CHAP. XXIII.
A woe is denounced on the corrupt pastors, and the restoration of the scattered flock is predicted, 1-4. A prophecy of the kingdom and righteousness of Christ, and of the gathering of the people to him, 5-8. The wickedness of the nation charged on the priests and false prophets, 9-15. The people
4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall
are cautioned against hearkening to false prophets, and in- fear no more, nor be dismayed, & neither
structed how to distinguish them; with sharp rebukes and terrible thereatenings against them, 16-32. A rebuke of those who made a scoff at the words of the true prophets, 33-40.
WOF
OE be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.
2 Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel, against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.
3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to
a 2:8,26. Ez. 13:3. 34:2. Zech.d 34. Marg . 5:9,29. 8:12. 11: 11:17. Matt. 23:13-29. Luke 11:42-52.
b 2,11-15. 2:8. 10:21. 12:10. 22:22. 25:34-36. 50:6. Is. 56: 9-12. Ez. 22:25-29. 34:210,21. Mic. 3:11,12. Zeph. 3:3,4. Zech. 11:5-7,15-17. Matt. 9:36. 15:14. John 10:10, 12.
c Matt. 25:36,43. Jam. 1:27.
22. 13:21. Margins. Ex. 32: 34. Hos. 2:13. Mic. 7:4.
e 29:14. 30:3. 31:8.32:37. Deut. 30:3-5. Ps. 106:47. Is. 11:11 -16. 27:12,13. 43:5,6. Ez. 11:17. 34:13, &c. 36:24,37. 37: 21-27. 39:27,28. Am. 9:14, 15. Mic. 7:12. Zeph. 3:19,20. Zech. 10:8-12.
Such, as in prosperity will not hear the voice of God by his his word, must feel the strokes of his correcting rod; and, (if this does not produce a salutary effect,) be overwhelmed and confounded by his awful judgments. Then all helpers and confidences will fail; and the perishing transgressors will cry for mercy and not be heard, when "sudden destruction cometh upon them, as pangs upon the travailing woman." Indeed it has been too much the way with all of us from our youth, that, in prosperity and health, we would not obey the voice of God: and, when visited with chastisements, we have many of us repeatedly ap
shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.
f 3:14,15. 33:26. Ps. 78:70-72. Is. 40:11. Ez. 34:23. Hos. 3: 3-5. Mic. 5:2,4,5. 7:14. John 21:15-17. Acts 20:23. 1 Pet. 5:1-4.
g Num. 31:49. John 6:39,40. 10:27-30. 17:12. 18:9. 1 Pet. 1 : 5 .
h 30:3. 31:27,31,38.33:14. Heb. 8 : 8.
i 33:15. Ps. 72:1,2. Is. 32:1,2. Dan. 9:24. Am. 9:11. Zech.
9:9. Rev. 19:11.
k Ps. $0:15. Is. 4:2. 11:1-5. 53: 2. Ez. 17:2-10,22-24. 34: 29. Zech. 3:8. 6:12,13.
Marg . 53:10. Luke 1:32,33. m See on 22:3,15,
n Deut. 33:28,29. Ps. 130:7, 8. Is. 12:1,2. 33:22. 45:17. Ex. 37:24-29. Hos. 1:7. Ob. 17, 21. Zech. 10:6. Matt. 1:21. Luke 1:71-74. 19:9,10. Rom. 11:26,27.
ο 30:10. 32:37. 1 Kings 4:25. Is. 2:4. 35:9. Ez. 34:25-28. Hos. 2:18. Zeph. 3:13. Zech. 2:4,5. 3:10.
p Is. 7:14. 9:6. Matt. 1:21-23. * Heb. JEHOVAH-tsidkenu. q 33:16. Is. 45:24,25. 54:17. Dan. 9:24. Rom. 3:22. 1 Cor.
1 22:30. Ps. 45:4. Is. 9:7. 52:13. | 1:30. 2 Cor. 5:21. Phil. 3.9.
visible church, in which there was a remnant of true believers: from that people the promised Savior was at length to arise: and the king, his counsellors and chief officers, with the high priest, the chief priests, and those in authority under them, were the pastors or shepherds who were appointed to feed and protect the flock, both in respect of their temporal welfare, elfare, and their spiritual spiritual estate. ( Notes , ( Note 2:8, 9. 10:19-22. 22:20-23. Is . 56:9-12. Ez . 34:1 -22. John 10:1-13.) But the oppression and persecution of the civil rulers; their neglect of duty, and their bad policy, tended to destroy the people, to expose them to the sword of their enemies, to drive them to seek shelter in foreign countries, and to reduce them to captivity: and their wickedness ended in the desolations of the land, and the scattering of the people among the heathen: while the ignorance, negligence, false doctrine, and wicked
peared very gracious, and made many profes-ness of the priests, were equally ruinous to
sions and resolutions of amendment; which we have broken, as soon as our danger was past, and the terror worn off. Yet the Lord often blesses affliction as a means of bringing sinners to repentance.-Alas! how little is earthly grandeur to be depended on, or fourishing families to be rejoiced in! Soon the greatest may be thrown down into the most abject misery, and children may be torn from us in the most distressing manner: nor can any external relation to God secure a man from being given into the hands of that enemy, who seeks the life of our souls. But they, who "hear the voice of Christ, and follow him,
their souls. Thus they abused their trust, and were condemned to be deposed and punished for their crimes. There is no reason to think that this is a continuation of the preceding prophecy; or that it was addressed to Jehoiakim.
