CHAP. XXXIII.
time, while he was yet shut up in the
Predictions concerning the return of the Jews from captivity; the court of the prison, saying,
rebuilding of Jerusalem; and the pardon, holiness, comfort, and prosperity connected with those events, 1-13: concerning the coming of Christ; and the performance of the covenant-engagements of God to the Levites, and to David, in bim, 14-26.
2 Thus saith the LORD the Maker
a See on 32:2,3,8. 37:21. 38:28. -2 Tim. 2:9.
OREOVER the word of the LORD b Ps. 87:5. 102:16. Is. 14:32. came unto Jeremiah the second
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-25.
The judgments of God often come gradually upon sinners; but always without fail, when not prevented by timely repentance. Those, who harden their hearts against the warnings of his word, will hate and persecute such as faithfully declare them. But if God be for us, we need not fear the power of any adversary: and they, who fight against him, can never prosper in resisting the executioners of his vengeance.-Ministers should, in their whole conduct, exhibit an example of implicit obedience to God, and evince that they really believe the doctrines which they teach others: they should appear disinterested, and attentive to every relative duty. They must not entangle themselves in the affairs of this life: and in needful
43:1,21. 62:7,. Heb. 11:10,16. Rev. 21:2,10.
praise, on the divine perfections and conduct, and have referred to him those things which troubled us; we shall frequently find our minds composed and satisfied, even before we have received a solution of our difficulties: and the Lord will make known to his people his will, as far as their duty and peace are concerned. But he is of one mind, and his purposes are irreversible: he will relax nothing of his requirements, nor at all mitigate the sentence denounced against the impenitent.--When the authority, influence, or example of ungodly men causes others to commit abomination; and when peculiar advantages for instruction are neglected and abused, the wrath of God will burn fiercely against the transgressors. But, though the misconduct of numberless multitudes has, from the beginning, made even his
secular concerns, they should act with punctu-visible church "a provocation of his anger," he
will not forsake it: but, having destroyed the rebels from among his chosen remnant, he will gather them from all places into his fold, and "cause them to dwell safely." To those who are indeed his people, and who have "the LORD for their God," he "giveth one heart and one way," that they may be like minded with himself and each other; their filial fear and reverential worship do not mar the exercise of their grateful love and joy, but concur in producing
ality and exactness; avoiding "all appearance of evil," and precluding, as far as possible, all occasions of contention to survivors.--Earthly inheritances are in reality never of very great value: but in times of heavy public calamities, and in the hour of death, they begin to appear in their real insignificancy; and in the same interesting seasons men begin to form a more proper estimate of the value of an inheritance in heaven. This consideration should direct our habitual judgment and conduct. What-active and watchful obedience: this is as much
ever creates perplexity should lead us to "the throne of grace:" and though we must not hes- || itate to obey God, when we do not perceive the reasons of his commandments; yet we should seek increasing light, that our obedience may be more intelligent. ( Note , 12:1-4.)-When we cannot understand any particular providential dispensations, we may profitably recur to first and general principles. We are
for their good as for his glory, and entails the most valuable blessings on their posterity. Let us seek an interest in these precious promises, and rest in nothing short of them: let us remember that unity of heart and worship among Christians comes from the Spirit of God, and discord from sin and Satan; and let us "endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Let us diligently seek "the
sure that nothing can be too hard for the Cre-good of our children after us," and "bring them
up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Let us earnestly come to Christ, and constantly use the means of grace: thus we shall know, that "the everlasting covenant is made with us," and that the Lord will neither turn from
ator of the world; that "the Judge of all the earth will do right;" and that the Savior of sinners cannot be defective in goodness and mercy. If then "the LORD recompense the iniquities of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them;" we may be sure, that it con-us, nor leave us to depart from him. But it is sists with his justice: and if he suffer his peo-his plan to preserve his people, by "putting his
ple to be afflicted by their enemies; it must be the result of his wisdom, truth, and mercy. Whatever he promises or threatens he can easily effect: for "he is great in counsel and mighty in operation; and his eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give to every one according to his doings." The works, which he has wrought for the salvation of his people, and the ruin of his enemies, and to make his name glorious, should be considered as so many specimens of his general conduct, and demonstrations that he will perform his whole word.--Alas! how many are there, who enjoy his providential bounties, and the means of grace in abundance, who will not obey his voice; nay, will do nothing of all that he has commanded them to do! Therefore evil comes upon them: and, when suffering the punishment of their sins, they will remember that "thus it was written, and thus it must be." ( Notes , Mark 9:43--50. Luke 16 :24--26.)
