Episode Description: In this first episode of our series on the book of Jeremiah, Dr Claire Carroll introduces listeners to one of the Bible’s most complex and fascinating prophetic texts. This episode offers a scholarly, critical exploration of Jeremiah, examining its diverse literary forms, historical context, and the life of the prophet himself. From poetic oracles to biographical narratives and Deuteronomistic editorial material, we break down the book’s structure and explore its historical and archaeological background, helping listeners engage with Jeremiah as both a literary and historical work.

Claire Carroll is one of Ireland's foremost experts in the field of Jeremiah Studies. She lectures in Biblical Studies at Trinity College, Dublin.

In this episode

• Introduction to the book of Jeremiah and its significance as a prophetic text.

• Explanation of the scholarly approach: critical and historical rather than faith-based.

• Discussion of the variety within Jeremiah: poetry, prose, oracles, biographies, and visions.

• Overview of Bernhard Duhm’s 1901 framework and Sigmund Mowinckel’s A, B, C classification:

  • A: Prophetic oracles

  • B: Biographical material about Jeremiah

  • C: Supplementary Deuteronomistic additions

• Key examples from each category, including:

  • A: Jeremiah 1:5–7 and the prophet’s call

  • B: Jeremiah 38 and the cistern episode

  • C: Jeremiah 44 and condemnation of the Judeans in Egypt

• Examination of the B-type material: historical details, events, and interactions with kings.

• Historical and geopolitical context: Judah, Neo-Babylonians, Assyrians, and Egyptians.

• Key figures and events: Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh Necho II, Josiah, Jehoiakim, Jeconiah, Zedekiah.

• Discussion of archaeological evidence supporting the text, including the Weidner ration tablets.

• Conclusion: the challenges and rewards of engaging with Jeremiah as a multi-faceted literary and historical work.