V. 3, 4. These verses contain a promise of the restoration of the remnant of the Jews, and their re-establishment in their own land; and of their increase and prosperity, under the government and instruction of Zerubbabel, Joshua, Ezra, and Nehemiah; who ruled over them in the fear of God, and under whom they lived in a measure of peace and confi
have eternal life, and shall never perish, nei-dence: yet the full accomplishment of the
ther shall any enemy pluck them out of his" almighty "hands." (Note, John 10:26-31.) May this be our character, our honor, and our felicity!
NOTES.
CHAP. XXIII. V. 1, 2. Israel was the flock of God, of which he had taken special care, and on which he had set a peculiar value. ( Marg . Ref . a, b.)-Judah was at that time his
prophecy must be referred to the times of the gospel, to the true flock of Christ, and to their entire safety and holy confidence in him.- Lacking . (4) Or, visited by such calamities, as in former times. ( Notes , 5--8. 16:14,15. 32:37, 38. Ez . 34:23--31. 36:20--24,31, 39:23--29.)
V. 5, 6. ( Notes , 22:28--30. Ps . 80:14,15. Is . 4: 2. 11:1--5. Ez . 17:22--24. Zech. 3:8. 6:12,13.) The time would speedily approach, when, in
7 Therefore, behold, the days come, 10 For the land is full of adulterers; saith the Lord, that they shall no more say, for because of * swearing the land mournThe LORD liveth, which brought up the eth; the pleasant places of the wilderness children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; are dried up, and their course is evil, and
8 But, The LORD liveth & which brought up, and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.
their force is not right.
11 For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, din my house have I found their wickedness, saith the Lord.
12 Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even & the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.
5:7,8. 7:9. 9:2. Ez. 22:9- 11. Hos. 4:2. Mal. 3:5. 1 Cor. 6:9,10. Gal. 5:19-21. Heb. 13:4. Jam. 4:4.
z. Zech. 5:3,4. 1 Tim. 1:10. * Heb. cursing.
a 12:3,4. 14:2. Lam. 1:2-4. Joel 1:10.
x 25:15-18. Ps. 60:3. Is. 28:1. b 9:10. Ps. 107:34. Is. 24:6. 29:9. 51:21. Lam. 3:15.
stead of the degenerate branches from the stock of David, who had bro brought Judah to ruin, "a righteous Branch" would spring from him; who would reign in wisdom and prosperity, and execute justice in the land and throughout the earth. ( Notes , 21:11,12. 2 Sam . 23:3,4. Ps . 45:6,7. 72-1--7. Is . 9:6,7. 32:1,2. Luke 1:67--75.) Under his government the people of God, being saved from wrath and sin, and protected from their enemies, would dwell in peace and safety: and men would call this Branch of David, "JEHOVAH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." ( Notes , 33:14-16.
Is . 45:23-25.) Though descended from David according to the flesh, he would be indeed JEHOVAH, God in human nature, One with the Father: and he would be called by all believers, "Our righteousness;" for they are "made the righteousness of God in him." (Notes, 1 Cor . 1:26-31, v. 30. 2 Cor. 5:18-21, ν . 21.) His obedience unto death is their justifying righteousness, and title to heavenly felicity: and their inherent righteousness, their sanctification, the source of all their personal obedience, and their meetness for heaven, is the effect of their union with him, and of the supply of his Spirit.
Christ is JEHOVAH, and in every sense OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. This interpretation coincides with the whole tenor of scripture, and arises from the grammatical construction, according to a well known idiom of the Hebrew. - "This is the name, which he, (or, one ,) shall call him, JEHOVAH our Righteousness."-" "This 'is the name, by which JEHOVAH shall call 'him, OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." God would
† Or, violence.
