Theological Patterning in Jeremiah: A Vital Word through an Ancient Book

Abstract

Abstract There is growing scholarly interest in detecting how the book of Jeremiah, as historically rooted as it is, guides later readers to hear God’s voice. Building on the previous findings that Jeremiah’s writtenness and organization enable later audiences to discern its relevance, this article considers how theological patterning contributes to this end. By focusing on three patterns, patterned places, nations, and people, it is evident that these networks of recurring, corresponding depictions of the God-human-world relationship assist the reader in grasping the enduring relevance of the prophetic word in Jeremiah.