MIQRA Institute of Biblical Stud

Sepharim 'al ha-miqra’: Books about the Scriptures (Lamentations)

Bergant, D. Lamentations. Abingdon, 2003 (144 pp.). B’s commentary exemplifies admirably the goals of the AOTC series: “to provide compact, critical commentaries on the books of the Old Testament for . . . theological students and pastors . . . [and more generally for] those responsible for teaching in congregational settings.” Hallmarks of B’s work include its economy and accessibility of language, careful attention to textual detail, sensitivity to theological and ethical dimensions, and timeless and insightful questions that draw readers into engagement with God and life. There is a refreshingly readable introduction covering literary characteristics, canonical placement, historical considerations, and contents, followed by an equally clear interpretation of the biblical text, section-by-section through the book. Each textual unit is discussed in terms of literary analysis, exegetical analysis, and theological and ethical analysis. First of three must-haves for pastors and teachers.

Berlin, A. Lamentations. OTL. Westminster John Knox, 2002 (135 pp.). A specialist in the conventions and intricacies of Hebrew narrative and poetry, B brings her literary skills to bear on the poetic discourse, rich vocabulary, and vivid imagery of Lamentations. But B is interested in more than literary aesthetics; her eye is on the religious or theological value of the book. This is a denser and more demanding read than Bergant above, with more technical discussions on the page and in smaller font; but a little patience and diligence will yield rich rewards, even for non-Hebrew readers (although Hebrew is definitely required for fullest benefit, unlike the previous volume). B is sensitive to the female imagery so prominent in Lamentations, but her attentiveness should not be mistaken as feminist interpretation per se. Second must-have for pastors, teachers, and more advanced students.

House, P. R. Lamentations. In D. Garrett and P. R. House, Song of Songs/Lamentations. WBC 23B. Thomas Nelson, 2004 (213 pp.; 267-479). The most encyclopedic of the commentaries reviewed here, with most interpretive issues documented and discussed, by a competent evangelical scholar. A slower read than Bergant, at a technical level comparable to Berlin. Readers who survive the long, dense introduction (nearly 60 pp.) will be treated at the end with a helpful summary of four centering themes in Lamentations: God, the People of God, and Their Suffering; God and Jerusalem/Zion; God and the Nations; and God and Prayer. As per the Word series format, H gives careful attention to textual details; but better than some in this series, his theological eye never wanders from the target. Third must-have for pastors, teachers, and more advanced students.

O’Connor, K. M. “The Book of Lamentations.” NIB, 6. Abingdon, 2001 (62 pp.; 1011-72). A slim commentary hidden deep in the heart of a gargantuan volume (1,612 pp.), alongside an Introduction to Prophetic Literature and commentaries on Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel (and the deuterocanonical books of Baruch and Letter of Jeremiah). Includes a brief and unremarkable introduction to Lamentations, followed by discussion in standard New Interpreter’s Bible style: Overview, biblical text (NIV and NRSV in parallel), commentary, and reflections. Some users may find the last section most helpful, as O attempts to provide handles for grasping the significance of the message for shaping the Church’s faith and life.