с 15. 5:31. 6:13. 8:10. Ez. 22:
25,26. Zeph. 3:4.
d 7:10,11,30. 11:15. 32:34. 2 Chr. 33:5,7. 36:14. Ez. 7:20. 8:5,6,16. 23:39. Matt. 21:12, 13.
e 13:16. Ps. 35:6. 73:18. Prov. 4:19.
f Job 18:18. Is. 8:22. John 12. 35. 1 John 2:11. Jude 13.
g 11:23. 23:12. 48:44. 50:27 Mic. 7:4.
terpretation would have been more plausible: but the meaning of " Our Righteousness," as here connected, has no consistent meaning; for Our is a pronoun without any antecedent, whereas the explanation above stated is clear; every one of those spoken of, yea all of them with one consent, shall call him, "The LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." He adds, 'This 'doctrine,' (that of our Lord's divinity,) '... 'draws its decisive proofs from the New Tes'tament only . ' -To this assertion it will be sufficient to subjoin one on the other side. The 'title of JEHOVAH is elsewhere given to the 'Messiah by the prophets.' Lowth . ( Notes , Ps . 45:6,7. Is . 7:14. 9:6,7.40:9-11. Hos . 1:6,7. Zech . 2:6-13.)- Branch . (5) Ανατολη. Sept. Luke 1: 78. Gr.
V. 7, 8. ( Note , 16:14,15.) These words, as repeated in this connexion, imply that the Jews and Israelites when converted to Christianity, will be restored to their own land.This wonderful work of God's, in restoring 'the Jewish nation after their dispersions all 'the world over, (together with the bringing in 'the fulness of the Gentiles, which will be like'wise brought to pass by this means,) ... will so 'far exceed the miracles which he wrought in 'their deliverance out of Egypt, that this latter 'will not deserve to be compared or mentioned 'with the former. St. Paul calls this restora'tion of the Jews "life from the dead."" Lowth. ( Notes , Rom . 11 : 11-24 . )
V. 9-12. The prophet, having predicted the coming of Christ, and many future blessings, in reserve for the church, and for Israel,
'make him such as he called him, i. e. Our in order to encourage the faith and hope of 'Righteousness. The LXX have so trans- the pious remnant; here returns to reprove, 'lated before me.' Blayney . He does not how-convict, and pass sentence on, his contempoever produce their translation, which may thus raries. His heart was broken with sorrow, be literally rendered: "This is his name, which and his frame was most violently agitated, to the Lord shall call him, Josedek in the proph-see the people deluded by the false prophets:
ets."-Josedek is compounded of the first syllable of JEHOVAH and Zedek righteous. It was the name of one of the sacerdotal line mentioned by the prophets, being an ancestor of Joshua who was the high priest after the captivity. (1 Chr . 6:14,15. Ezra 3:2. Hag . 1:1,12,14. 2:2,4. Zech. 6:11.) To this "Josedek in the prophets" these translators seem to have applied the passage; but on what account it does not appear. They say nothing, however, of " Our Righteousness; this authority, therefore, does not at all aid the translation. If the words had been, " Their Righteousness," Dr. Blayney's in-ilsons; for whose iniquities the Lord had begun VOL. IV.
( Notes , 14:13-18.) and he was so filled with amazement and zeal, that he spake with vehemency and incoherency, and acted with impetuosity, like a drunken man; ( Notes , Is. 51:21-23. Lam . 3:14-16.) when he considered the justice and power of God as armed against the nation, and the holy denunciations of his vengeance which he had been sent to proclaim; or, when he compared the precepts and sanctions of the law with the crimes of the people. For the whole land was filled with adulterers, and profane and perjured per[329
13 And I have seen * folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.
14 I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem tan horrible thing: mthey commit adultery, and walk in lies: they • strengthen also the hands of evil-doers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me pas Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.
15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall; for from the prophets of Jerusalem is + profaneness gone forth into all the land.
* Or, an absurd thing. Heb. 25. 2 Thes. 2:9-11. 1 Tim. 4:2. Rev. 19:20. 21:8. 22:15. unsavory . 8. o See on Ez. 13:22.
i 2:8. 1 Kings 18:18-21,25- p Gen. 13:13. 18:20. Deut. 32: 28,40.
k 2 Chr. 33:9.
15:30,31. 14:14. Ez. 13:2-4,
16. 22:25. Mic. 3:11. Zeph.
3:4. 2 Pet. 2:1,2.
† Or, filthiness. 18:13.
m 29:23. 2 Pet. 2:14-19.
n 17,25,26,32. 14:14. Ez. 22:
32. Is. 1:9,10. Ez. 16:46-52. Matt. 11:24. 2 Pet. 2:6. Jude 7. Rev. 11:8.
q 8:14. 9:15. Ps. 69:21. Lam. 3:5,15,19. Matt. 27:31. Rev. 8:11.
Or, hypocrisy.
by drought and famine to punish it, and had burnt up its pleasant pastures. But the peo- ple still proceeded in their evil course, and did wrong with impetuous violence, and with all their power. In this impiety the prophets and priests were the ringleaders; nay, they chose the temple as the scene of their enormities! therefore the Lord, who witnessed their crimes, condemned them to be driven forward in their ruinous ways into final destruction; as those who are driven headlong on slippery paths in the dark, till they are cast down some preci- pice and dashed in pieces. ( Marg .
