpid prose, shaping a story that is neither bland nor boring, Miller and Hayes continue to guide us reliably through thorny issues." -JACK M. SASSON, MARY JANE WERTI-JAN PROFESSOR OF JUDAIC AND BIBLICAL STUDIES, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY 'Miller and Hayes's comprehensive work has clearly and superbly represented an important scholarly tradition in the study of the history of ancient Israel. This revision, with substantial bibliographic updating and increase in illustrations and visuals, will preserve its status as a standard in the field.' -K. LAWSON YOUNGER JR., PROFESSOR OF OLD TESTAMENT, SEMITIC LANGUAGES; AND ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN HISTORY; TRINITY EVANGELICAL DIVINITY SCHOOL ' In a time of polarization over the veracity and usefulness of various forms of data, this volume is a welcome addition, both for its level-headed and even-handed treatment of all relevant materials and the sheer volume of material presented. The authors respect the intelligence of their readers and supply them with the data, the range of scholarly debate on the topic, and their own analysis, allowing both beginning students and seasoned scholars to soundly evaluate the situation." -TAMMI J. SCHNEIDER, PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF RELIGION, CLAREMONT GRADUATE UNIVERSITY

"The contrast in appreciation of Leviticus and Numbers by the synagogue on the one hand, and by the church on the other, is little short of astonishing. The former has considered it crucial to an understanding of God and of the nature of the "chosen people" of Israel. The latter has usually reduced it to allegory or as a mere historical record of Israelite religion. In this new volume, Hebrew Bible scholar Lloyd R. Bailey examines these often overlooked or underappreciated books of Moses in the contexts of both the Jewish and Christian traditions. ... the primary goal of the Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary series is to make available serious, credible biblical scholarship in an accessible and less intimidating format. A visual generation of believers deserves a commentary series that contains not only the all-important textual commentary on Scripture, but images, photographs, maps, works of fine art, and drawings that bring the text to life. Each volume of the Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary series features a CD-ROM, which expands the uses and capabilities of the Commentary even more"--Publisher description.

A brand-new volume in the New Interpreter's line, offering in one volume articles on all books of the Bible, including the Apocrypha