V. 26-44.
fear into their hearts:" a confidence therefore, that is never shaken by fear, even when disgraced by sin, is greatly to be suspected of being a groundless presumption; and some trembling Christians have better evidence of their their safety, safety, than than they can be made to perceive. But we should be careful not to persuade men to a degree of confidence above their experience, diligence, conscientiousness, and simplicity; for this counteracts the plan of our God and Savior. They, who are interested in the covenant, will in due time have the comfort of it.
The LORD "will rejoice over them to do them good;" he will delight that "nothing is too hard for him," and that he can make the objects of his love as happy as he pleases: and he will never leave them nor forsake them, till he has planted them in his courts above, "with his whole heart and soul." Let us then bear up under our trials, assured that we shall obtain all the good which he has promised us, and far beyond our highest conceptions of
When we have meditated, with prayer and it. VOL. IV.
ake the
[369 thereof, the LORD that formed it, to estab- their iniquity, whereby they have sinned lish it; * the Lord is his name; 3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and things, which thou knowest not.
mighty
4 For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are e thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword;
5 They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but it is to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have slain in mine anger and in my fury, and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city.
6 Behold, h I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.
7 And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, 1 and will build them as at the first.
against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against
me.
9 And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honor before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall Pfear and tremble for all the goodness, and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.
10 Thus saith the LORD; Again there shall be heard in this place, (which ye say shall be desolate without man and without beast, even in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man, and without inhabitant, and without beast,)
11 The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the Lord of hosts, for the LORD is good, for his mercy en dureth for ever; and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house For I will cause to re
i Ex. 34:6. Ps. 37:11. 72:7.85: Ps. 50:15. 91:15. 10-12. Is. 2:4. 11:59. 26:2 of the LORD.
145:18. Is. 55:6,7. 65:24. Joel 2:32. Luke 11:9,10. Acts 2: 21. Rom. 10:12,13. 1 Cor. 1 : 2.
d Mic. 7:15. Eph. 3:20. † Heb. hidden. Ps. 25:14. Is. 45:3. 48:6. Am. 3:7. Matt. 13:35. 1 Cor. 2:7-11. Rev. 2:17.
e 32:24. Ez. 4:2. 21:22. 26:8. Hab. 1:10.
f 21:4-7. 32:5. 37:9,10. g 18:17. 21:10. Deut. 31:17. 32:20. Is. 1:15,16. 8:17. 64:7. Ez. 39:23,24,29. Mic. 3:4.
-4.30.26. 33:15-18. 39.8.
48:17,18. 54:13. 66:12. Mic.
4:3. Gal. 5:22,23. Eph. 6:23. k 11,26. See on 23:3. 29:14. 30: 3. 32:44. Ps. 14:7. 85:1. 126: 1,4. Is. 11:12, &c. Zeph. 3: 20.
124:6. 30:20. 31:4,28. 42:10. Is. 1:26. Hos. 2:15. Am. 9:14, 15. Mic 17:14,15. Zech. 1:17. m 31:34. 50:20. Ps. 51:2. 65:3. 85:2,3. Is. 40:2. 44:22. 56:7. Ez. 36:25,33. Joel 3:21. Mic. 7:18,19. Zech. 13:1. Heb. 9: 11-14. 1 John 1:7-9.
NOTES.
CHAP. XXIII. V. 1, 2. (Note, 32:1-3.) Maker, &c. (2) This may either refer to the creation and establishment of the earth; or to the formation and establishment of the church, of which Jerusalem was a type. The Lord had formed and established that holy city, and he would renew his mercies to her. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref .)
V. 3. Jeremiah had prayed; and, in answer to his prayers, had received gracious intimations of manifold blessings in reserve for Israel, yet connected with plain declarations that his intercession would not prevail for averting the impending judgments: but he was encouraged still to call on the LORD, who promised to reveal to him yet more glorious things, which hitherto he had not been acquainted with, or in a very imperfect manner. ( Notes , 14:10-12. 15:1. 29:10-14.) The verse may, however, be understood as an encouragement to the church, or to Israel as a nation, to call upon God for the blessings afterwards predicted. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . )
V. 4. Mounts, &c.] Either battering rams, or engines from which to throw stones. ( Note , 32:16-25, ν. 24.)
V. 5. The allies who came to assist the Jews, or the Jews themselves, effected nothing by resisting the Chaldeans, except the prolongation and increase of their own miseries: whilst their houses were filled with the dead bodies of such, as the Lord slew by famine, pestilence, and the sword. ( Marg . Ref . )
turn the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.
n 13:11. 31:4. Ps. 126:2,3. Is. 62:2,3,12. Zeph. 3:17-20. Zech. 8:20-23.
