CHAP. XX. V.1-6. It might have been
strength of this city, and all the labors thereof, and all the precious things thereof, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon.
6 And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and shalt be buried there, thou, and allthy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies. [Practical Observations.]
7TO LORD, thou hast deceived me and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: "I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.
8 For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the Lord was made a reproach unto me, and a derision daily.
9 Then I said, I will not make men. tion of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart, as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay .
10 For I heard the defaming of many,
k 28:15-17. 29:21,22,32. Acts 13:8-11.
14. 5:31. 6:13-15. 8:10,11. 14: 14.15. 23:14-17,25,26,32. Is. 9:15. Lam. 2:14. Ez. 13:4 -16,22,23. 22:28. Mic. 2:11. Zech. 13:3. 2 Pet. 2:1-3.
† Or, enticed. 1:6-8,18,19. 15: 18. 17:16. Ex. 5:22,23. Num. 11:11-15.
m 9. Ez. 3:14. Mic. 3:8. 1 Cor. 9:16.
n 15:10. 29:26. 2 Kings 2:23. Ps. 22:6,7. 35:15,16. 69:9-12. Lam. 3:14. Hos. 9:7. Luke 16:14. 22:63,64, 23:11,35,36. Acts 17:18,32, 1 Cor. 4:9-13.
Heb. 11:36.
o 4:19,&c. 5:6,15-17. 6:6,7. 13:13,14. 15:1-4,13,14. 17:27. 18:16,17. 19:7-11. 28:8
p See on 7.-6:10. 2 Chr. : 16. Lam. 3:61-63. Luke). 45. Heb. 11:26. 13:13. 1 Pe 4:14.
q1 Kings 19:3,4. Jon. 1:2, 4:2,3. Luke 9.62. Acts 15:31. 38.
r 6:11. Job 32:18-20. Ps. 39 Ez. 3:14. Acts 4:20. 17:16 18:5. 2 Cor. 5:13-15.
s Ps. 31:13. 57:4.64:2-4. Matt. 26:59,60.
expected, that the prophet's faithfulness in de- be so disquieted as to become a terror to him
alarmed continually, through terrors of conscience and surrounding dangers: he should self and to his friends; and, having seen several of them slain in the siege of Jerusalem, he and the rest should be carried captive to Babylon: there they should be slain before his eyes; and he should die and be buried there, with all those whom he had deluded by his lies; for he was a false prophet, as well as a persecuting priest. ( Notes , 28:15-17.)-Probably, these predictions made such an impression on Pashur's mind, as to disturb his imagination during all the succeeding events, and to produce the predicted terror.
livering these most tremendous predictions, in so public a manner, would exasperate the rulers of Judah, if it did not convince and humble them. Accordingly we have in this chapter an account of a persecution which he endured, and of his behavior under it. Pashur, a priest of the race or order of Immer, (1 Chr . 24:14. Note , Ezra 2:36-39.) who under the high priest superintended the affairs of the temple; ( Notes , 2 Kings 11:4. Acts 4:1 -3.) having heard of the predictions which the prophet had delivered red in in Tophet; and perhaps being present when he repeated them in the temple, used his authority to punish and silence him, as a troubler of the nation. Hav- do corpore. Robertson. It occurs, as signify
ing smitten or scourged him as a malefactor, he set him in the stocks, stocks, in a public part of the city, ( Marg . Ref . Ref . d.) d.) and left him there all
night, exposed to d to ignominy as well as pain. This he probably thought would disgrace him with the people, and discourage him from prophesying any more. The prophet seems to have borne the indignity with silence and patience: but when the next day Pashur came to set him at liberty, he was directed to inform him that God had named him "Magormissabib," or "Terror round about:" ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . for he would cause him to be
Stocks )2,3( המהפכת )from הפך:( eversiosub versio; item cippus, ab evertendo et contorquening an overthrow, Deut . 29:22. Is . 1:7. 10:19. and elsewhere. Some learned men understand this word merely signifying a place of confinement , or "house of correction:" but the word is never used for any of the prisons into which the prophet was afterwards cast: and the punishment seems to have been public and ignominious. ( Notes , 29:24-32, v . 26. 2 Chr . 16:7-12. Acts 16:19-24.)