Ref . e, f.- Notes, 13:15-17. Ps . 73:18-22. Prov . 4:18,19.) Swearing. (10) 'By swearing is chiefly here 'meant perjury.... Hos . 4:2. The Hebrew word 'signifies indifferently swearing 'The Jewish forms of adjuration, used in their 'courts of justice ... had usually an imprecation 'joined to them. So the words import, the words import, that inen ventured to forswear themselves, and 'incur the imprecation implied in an oath, 'rather than discover the truth. Prov. 29: 24. This, the prophet saith, is one of 'those crying sins, for which God hath vis- 'ited the nation with severe judgments.
And 'the sins here mentioned, which did abound 'so much among the people, were in a great 'measure owing to the ill example of the 'priests and prophets.' Lowth . ( Notes , Prov . 29:24. 30:7-9. Hos . 4:1-3.)
cursing.
V. 13-15. The false prophets of Samaria, who foolishly and impiously prophesied in the name of Baal, had deluded the Israelites into those idolatries, which ruined the nation: yet the Lord considered the false prophets of Jerusalem, who prophesied lies in his name, as guilty of more horrible and abominable wickedness. For they were abandoned to adultery and deceit: and their prophesying was a constant imposture, through which the people were hardened and emboldened in iniquity, by expecting peace and prosperity; and prejudiced against the true prophets, who called on them to return from their wickedness. ( Notes , 23-27. Ez . 13:17-23, v. 22.) Thus the whole nation were become as odious to the Lord, as the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah; and would soon be visited with judgments almost
16 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you; they make you vain: they speak ta vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.
17 They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.
18 For who hath stood in the counsel of the Lord, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it ?
as tremendous. ( Note , Lam . 4:3-6.) But the prophets especially would be constrained to drink the most bitter part of this cup of God's indignation: as their false doctrine, pretended visions, and corrupt examples, had spread impiety or hypocrisy ( marg .) throughout the land, and frustrated all the means used to retard its progress. ( Notes , 6:13-15. 8:10-12.) The prophets of Judah 'pronounced their false prophecies in the name of the true God, and 'entitled him to all their impostures; the wick'edness of their lives also reflected a dishonor 'on his name and religion.' Lowth . They that 'should have profited by my rods against Sa'maria, are become worse than they.' ( Note , 3:6-11.)
V. 16, 17. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 21,22,25-27. 5:30,31. 28:8,9,16,17. Ez . 13:10-16. 22:25-28.) -Make you vain. (16) They deceive you, and soothe you into vain confidence. ( Notes , 27:13-15. Ps . 62:8-10.)-That despise me, &c. (17) Το o despise God is not only most wicked in itself; but the grand aggravation of all other atrocious sins. ( Marg . Ref . u.-- Notes , 2 Sam . 12:9,10.)
V. 18. This may be understood as the scoffing language of the false prophets, who opposed Jeremiah and others, when they declared to them the counsel and purpose of God to destroy them and the city.
They derided their pretensions to inspiration: and inquired, which of them was of the Lord's privy council, and made acquainted with his secret; and whether they alone had perceived and heard his word. ( Note , 1 Kings 22:24,25.) They thought it not likely that two or three inconsiderable persons should know more concerning the will of God, than the numbers of re spectable persons among the chief priests and prophets, who predicted peace and prosperity: and they were amazed at the confidence with which they uttered their prophecies.
But, on the other hand, the words may be interpreted as spoken by Jeremiah, demanding of the false prophets, which of them had received any revelation from God, or indeed understood any thing of his word. The context shews, that 'he designs by that question, to exclude only 'the carnal or natural man, from being enlight
'ened from above, or being a competent judge 'of divine truths.' Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . Notes , Ps . 25:14. Am. 3:4-8. Rom. 11:33-36. 1 Cor . 2:14-16.)
V. 19, 20. 'If these prophets had really 'known God's purposes and intentions; they 'would not have said "Peace, peace" to the 'wicked; (17) but have prophesied a grievous 'destruction just coming on them: for that is 'what will certainly come to pass; and the event 'will convince you of the truth of what I say. 'The sudden strokes of God's vengeance are 'often compared to a whirlwind. 25:32. Ps . 58: 9. Is . 21:1. Am . 1:14. Zech . 7:14. 9:14. Lowth . Marg. Ref . a.)
g 1 Kings 20:23,28. Ps. 113:5, 6. 139:1-10. Ez. 20.32-35. Jon. 1:3,4.
h 49:10. Gen. 16:13. Job 22: 13,14. 24:13-16. Ps. 10:11. 90:8. 139:11-16. Prov. 15:3. Is. 29:15. Ez. 8:12. 9:9. Am. 9:2,3.
i 1 Kings 8:27. 2 Chr. 2:6. 6: 18. Ps. 148:13. Is. 57:15. 66:1.