ο 26:6, 29:1. 44:8.
p Ex. 15:14-16. 2 Chr. 20:29. Neh. 6:16. Esth. 8:17. Ps. 40: 3. Is. 60:5. Hos. 3:5. Mic. 7: 16,17. Zech. 12:2.
q See on 32:36,43. Ez. 37:11. r 7:34. 16:9. 25:10. John 3:29. Rev. 18:23.
s 31:12-14. Ezra 3:11-13.6: 22. Neh. 8:12. 12:43. Is. 12: 1-6. 51:11. 52:9. Zeph. 3:14. Zech. 8:19. 9:17. 10:7.
1 Chr. 16:34. 2 Chr. 5:13. 7: 3. 20:21. Ezra 3:11. Ps. 106: 1. 107:1. 118:1-4. 136:1-26. u Lev. 7:12,13. 2 Chr. 29:31. Ps. 107:22. 116:17. Jon. 2:9. Heb. 13:15. v See on 7,26.
V.6-9. ( Notes , 17:14. 30:2,3,12–18. Hos. 6: 1-3.) All human efforts, to close the wounds and heal the maladies of Zion, only made them worse: but in due time the Lord intended to apply effectual remedies; to re-establish her civil and ecclesiastical state; and to make known to her inhabitants the abundance of his mercy in being reconciled to them, of peace and prosperity to be found in his service, and of his truth in performing his promises.
For he meant to cleanse them from both the pollution and guilt of their sins: and then they would be an accepted, holy, and happy people, in whom he would delight, and be glorified, in the sight of the nations; who would be filled with astonishment and consternation, lest the power which had so prospered Israel, should punish them for their enmity and injuries against them. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , Ex . 15:1416. Neh . 6:16,17. Esth . 6:12,13.
Is . 62:6,7. 2 Thes . 1:8-10.) - As the return of "the captivity of Israel," as well as of Judah, is predicted; future events, respecting the nation of Israel, will form a more signal accomplishment than any which has hitherto taken place.
Abundance , &c. (6) This word is differently rendered; but not so as materially to affect the meaning.-'I will reveal to them the door of 'repentance.' Targum . "I will grant their prayer for peace and truth." Blayney . An abundant answer to prayer seems to be meant. ( Acts 11:18. 14:2,7.)
V. 10, 11. ( Notes , 16:8,9. 30:19-22. The LORD is good , &c. (11) Notes , Ezra 3:8-11.
12 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.
13 In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth them , saith the LORD.
[Practical Observations.]
14 Behold, a the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing, which I have promised unto the house of Israel, and to the house of Judah.
15 In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.
16 In those days d shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, *The LORD our Righteousness.
17 For thus saith the LORD; David | 5. 53:2. Ez. 17:22,23. Zech.
32:43. 36:29. 51:62.
y See on 17:26. 31:24.-32:44. 50:19. Is. 65:10. Ez. 34:12 -14. 36:8-11. Ob. 19,20. Zeph. 2:6,7.
z Lev. 27:32. Luke 15:4. John 10:3,4.
a 31:27,31-34.32:38-41. Gen. 22:18. 49:10. 1 Chr. 17:13,14. Is. 7:14. 9:6,7. 32:1,2. Ez. 34: 23-25. Dan. 2:44. 7:13, 14. 9:25. Am. 9:11. Mic. 5:2. Zeph. 3:15-17. Hag. 2:6-9. Zech. 9:9,10. Mal. 3:1. Luke 1:69,70, 2:10,11. 10:24. Acts 13:32,33. 2 Cor. 1:20. Heb. 11:40. 1 Pet. 1:10-13. Rev. 19:10.
b See on 23:5,6. Is. 4:2. 11:1
3:8. 6:12.
c 2 Sam. 23:2,3. Ps. 45:4,7. 72:1-5. Is. 9:7. 11:2-5. 32:
1,2. John 5:22-29. Heb. 1: 8,9. 7:1,2. Rev. 19:11.
d. See on 23:6.-15. 45:17,22. Rom. 11:26.
e 32:37. Deut. 33:12,28. Ez. 28:26. 34:25-28. 38:8.