V. 7-9.) The prophet here complains more bitterly than he had done before. The Lord had allured , and induced him by his promises, to undertake the prophetical office; and thus fear on every side. Report, say they , and we will report it. * All my familiars watched for my halting, saying , Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
11 But the LORD is with me as za mighty terrible one: therefore a my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.
12 But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them:
t See on 3.
14. Rom. 8:31. 2 Tim. 4:17. z Ps. 47:2. 65:5, 66:5.
a 17:18. Ps. 27:1,2. John 18:
he was drawn in to engage: ( Notes , 1:6-8,17 -19. 15:15-21.) and now he found himself disappointed of the comfort and credit which he had expected. God, however, had expressly told him, that the rulers and people of the land would "fight against him, though they should not prevail against him:" so that he had no ground to say that the Lord had deceived him. He complained also, that the Lord being stronger than he, constrained him by an influence, which he could not withstand, to continue in his work, though he met with daily derision and insult.
From the beginning of his ministry, he had been urged with great vehemence, to reprove the oppression and iniquity of the people, and to predict that they would be given up to the violence and rapacity of their enemies. On this account the word of the Lord became the cause of continual reproach and derision to him: whereas had he spoken more agreeable things, he might have met with respect and favor; which he seems improperly to have expected.
He had therefore determined to speak no more to the people, concerning God, or in his name: but the convictions of his conscience, zeal for the glory of God, indignation at the sins, and compassion for the souls of the people; and, above all, the immediate impulse of the prophetic Spirit, so urged him on, that he had no more ease, than if "a burning fire had been shut up in his bones:" so that he was wearied out with forbearing, and could no longer refrain from delivering his message, though it exposed him to further trials. ( Notes , 6:10-12. Job 32: 18-22. Ps . 39:1-4, v. 3.
Ez . 3:1-3,12-15. 1 Cor. 9:13-18, υυ . 16-18. 2 Cor . 5:13-15.) 'Herein appeareth the impatiency, which oft'entimes overcometh the servants of God, 'when they see not their labors to profit, and 'also feel their own weakness..... Thou didst 'thrust me forth to this work against my will. '... He thought to have ceased to preach; save 'that God's Spirit did force him thereunto.'The word rendered "deceived," may be translated attracted , or allured. ( Note , 1 e, 1 Kings 22: 19-23, υ . 20.)-'The 20.)-The power of divine grace at'tracts souls to God.... ...
Jeremiah alludes to the 'power of that call, by which he was attracted 'and drawn to the work of the ministry, which
14 Cursed be the day wherein I was born; let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed.
15 Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad.
16 And let that man be k as the cities which the Lord overthrew, and repented not: and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noon-tide;
17 Because he slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been
f 1 Sam. 1:15. Ps. 62:8. 86:4. Is. 37:14.
2:9. Luke 17:29. 2 Pet. 2:6. Jude 7.
1 18:8. 26:13. Jon. 3:4,9,10.
4:2.
g Ps. 35:10,11. 69:33. 72:4. 109: 30,$1. Is. 25:4. Jam. 2:5,6. h See on 15:10. Job 3:3-16. 1 1:5. Gen. 21:5,6. Luke 1:14. k Gen. 19:24,25. Deut. 29:23. Hos. 11:8. Am. 4:11. Zeph. In Job 3:10,11,16. 10:18,19.
m 4:19. 18:22. 48:3,4. Ez. 21: 22. Hos. 10:14. Am. 1:14. 2: 2. Zeph. 1:16.
'he exercised among many difficulties and con'tradictions.' -The same verb is rendered en ticed in the tenth verse; persuade , 1 Kings 22: 20,22. and entice , 2 Chr . 18:19,20.-In another form the same verb is used, Gen. 9:27. and rendered in the margin, persuade . Generally, however, it implies some kind or degree of deception; but this arises, as in the case of Ahab, from the heart of the person himself. ( Note , 2 Thes . 2:8-12.)
Since I spake, &c. (8) "For as often as I speak, whether I cry out against injustice, or proclaim devastation; the word of JEHOVΔΗ is turned against me, into matter of reproach and derision continually." Blayney .
V. 10-13. The prophet thought that he had abundant reason to be weary of his work, when he heard every where those who reviled and terrified him; so that he became like Pashur, a terror to himself, for "fear was on every side" of him. ( Note , Ps . 31:10—13.) His enemies encouraged each other to collect or invent calumnies against him, and engaged to circulate them.