Dan. 4:35. Eph. 1:23.
k 8:6. 13:27. 16:17. 29:23. Ps. 139:2,4. Luke 12:3. 1 Cor. 4:5. Heb. 4:13. Rev. 2:23. 128,32. 29:8. Gen. 37:5,9. Num. 12:6. Joel 2:28. Matt. 1:20.
m 4:14. 13:27. Ps. 4:2. Hos. 8:5. Acts 13:10.
sin
pentance, and to turn them from all their idolatries and iniquities to the worship of JEHOVAH.
This would have been the tendency of their lives and doctrine; and they would have had some measure of success. ( Note , Is . 55: 10,11.) But their object, and the tendency and effect of their prognostications, were entirely the reverse of this. ( Note , 13-15.) -If it be inquired, how the people might know the false prophets from those who were sent of God, when the latter wrought no miracles; the obvious answer is this: the ministry of the true prophets was coincident with the law of Moses, and its precepts, promises, and threatenings; and with the writings of the preceding prophets: whereas the false prophets, in their predictions, ran counter to these sacred records.
The instructions and example of the true prophets evidently tended to bring men to repentance, faith, serious godliness, and universal righteousness: those of the false prophets led them to rest in forms and notions, and to be quiet in their sins: and these are still the rules, by which the faithful ministers of Christ are to be distinguished from false teachers. (Notes, Matt . 7:15--23.)-'Giving encourage'ment to men's carnal security, is often_men'tioned as a mark of a false prophet.' Lowth. ministry of the true prophets admitted of another kind of proof.
No miracles indeed, or even predictions verified by the event, could prove that man a true prophet, whose doctrine evidently contradicted any of the leading truths and precepts of the preceding scriptures: ( Note , Deut . 13:1--5.) in all other cases the accomplishment of such predictions, as related to their own times, generally confirmed those prophecies which referred to more re
The anger of the LORD shall not return , &c. (20) Is . 55:11. The expression is taken from 'a messenger that comes back without doing 'his business.' Lowth. In the latter days , &c.] The execution of the predicted judgments would effectually convince the people, that the prophét spake by authority from JEHOVAH. In those future days, the surviving captives at Babylon, and they who lost their lives and were in the eternal world, would have leisure fully to consider the subject: and then they would reflect on their own incredulity and obstinacy, with bitter remorse and indignation at themselves, for their folly and madness. --But, in respect of immediate revelations, the
But the latter days generally mean the times of the Messiah, and even the latest ages of the world; and the full consideration and understanding of their present unparalleled dispersion, after so many ages, and of the sins which provoked God thus to deal with their before highly favored nation, will make way for the conversion of Israel and Judah to Christ, and their restoration to their own land. ( Marg . Ref . -Notes, 5-8. 30:23,24.)
V. 21, 22. He sheweth the difference be-mote events. This was the case especially
'tween the true prophets and the false; between 'the hireling and the true minister.'--The Lord here solemnly disowned the prophets, who at that time promised the people peace. ( Notes ,
with Jeremiah. ( Notes , 22:10-30.)
V. 23, 24. Did the false prophets think to hide their crimes from God? or teach the people that he could not pursue them with his ven
14:13-16.27:13-15.) They forwardly They forwardly engag-geance into distant countries, or detect their
ed in the work, and their predictions coincided with the corrupt inclinations of the people: (Note, 5:30,31.) they ran of their own accord, and prophesied out of their own heart, and all went on very smoothly. ( Notes , 6:13--15. Ez. 13:10--16.) But if indeed they had "stood in the counsel of the LORD;" ( Note , 18.) and had spoken his words to the people: their grand object would have been to bring them to re
most secret crimes? Did they suppose that he only knew what was doing in heaven, and was not present on the earth also, and in those corners which lay most remote from human observation? Could they hope to avoid inspection, or escape vengeance of God, whose presence fills heaven and earth? ( Marg . Ref. Notes , Job 22:5-14. Ps . 94:1-9. 139:1-12. Is 29:13-16. Ez . 8:7-12.)
are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;
27 Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams, which they tell every man to his neighbor, Pas their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.
28 The prophet * that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him a speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.
29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
30 Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbor.
31 Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, " He saith.
32 Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people
n See on 14:14. 17:9. Is. 30:10. s 5:14. 20:9. Luke 24:32. John 2 Thes. 2:9-11. 1 Tim. 4:1,2.
2 Tim. 4:3. 2 Pet. 2:13-16.
o Deut. 13:1-5. Acts 13:8. 2 Tim. 2:17,18. 3:6-8.
p See on Judg. 3:7. 8:33,34. 10: 6.. 2 Kings 21:3.
* Heb. with whom is.
q Prov. 14:5. Matt. 24:45. Luke 12:42. 1 Cor. 4:2. 2 Cor. 2:17. 1 Tim. 1:12.
r1 Cor. 3:12,13.
6:63. Acts 2:3,37. 2 Cor. 2: 16. 10:4,5. Heb. 4:12. Rev. 11:5.
t 14:14,15. 44:11,29. Lev. 20.3. 26:17. Deut. 29:20. Ps. 34: 16. Ez. 13:8,20. 15:7. 1 Pet. 3:12.
