With the ancient Near East in a state of ferment and the nation of Judah experiencing a succession of political crises, God stationed a man on the scene to speak the divine word. Jeremiah was called by God to the unhappy task announcing judgment and destruction to an unheeding nation. Often he seemed to despair, yet he continued to utter God's truth fearlessly. R. K. Harrison's commentary provides structural analysis and historical and cultural background, and opens up one of the Old Testament's most fascinating books. - Back cover.