His most intimate acquaintance narrowly watched him, expecting to see him make some false step, which might afford them an advantage: nay, they endeavored to entice him into some improper conduct, that they might prevail against him, and be revenged on him for his reproofs, and the terror of conscience which he had occasioned them. 'Recollect in what manner our Savior was 'continually beset with persons, who often put 'the like treacherous arts in practice, with a 'view to entrap and entangle him, so as to 'furnish a specious accusation against him.' Blayney .
While thus stating his case, his faith sprang ang into lively exercise; he felt himself assured of the divine favor; he perceived that God was his mighty mighty Defender, and a terrible Avenger of his enemies; es; he confidently predicted their confusion and ruin; he he recollected that the Lord tried, that he might purify, the righteous; he had opened his cause to him, as his heart-searching eart-searching Judge, and the Avenger Avenger of his enemies; and he exulted and praised God, and called on others to praise him, in the assurance of deliverance and victory. ( Notes , 11:18-23.
Ps . 11:4,5. 109:2831.) 'Here he sheweth how his faith did strive
my grave, and her womb to be always || womb to see labor and great with me .
18 Wherefore came I forth out of the
o Job 3:20. 14:1,13. Lam. 3:1.
'against temptation, and sought to the Lord 'for strength. ( Marg . Ref .)
days should be consumed
p 8:18. Gen. 3:16-19. Ps. 90: 10. Lam. 1:12. John 16:20. Heb. 10:36.
q Ps. 69:19. Is. 50:6. 51:7. Acts
5:41.
sorrow, that my with shame?
1 Cor. 4:9-13.2 Tim. Heb. 11:36. 12:2. 13:13,
1:12. 1 Pet. 4:14-16.
and prince, they, who boldly stand up for the authority, truth, and righteousness of JEHOVAH, will certainly meet with persecution in one form or another: and the more plain and convincing the truth is made to the minds and consciences of sinners, the more violent will be their resentment; except the Lord powerfully restrain them, or change their hearts.Superior rank, affluence, reputation, and authority render men more apt to take umbrage at the humbling truths, and sharp reproofs, and awful denunciations of God's word: and thus, they who are exalted to do justice, preserve peace, and maintain truth, often take the lead in opposing the cause of God, and in persecuting his servants.
The worthless caterers to men's vain pleasures, and the flatterers of their pride and passions, may expect favor, affluence, and distinction: but contempt and penury, dungeons, stripes, and the stocks, or more severe and bloody sufferings, have been the general recompense of those, who have sought the salvation of souls. (Notes, Matt . 5:10-12.
Luke 6:24-26.) But the Lord can easily make those a terror to themselves and to each other, who attempt to terrify his ministers from declaring faithfully the word of God, or to put them to silence and disgrace: no mitigation of the sentence can possibly be attained, by persecuting those who proclaim it: ( Notes , 36:20 -32.) and lying prophets, and those who trust in them, will miserably perish together.
V.14-18. (Notes, Job 3:) This is the most extraordinary transition in the whole scriptures: and, for ought that appears to the contrary, the prophet related what passed in his experience, according to the order in which it took place. An experimental acquaintan acquaintance with our own hearts, and the variations of our passions under sh sharp trials, as encouraging or discouraging thoughts occur to our minds, will best enable us to understand it.
We should not think it possible for such rebellion and absurdity to prevail in the heart of a true believer, and to succeed the most vigorous exercises of faith, hope, and love; did we not meet with a few instances of the kind in the word of God: and they, who have been thus tempted by Satan, might be further urged to adopt the most desperate conclusions and measures.
Yet such thoughts and passionate wishes cannot be excused or palliated; for they are strong proofs of the "desperate wickedness" of the heart. ( Note , 17:9,10.) How absurd was it for a pious man to curse the day of his birth, which no longer had any existence, and was in no degree the cause of his sufferings! to curse the man who first informed his father of his birth; and even to wish him the doom of Sodom, or that the cry of terror and alarm might never cease to sound in his ears; because he would not murder him when a helpless infant!-How strange to wish such an exquisitely cruel wish to his mother! and all this, because he was called to endure contempt and persecution for a short time, which would be counterbalanced by divine consolations, and terminate in everlasting felicity.