Or, smooth. Is. 30:10. Mic. 2:11.
u See on 17.-2 Chr. 18:5,10- 12,19-21.
V. 25-27. The false prophets professed, that they had revelations from God in supernatural dreams; and they caused this to be rumored abroad. But the Lord declared that it was an imposture: for they only spake their own conjectures, the result of the pride and presumption of their own deceitful hearts. Their purpose, as well as the tendency of their lying predictions, was to seduce the people into forgetfulness of God, and contempt of his word; that they might graft idolatry and superstition on their infidelity, and so render them their attached and submissive followers. ( Notes , 32. 29:8,9,24-32.)-'Their giving heed to these 'false prophets, is as effectual a way of making 'my people forget me and my laws, as the set'ting up an idolatrous way of worship, which 'hath been too successfully practised by their 'fathers.' Lowth. (Notes, Matt. 7:15-23. 24:23 -25.2 Cor . 11:13-15. 1 Tim . 4:1-5. 2 Pet . 2: 1-3. 1 John 4:1-6. Rev. 12:13—17, 13:2-4.)
to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them. 2 therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD. [Practical Observations.]
33 And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, a What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.
34 And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.
35 Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbor, and every one to his brother, What hath the Lord answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?
36 And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: d for every man's word shall be his burden: for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the Lord of hosts our God.
37 Thus shalt thou say to the prophet,
x See on 16.-27:14,&c. 28:15-Heb. visit upon. See on 2. 17. 29:21-23,31. Deut. 13:1, c 31:34. Heb. 8:11.
&c. 18:20. Ez. 13:7-18.
Zech. 13:2,3. Rev. 19:20.
y Zeph. 3:4. 2 Cor. 1:17. z See on 22. 7:8.-Lam. 2:14. Matt. 15:14.
a 17:15. 20:7,8. Is. 13:1. 14:28. Nah. 1:1. Hab. 1:1. Mal. 1:1. h See on 39,40.-12:7. Deut. 31:17,18. 32:19,20. Ps. 78:59, 60. Hos. 9:12.
d Ps. 12:3. 64:8. 120:3. 140:9. Prov. 17:20. Is. 3:8. Matt. 12: 36. Luke 19:22. 2 Pet. 2:17, 18. Jude 15,16.
e Is. 28:13,14,22. Gal. 1:7-9. 2 Pet. 3:16.
f See on 10:10. Deut. 5:26. 1 Sam. 17:26,36. 2 Kings 19:4. Acts 14:15. 1 Thes. 1:9.
stance into its own nature. Thus the sacred word penetrates the conscience, quickens and illuminates the mind, softens and melts the heart, purifies the affections, consumes the dross of sin, and transforms the believer's soul into its own holy nature. (Notes, Matt. 3:11, 12. 7:28,29. Acts 2:2,3. 2 Cor . 4:1,2. Heb . 4:12 , 13.) As a hammer also, it breaks down the presumptuous confidence of the proud and stout-hearted, and renders them broken and contrite in spirit; and it crushes the rebellion and obstinacy of the will, and produces hum- ble submission and obedience.
This is the genuine tendency of the uncorrupted word of God, and these effects are produced where it is truly believed: but false doctrine is coinci- dent with the pride and lusts of the human heart; and the more firmly it is believed, the faster are the chains of sin riveted, and the more is conscience stupified in impenitence, and the will fixed in obstinate rebellion. 'Let 'not these false pretences to dreams or visions 'discourage the true prophets from the faithful 'discharge of their office: for the difference be- 'tween true prophecies and counterfeits, is as 'wheat.' Lowth .
V. 28, 29. Let then the matter be brought to decision, between the different descriptions of prophets. Let these dreamers declare openly their dreams; and let the true prophets faithfully deliver their message; and the differ- 'evident as that between the chaff and the
V. 30. The false prophets borrowed, or stole, some of the phrases of the true prophets, and such other things as suited their purpose: and this served to give plausibility to the lying predictions, which they intermingled with them. ( Notes , 33-40. 28:2--4.)
Predictions't
ence would be as evident to the impartial inquirer, as that between "the chaff and the wheat." The dreams of the false prophets would appear slight, superficial, and calculated to flatter the pride and soothe the consciences of ungodly men: ( Note , 32.) but the word of God, faithfully spoken by his servants, would appear weighty, interesting, suited to alarm the sinner's conscience, and to excite reverence of the divine authority, and conducive to repentarce and holiness. For "Is not the word of God like as a fire?" This element penetrates, enlivens, illuminates, softens, melts, purifies, consumes, or transforms every sub-revelations. That which is not solid, or sta
V. 31. Marg . and Marg . Ref .
V. 32. (Marg. Ref .) The word, rendered "lightness," is understood by some to mean in constancy , a frivolous accommodation to the varying humors of the people; by others, fiat tery ; and by others, boasting , namely of thein
What hath the Lord answered thee? and, What hath the Lord spoken?