* JEHOVAH-tsidkenu. 23:6. Is. 45:24,25. 1 Cor. 1:30. 2 Cor. 5:21. Phil. 3:9. 2 Pet.
1:1.
† Heb. There shall not be cut off from David. 35:19. 2 Sam. 3:29. 1 Kings 8:25. margins.
shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel.
18 Neither & shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt - offer ings, and to kindle meat-offerings, and to do sacrifice continually.
19 And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying,
20 Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season;
21 Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, k that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.
22 Asm the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured; so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.
23Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,
24 Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? 9 Thus they have despised
f 2 Sam. 7:16. 1 Kings 2:4. 1 Chr. 17:11-14,27. Ps. 89:29 -37. Luke 1:32,33.
g Is. 56:7. 61:6. Ez. 43:19- 27. 44:9-11. 45:5. Rom. 12: 1. 15:16. Heb. 13:15,16. 1 Pet. 2:5,9. Rev. 1:6. 5:10. h 25,26.
See on 31:35,36.- Gen. 8:22. Ps. 89:37. 104:19 -23. Is. 54:9, 10.
i 2 Sam. 23:5. 2 Chr. 7:18. 21: 7. Ps. 89:34. 132:11,12,17. Is. 55:3. Matt. 24:35. Luke 1: 69,70.
k Is. 9:6,7. Dan. 7:14. Luke
1:32,33.
1 See on 18. Rev. 5:10. m 31:37. Gen. 13:16. 15:5. 22: 17. 28:14. Hos. 1:10. Heb. 11:12. Rev. 7:9.
n Ps. 22:30. 89:3,4,29. Is. 53:10 -12. Ez. 37:24-27. Zech. 12:8.
o Is. 66:21. Ez. 44:15. p 21,22. Ps. 94:14. Rom. 11: 1-6.
q Neh. 4:2-4. Esth. 3:6-8. Ps. 44:13,14. 71:11. 83:4. 123: 3,4. Lam. 2:15,16. 4:15. Ez. 25:3. 26:2. 35:10-15. 36:2.
(to be his peculiar people) "is the Lord our
-The mention, (in the midst of the dire calamities, to which the Jews were at this time sub- 'Righteousness." All the righteousness of the
jected,) of that joyful song of praise, which had been so often used to express the lively gratitude and admiring love of the most eminent saints, in the most prosperous times, is peculiarly striking; especially as connected with the joy expressed, during prosperity, in the common concerns of life, and shewing, that these also would be conducted with a hearty regard to the will and glory of God. ( Notes , 25:10. 32:36--44. 1 Chr . 16:34--36. 2 Chr . 20: 20,21. Ps . 136:1--3, v . 1.)—“Kimchi observes 'on the place, that none but eucharistical sac'rifices shall be in use in the times of the Mes
'sias.' Lowth .
V. 12, 13. Marg. Ref. Notes, 17:19-27, v. 26. 32:42-44.
V. 14-16. (See on Note , 23:5,6.) In the passage referred to, "The LORD our Righteousness" is given as the name of the Messiah; but here the church is thus called. The priviege, in which above all other she glories, is, that JEHOVAH is her Righteousness: and this is the peculiarity, which distinguishes true believers from all other persons on earth. ( Marg . and Marg. Ref. Is. 61:10,11, 62:10-12.)-The words, however, are more literally rendered in an old translation, favored by many eminently learned men; "and he, who shall call her,"
'faithful, both their justification and sanctifi'cation, is derived from him. Lowth .
V. 17, 18. Christ is both the King and High Priest of his church: in him the covenant of royalty made with David and his seed, and that of priesthood made with Aaron and his seed and brethren, received their full comple. tion: and all the sacrifices of that dispensation were superseded by his "one oblation of himself," the efficacy of which remains for ever. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 2 Sam . 7:12– 16, v. 16. Ps . 89:19-37, υυ . 29,36. 110:1,4. Zech . 6:12,13. Luke 1:26-33.
