Battle of the Gods―The God of Israel Versus Marduk of Babylon: A Literary/Theological Interpretation of Jeremiah 50-51

This monograph is a literary study of the oracles against Babylon in Jeremiah chapters 50-51. They form the climax of the foreign oracle collection in the book of Jeremiah. Included are a survey of early scholarship on these chapters, a discussion of genres and motifs, verbal components, and a succinct survey of the historical context. However, the major emphasis is directed to the dynamic of these oracles as a literary creation with a message. That message is directed to Judah and Israel, who are urged to flee a doomed city with its idolatrous civilization, and to return to their homeland, to Jerusalem, to enter a permanent covenant with YHWH the God of their fathers.
Throughout, the literature is discussed in its natural contexts: within the oracle collection in Jeremiah, in comparison with the Isaian oracles against Babylon, and within the canonical book of Jeremiah, demonstrating the climatic position of these oracles.

Martin Kessler (1927) holds a Ph.D. in Old Testament Studies from Brandeis University, and a M.Sc. from Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg. His publications include Kornelis Miskotte. A Biblical Theology (1997) and, together with K.A. Deurloo, Book of Beginnings. A Commentary on Genesis (2003).