38 But since ye say, The burden of the LORD; therefore thus saith the LORD; Because ye say this word, The burden of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the LORD; 39 Therefore, behold, I, even I, will |
g Gen. 6:17. Lev. 26:28. Deut. 5:8. 6:3. 34:11,20. Hos. 5:14. 32.39. Is. 48:15: 51:12. Ez.
'ble.' Blayney. (Notes, Gen. 49:3,4, v. 4. Num . 24:16. 2 Pet . 2:15-19. Jude 14-16.)
V. 33-40. (Note, Is . 13:1.) The prophets frequently called their prophecies "Burdens," especially when they related to divine judgments: and probably their opposers ridiculed the expression. So that, by way of taunting them for delivering so many terrible predictions, they used deridingly to ask "What is the burden of the LORD?" (Notes, 1 Kings 22:8. Is . 28:9-15,17-22.) To this, Jeremiah was commanded to answer, "that the LORD would forsake them," and then their miseries would indeed be a heavy burden.
He did not mean that God would finally forsake the nation ; but that he would forsake those mockers, and that rebellious generation. And, if any of them still presumed to use that expression in derision any more, the Lord declared that he would severely "punish that man and his house." He therefore directed them what words to use in such cases, that they might not thus contemptuously use the language of the Holy Spirit.
But, as they would pervert his words, who was "the living God, the LORD of Hosts their God;" he would make their own words fall on them, as a heavy burden, and execute the predicted judgments with unrelenting severity. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , Ps . 64:7-9. Prov . 18:6,7. Matt . 12:31-37. Jam. 3:1--6.)--As we find some of the succeeding prophets use the same expression; it is plain that God did not mean to restrict his servants from reverently using the word, but his enemies from deriding it. ( Zech . 9:1.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-8.
Every man must render an account to God of the talents committed to his stewardship; and "to whom much hath been given, of him will much be required." ( Notes , Matt . 25:14-30. Luke 12:47,48. 16:1–13. P. O .-- Notes and P. O. 19 : 1--27 .) Men must also be answerable to God for the mischief which arises from their neglect of duty, as well as for their other crimes. Woe then be to those rulers, who abuse their authority to destroy and scatter their subjects! who oppress and plunder those, whom they are commissioned to protect!
Or who suffer them to be enslaved, opp oppressed, slaughtered, or scattered, by private depredators, or foreign enemies, through their own ambition, avarice, luxury, or negligence! But still deeper guilt guilt is contracted by the pastors of God's flo flock, the professed rulers and teachers of the church, who pervert their authority, neglect their work, are greedy of filthy lucre, or even persecute those whom they ought to tend and feed. ( Notes , Is . 56:9--12. Ez . 34:2-6.) The true sheep of Christ, however, shall not be lost, through the negligence or wickedness of such pastors.
Their great and good Shepherd, who is the LORD of Hosts, will gather them from every district of the earth into his fold; and there he will place over them able, faithful, diligent, and tender shepherds, to
utterly forget you, " and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence: 40 And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten. h See on 33.-32:23-35. 35 17.
2 Thes. 1:2. 36:31. Lam. 5:20. Ez. 8:18. k See on 20:11.-24:9. 42:18. 44: 9:6. Hos. 9:12-17. Deut. 28:37. Ez. 5.
i 52:3. Ps. 51:11. Matt. 25:41.
8-12.
14,15. Dan. 9:16. 12:2.
feed and tend them: and he himself will protect them by his power, and support them by his grace, from terror and dismay; and not one of them shall be wanting, when he shall come finally to separate between the sheep and the goats. (Notes, Matt . 25:31--46.
John 10:26-31.)--For this "righteous Branch" has been raised up unto David, and now reigns, as Immanuel, on the mediatorial throne; to execute judgment on his enenties, and to save and defend his people: and in him, as “The LORD our Righteousness," all believers are "justified and glory;" of his Spirit they all partake, and are taught to love, to obey, and imitate him, in whom is all their salvation.
"To him shall the gathering of the people be:" ( Note , Gen. 49:10.) his redemption is far more glorious, than all former deliverances of his church: here the glory of God is peculiarly displayed, and it is our grand privilege to have such a Prophet, Priest, and King. May our souls be gathered to him, and "found in him;" and may Jews and Gentiles, and all the inhabitants of the earth become the willing, loyal, and devoted subjects of "The LORD our Righteousness!"
V. 9-32.
Whilst we rejoice in our privileges; if we be zealous for the glory of God, and full of compassion for our fellow sinners; we cannot but be deeply concerned when we consider the present state of mankind, and even that of the visible church.
It might well fill us with consternation and amazement, and prompt us to such earnestness, in endeavoring to convince men of their guilt and misery, as would be despised by carnal men, and mistaken for inebriation or insanity, ( Notes , Acts 2:12,13, v . 13.2 Cor . 5:13-15.) to compare the words of God's holiness in the sacred scriptures, with the doctrine and example of a very large majority of rulers and teachers in the church, and with the lives of most professed Christians.