So unreasonable are passion and impatience! - 'How the 'children of God are overcome, in this battle of 'the flesh and the spirit! And into what incon-and led to wish they had never engaged in this
'veniences they fall, till God raises them up 'again!'-Some expositors endeavor to palliate the vehement expressions here used, and explain them as merely poetical decorations of the prophet's complaints: ( Notes , 2 Sam . 1:19 -27, v . 21.) but surely no poetical license can justify a man in using the language of impatience and ingratitude, and imprecating evils on those who never offended him. This may pass in profane writers, but not in inspired poets.
But could these persons effect their purpose, they would also counteract the very design of the Holy Spirit, in recording such things; viz. to shew what the best of men are when left to themselves; and to preserve tempted believers from desponding, when they are harassed in like manner. ( Notes , 1 Kings 19:1-4. Ps . 73:12-17. Jon. 1:2,3. 4:1-11.) We ought not indeed to aggravate the faults of the servants of God; but neither should we palliate them. We should rather imitate the impartiality of the sacred writers.
The scriptures ascribe sinless perfection to one character only: all others were ready to confess, that in many things they offended; and no good can arise from vainly attempting to vindicate them. ( Notes , Gen. 12:11—16. 27:6-14. Acts 23:15. Gal . 2:11-16.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-6.
V. 7-13.
No opposition or ill treatment should deter "the man of God" from declaring his whole message: and indeed many have maintained their boldness and faithfulness, in their public services, under the most perilous circumstances; who yet have been grievously baffled by Satan's temptations in their private experience, work, or could change their employment for some other. But those who "put their hands to the plow, and look back, are not fit for the kingdom of God:" and after all, the minister's work is in reality the most important, honorable, and useful service, which man can possibly perform.
They, however, who are thus employed, deceive themselves, if they expect worldly honor and the friendship of men, from a faithful discharge of their office; nay, if they do not expect contempt, opposition, and injurious treatment from ungodly men of every description. The Lord does indeed allure men into the service, by giving them a hope of usefulness, and assurance of assistance and support: and few are at first aware, of the extent and variety of those trials and difficulties, to which they will be exposed in the course of their ministry.
So that, when contempt, derision, or hard usage tempt them to resolve that "they will speak no more in his name," or that they will qualify their message, and render it more palatable; the Lord, being stronger than they, prevails, and they find "his word like a burning fire shut up in their bones," and that no relief from their disquietude can be had, but by faithfully "declaring the whole counsel of God." Thus "necessity is laid upon them, yea, woe is unto them, if they do not preach the gospel." Indeed, were we only to speak of promises and privileges, and indiscriminately
In this evil world, of which Satan is the god to deal out consolation; all would go on vey the LORD will deal with us faccording to Zedekiah sends to inquire concerning Nebuchadnezzar's inva- all his wondrous works, that he may go up
CHAP . XXI .
sion, 1, 2. He is told that the city shall be destroyed, and that God will fight against both king and people, and shew them no mercy, 3-7. The prophet counsels the people to fall to the Chaldeans, as the only way of preserving their lives, 810. He exhorts the king and his family to execute justice, 11, 12. He again predicts, that the city would certainly be destroyed, 13, 14.
HE word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, a when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, saying,
2d Inquire, I pray thee, of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that
smoothly: but if we be faithful, we must "cry aloud, and not spare" either ourselves or the people, either professed believers or opposers; we must reprove men's sins, and denounce the wrath of God against "every one who doeth evil." Thus, our earnestness alone will excite the derision and mockery of the profane: and our faithful rebukes and warnings will exasperate the Pharisee and hypocrite. hypoc None will make any allowance for him, who will grant no indulgence to any man's sins: all around will watch for for the halting of the bold reprover; and report, with additions, whatever they spy of imperfection in his conduct.
Even the harmlessness of the dove, and the wisdom of the serpent, could not exempt him from the defamation of those, who want to be revenged on him, for the terrors of conscience which he has occasioned them. But God will be with his servants: he sees the uprightness of their hearts, and approves their conduct: let them then open their cause before him, and he will enable them to foresee the ruin of their implacable enemies, and their own complete deliverance from the hands of all evil doers.
And, were it not for unbelief and sin, they might rejoice and praise the Lord, with exulting Hallelujahs, and encourage others to do the same, in the hottest fire of persecution.
V. 14-18.
from us.
gracious God bears with and forgives the infirmity and folly of his servants; let us learn to act with gentleness and forbearance, and tender sympathy towards those who are struggling with similar temptations, and even for a time are foiled by them; endeavoring to encourage and strengthen their hearts in God.
NOTES.