Heb . 7:) But the continuance of a regular ministry Christians, and the privileges of believers, who are "a royal priesthood," under Christ the High Priest, seem also to be predicted: ( Marg . Ref . g.- Notes , 1 Pet . 2:4-6,9,10. Rev. 1:4-6, v. 6. 5:8-10, v. 10.) and in this latter sense it is afterwards said, (22) that the seed of David and the Levites would be multiplied as the sand of the sea. ( Notes , Is . 61:4-6, ν . 6. 66:19 -23, v . 21.)-Probably, a more literal accomplishment will hereafter be witnessed: but I do not presume to state particularly the events which may be expected.
V. 19-22. Marg . Ref . Notes , 17,18. 31:35 -37. Gen. 8:20-22. Is . 54:6-10.
my people, that they should be no more a nation before them.
25 Thus saith the LORD; If my covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth;
26 Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, so that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for
"I will cause their captivity to return, and dominion, and all the people, fought against
V. 23--26. (See on Notes , 17-22. 32:4244.) Despised , &c. (24) The Jews despised the privilege of being the people of God, when they were driven out of Canaan for their sins; and the nations despised them, as if no more to be a people: but the Lord intended to restore them from their captivity, to raise up Christ among them; and at length to reinstate the seed of Israel in their own land, and in all their distinguished privileges; and thus in all respects to perform the mercy promised to their fathers.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-13.
Jerusalem, and against all the cities thereof, saying,
2 Thus saith the LORD, the God of Is
a 7. 32:2.39:1-3. 52:4. 2 Kings 25:1-9.2 Chr. 36:12-17.
b 27:5-7. Dan. 2:37,38. 4:1,
22. 5:19.
* Heb. the dominion of his
hand.
their enmity against those whom he "delighteth to honor." Thus they tremble at the view of the prosperity and joy of believers, and are led to inquire after his salvation, and at length to partake of it; while others are over-awed, and kept from doing them further injury.The Lord will hide his face from his people for their sins; yet he will return to repair the desolations of his church: and, notwithstanding interruptions, "the voice of joy and thanksgiving gi sha shall be heard in the dwellings of the righteous." Whilst they praise they praise him for his everlasting mercy, they cannot but rejoice in him; and their sacrifices of praise are highly acceptable and honorable to him, when presented in the name of his beloved Son. ( Notes , Col. 3:16,17. 3:16,17.
Heb . 13:15,16. 1 Pet . 4:9-11.) Where he gives righteousness and peace, he will supply all temporal wants: and our relations and possessions will be comfortable to us, in proportion as they are "sanctified by the word of God and prayer," and improved as talents to his glory, and the benefit of our brethren and neighbors.
Our gracious God more values, favors, and honors his faithful servants in a prison, than ungodly princes on their thrones, or hypocritical priests in the temple: and his presence and consolations can make any situation pleasant.--He, who created and upholds the earth, forms and establishes the church; and no power can prevail against him. All blessings must be sought by fervent prayer, which the Lord never fails to answer. The trembling sinner, when he begins to "call upon God," soon discovers and experiences such glory and blessedness, as before he could not have conceived. And as the believer continues to poured to his church: and, as he fulfilled his word,
V. 14-26.
When the Lord's time comes, he will "perform every good thing" which he hath promisin giving his Son to he the sacrifice for our sins and "the LORD our Righteousness," whe was emphatically "that Good thing promised to the house of Israel," it would be the most inexcusable incredulity, to question the performance of any of his other engagements. Through this our righteous King, who reigns on the throne of David, and is our High "Priest upon his throne," let us bring our spiritual "sacrifices continually, giving thanks" to our God and Father by him.
Let us pray, that the royal priesthood may be multiplied, as the sand of the sea: and, in order to this, that able and faithful ministers may be sent forth into every place, to call sinners to the knowledge of salvation, and to excite his people to glorify God with their lips and in their lives.