For it is evident, that they are awfully deceived, and deceiving each other, into a false peace; when the heavy wrath of God is ready to fall upon them. Whilst, even in this favored land, men seem ambitious to exceed the adulteries and lewdness of the reprobate Jews; there can be no doubt that a far heavier load of perjury rests upon us; which, being connected with the whole system of political government, and judicial and commercial transactions, and even ecclesiastical affairs, is in the strictest sense a national sin.
"Because of swearing our land" ought to mourn in deep repentance: and if it do not, it may justly be apprehended, that ere long it will mourn under desolating judgments, which may turn all our "pleasant places into a wilderness." Yet alas! the course, in which men in general proceed, is evil; and too often authority and influence give energy to natural depravity, to urge others on more forcibly in. sin.-But are not many of our priests and prophets also ungodly? Does not the Lord find their wickedness in his house, and even at his table?
And do not numbers thus provoke Him to give them up to the lusts of their own hearts,
itical government,
till they are driven headlong into destruction? Perhaps God more abhors those who profess to preach his truth, but pervert it by their lies, and disgrace it by their vices; than those who openly abet the cause of infidelity and irreligion. He sees it very horrible, when the wicked examples of the teachers combine with their soothing and plausible instructions, to embolden evil doers in their crimes, and to qui
Let the word of God be faithfully and fully preached, and the difference will soon appear, in its nature, tendency, and effects: for "the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword;" it comes to the heart and conscience with authority and conviction; it instructs and alarms; it breaks the hard, and humbles the proud heart: it leads to repentance, to faith, and holiness: it enlightens,
et the consciences of the impenitent and unbe-quickens, purifies, and renews the soul: it is
nations,
no smooth, lulling, soothing message; but re- sembles "the fire and the hammer that break- eth the rocks in pieces." And by these em- blems, this tendency, and these effects, and by the spirit and example of true ministers of Christ, the real word of God may be distin- guished as certainly, from false doctrines taught by carnal preachers, eachers, as the wheat may be known from the worthless chaff:-No fair appearances, or pretences, can conceal the hypocrisy, ambition, avarice, or infidelity, of false professors or teachers, from the omni- present, heart-searching Judge.
He hears all their words, and sees their thoughts; he will "bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and manifest the counsels of their hearts:" ( Notes , 1 Cor . 4:1-5. 2 Cor . 2:14-17. 4:1,2.) and when his vengeance shall "fall grievously upon the head of the wicked," and he has per- formed the thoughts of his heart respecting them; they will perfectly consider, and effect- ually be convinced of those truths, which be- fore they would not believe. V. 33-40.
hypocrisy, ambition, ava
lieving: and though men may attempt to palli- ate these abominations; those who commit them are in the eyes of the Lord as vile as the inhabitants of Sodom, and it will be "less toler- able for them in the day of judgment." For from such teachers "profaneness" or hypocri- sy, or both, "go forth throughout the land:" the principles and morals of the people are poisoned at the fountain-head: and hence origi- nate those torrents of infidelity, impiety, and profligacy, which overwhelm whole nations, and ripen them for destruction.
Yet, those who will hearken to such teachers, as "speak from their own hearts, and not out of the mouth of the LORD," and whose doctrine tends || to render them vain and ungodly, must be answerable for it: for it is easy to distinguish them from those, who "stand in the counsel of the LORD," and hear his word; especially as he has promised to give wisdom to those who lack it and pray for it. (Notes, Prov . 2:1-6.
Jam . 1:5-8, v . 5.)-It is plain that many run before they are sent by God; and that they only aim to obtain preferment or reputation, and not to bring sinners to repentance, to faith in Christ, and newness of life: and therefore they do not scruple to promise "peace to those who despise" the Lord, and "who walk after the imagination of their own hearts." It is evident that this is the tendency and effect of much public teaching: men destitute of the fear of God, and without conscientiousness in their general conduct, are emboldened by it to hope well of their state towards God, and even to count themselves interested in all the privi- leges of the gospel.
Some of these teachers dream dreams of the deceit of their own hearts, and are continually inventing new refinements in infidelity or enthusiasm; which cause the people to forget the Lord, and his holy truths and precepts; to take a part of the Bible for the whole; to establish new creeds, or to sep- arate doctrinal truths from their practical ten- dency.
Some again retail other men's inven- tions, and steal scraps of divinity from their neighbors, and preach, (without any judgment of their own,) what other men have compiled for them; thus indulging their own sloth, and covering over their own ignorance and incom- petency, and gratifying the avarice of the com- pilers. Others gather a few notions and ex- pressions from faithful ministers; and by additions, alterations, or perversions, enervate and corrupt them, and "cause the people to err by their lives and lightness." But what is