Whilst we value our privileges, as the people of God, let us not despise those families, which were of old his chosen, though for a time they seem to be cast off: for as he has appointed the ordinances of lieaven and earth, and the sun and moon know their appointed seasons; so surely will he cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them: and as he, who rules over the whole spiritual seed of Abraham, sprang from that nation according to the flesh; he will deem his honor concerned in bringing them again into his church, and restoring them
out his prayers and supplications, in his own behalf, and that of others, near and afar off; he is led further and further in the same way, and finds in every thing, that God is "able to do exceeding abundantly for him, above all that he can ask or think." ( Note , Eph . 3:20, 21.) But when the saint shall arrive in heaven, what great, what glorious, what "hidden things" will be shewn him, when he shall see the divine Savior as he is, be made like him, and "know even as he is known!"-When sinners are suffering under divine corrections, or trembling for fear of the wrath to come; they only increase and prolong their miscries, by delaying to submit to God: but when they cast themselves unreservedly on his mercy, he brings "health and cure" to their souls, and "reveals to them the abundance of peace and truth." His sanctifying grace and pardoning mercy are inseparably connected: he certainly pardons all whom he cleanses; and cleanses all whom he pardons: they who are thus "washed, and sanctified, and justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God," are enabled to walk before him in peace and purity; and he "takes pleasure in them," and "is glorified by them" and in his goodness to them, before those "that are without." Many are thus led to perceive a real difference between the people of God, and the to their former privileges. (Notes, Rom . 11:1 worid around them; and to fear his wrath for||-6,11-32.)
rael; Go, and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD; d Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.
3 And thou shalt not escape out of his hand, but shalt surely be taken, and delivered into his hand; and thine eyes shall behold the eyes of the king of Babylon, and he shall speak with thee mouth to mouth, and thou shalt go to Babylon.
4 Yet hear the word of the LORD, O Zedekiah king of Judah; Thus saith the LORD of thee, Thou shalt not die by the sword;
5 But thou shalt die in peace: hand with the burnings of thy fathers, the former kings which were before thee, so shall they burn odors for thee; and they will lament thee, saying , Ah, lord! for I have pronounced the word, saith the LORD.
6 Then Jeremiah the prophet i spake all these words unto Zedekiah king of Judah in Jerusalem,
7 When the king of Babylon's army fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against 1 Lachish, and against Azekah: for these defenced cities remained of the cities of Judah.
8 This is the word that came unto
с 22:1,2. 37:1-4. 2 Chr. 36:11, 12.
d See on 21:4,10. 32:3,28,29.37:8-10. 38:23. 39:8.
e 21. 21:7. 32:4. 37:17. 38:18. 39:4,5. 52:7-9. 2 Kings 25: 4,5.
f 39:6,7. 52:10,11. 2 Kings 25: 6,7. Ez. 12:13. 17:18-20.21: 25.
Heb. his mouth shall speak to thy mouth. g 2 Kings 22:20. 2 Chr. 34:28.
Ez. 17:16.
h 2 Chr. 16.14. 21:19. i See on 22:18.-2 Chr. 21:20. Lam. 4:20.
j1 Sam. 3:18. 15:16-24. 2 Sam. 12:7-12. 1 Kings 21:19. 22: 14. Ez. 2:7. Matt. 14:4, Acts 20:27.
k See on 1.- 4:5. 8:14. 11:12. Deut. 28:52.
Jeremiah from the Lord, after that the king Zedekiah "had made a covenant with all the people which were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty unto them;
9 That every man should let his manservant, and every man his maid-servant, being Pan Hebrew or an Hebrewess, go free; that none should serve himself of them, to wit , of a Jew his brother.
10 Now when all the princes, and all the people, which had entered into the covenant, heard that every one should let his man-servant, and every one his maidservant, go free, that none should serve themselves of them any more, then they obeyed and let them go.
11 But afterward they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants
and for handmaids.
12 Therefore the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying,
13 Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel; " I made a covenant with your fathers, in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondmen, saying,
14 At the end of
n 2 Kings 11:17. 23:2,3. 2 Chr. 15:12-15. 23:16. 29:10. 34:30 -33. Neh. 9:38. 10:1, &c. o See on 14,17.-Ex. 21:2-4. 23:10,11. Lev. 25:10,39-46. Deut. 15:12. Neh. 5:1-13. Is. 61:1.
p Gen. 14:13. 40:15. Ex. 2:6. 3:18. Deut. 15:12. 1 Sam. 4.6,9. 14:11. 2 Cor. 11:22. Phil. 3:5. q 10. 25:14. 27:7. 30:8. r 26:10,16. 36:12,24,25. 38:4.
s 3:10,11. Is. 29:13. Mark 6:20.
1 Josh. 10:3,11. 15:35,39. 2 121. 37:5. Ex. 8:8,15. 9:28,54, Kings 19:8. Mic. 1:13. m 2 Chr. 11:5-10. 27:4.
NOTES.