CHAP. XLII. V. 1-6. It is not said, by what means Jeremiah escaped the sword of Ishmael; but the Lord took care of him according to his promises. -The princes seem to have
the Lord bounds and over-rules the wicked-wholly neglected him; till on this occasion,
ness of ungodly men; and provides for the accomplishment of his own wise designs, whether of judgment or of mercy.-As death, in such varied forms, meets men in those places where they least expect it, we should continually inquire, whether we be in such a state and frame of mind, as we should desire to be found in, when called to appear before our Judge. And, as men readily give all their substance to ransom their lives, how ready should we be to forsake all for the salvation of our souls! If our hearts delight in the ordinances of God, and are disposed to sympathize in the afflictions of his people, and to regard the interests of true religion as our interests, death can do us no harm; but will remove us to that happy place, where "all tears will be wiped from our eyes." They, who are most savage in their
they wanted to obtain his sanction, to their purpose of going to Egypt. In order to induce him to hem, theapplied der induch
one consent, in the most respectful and plausible manner: they used language, suited to prepossess him with a favorable opinion of them, and to move his compassion: and, in words expressing great humility, they entreated his prayers in their behalf, and that he would inquire of the Lord what he would have them to do; seeing a very small remnant out of inmense numbers, now remained. The prophet readily acquiesced; and doubted not that he should receive an answer from God, which he would unreservedly declare to them: ( Notes 1 Sam . 3:16-18. Acts 20:18-27, vv . 20,27.) and they called the Lord to witness, that they would implicitly follow his directions, what
cruelty, to those who are not prepared to re-ever they were, "that it might be well with
sist them, are often most cowardly when vigorously opposed. The success of villany must be short lived: and though base murderers and traitors may for a time escape vengeance, yet "evil pursueth" and will certainly overtake them. But how soon may our most promising appearances of worldly prosperity vanish as a dream! And how impossible is it, that any can prosper, who harden their hearts against God! The removal of a prudent, peaceable, and equitable ruler, and the succession of VOL. IV.
them." The words, "Whether it be good, or whether it be bad," rather may be thought to imply, that they supposed Jeremiah would answer according to his own discretion, rather than that he would deliver the unerring counsel of God: yet perhaps they only meant, whether his answer were coincident with their inclinations, or the contrary. -'It is the con'stant method of hypocrites, to pretend a pro'found submission to the will of God, till that 'comes to cross their inclinations or interest.' [393
7 And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah.
8 Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,
9 And said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him; 10 If ye will still abide in this land, * then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up: for "I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.
11 Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: * for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.
12 And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land.
13 But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land, neither obey the voice of the LORD your God;
14 Saying, No; but a we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, bnor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will
we dwell:
See on 1. 40:8,13. 41:11-16. 43:2-5.
See on 2.-2 Kings 19:4,6,20, &c. 22:15-20.
$ Gen. 26:2,3. Ps. 37:3.
t 24:6. 31:28. 33:7. Ps. 69:35. 102:16. Ez. 36:36. Acts 15:16. u 18:7-10. 26:19. Ex. 32:14. Deut. 32:36. Judg. 2:18. 2 Sam. 24:16. Ps. 106:45. Hos. 11:8. Joel 2:13. Am. 7:3,6. Jon. 3:10. 4:2.
x 1:19. 15:20. Deut. 20:4. Josh. 1:5,9. 2 Chr. 32:7,8, Ps. 46: 7,11. Is. 8:8-10. 41:10. 43:2. Matt. 28:20. Acts 13:10. Rom. 8:31. 2 Tim. 4:17,18.
y Neh. 1:11. Ps. 106:45,46. Prov. 16:7.
z 10. 44:16. Ex. 5:2. a 41:17. 43:7. Deut. 29:19. Is. 30:16,17. 31:1. b 4:19,21.
Ex. 16:3. 17:3. Num. 11:5, 16:13.
Lowth . May shew, &c. (3) Notes, 6:16,17. 1 Kings 8:35,36. Ps . 143:8-10.- A true and faithful witness. (5) Marg . Ref.1 .- Note , Rev. 3:14-16, ν . 14.
V. 7-9. ( Marg . Ref .) The prophet waited for a revelation from God, in answer to the inquiries of the people; who saw good to delay for some time to make known his will; perhaps to shew them, that Jeremiah did not speak of his own mind, but when and as he was directed. The delay was also suited to give time for sideration, and to retard the execution of their rash projects: and, as it would render theam impatient, it tended also to detect their ocrisy, and to shew more clearly their de
hypocrisy, terinined rebellion against God.
V. 10--12. Marg . Ref . Notes , 7:5-7. 17:19 -27. 18:7-10.- I repent , &c. (10) The Lord was ready to alter his conduct towards the people, provided they would obey his voice. He delighted not in their miseries, but was ready to terminate them, as soon as it could consist with his justice and the honor of his name.--'God is said to repent, when he al'ters the outward methods of his providence. The punishments the Jews had received, 'had_made satisfaction to his justice, as far as 394]
15 And now therefore hear the word of the LORD, ye remnant of Judah, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there;
16 Then it shall come to pass, d that the sword, which ye feared, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine, whereof ye were afraid, shall * follow close after you there in Egypt; and there ye shall die.
17 So shall it be with all the men that set their faces to go into Egypt to sojourn there; they shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: and& none of them shall remain or escape from the evil that I will bring upon them.
18 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; h As mine anger and my fury hath been poured forth upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so shall my fury be poured forth upon you, when ye shall enter into Egypt; and ye shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach, and ye shall see this place no more.
19 The LORD hath said concerning you, O ye remnant of Judah; * Go ye not into Egypt: 'know certainly that I have admonished you this day.
с 17. 44:12-14. Gen. 31:21. Deut. 17:16. Dan. 11:17. Luke 9:51.
11. Ez. 22:22. Dan. 9:11,27. Nah. 1:6. Rev. 14:10. 16:2,
&c.
d 13. 44:27. Deut. 28:15,22,45. i 18:16. 24:9. 25:9. 29:18,22. 44: Prov. 13:21. Ez. 11:8. Am. 9:1-4. Zech. 1:6. John 11: 48.
* Heb. cleave after you. 2 Kings 5:27.
e 44:11,12,27.
Heb. all the men be.
f 22. See on 24:10. 44:14. g 44:28.
h 6:11. 7:20. 39:1-9. 52:4,&c. 2 Kings 25:4,&c. 2 Chr. 34: 25. 36:16-19. Lam. 2:4. 4:
12. Deut. 29:21,22. 1 Kings 9:7-9. Is. 65:15. Zech. 8:13. j 22:10-12,27.
k Deut. 17:16. Is. 30:1-7.31: 1-3. Ez. 17:15.
138:21. Ez. 3:21. Acts 20:26, 27.
testified against.
† Heb. Deut. 31:21.
2 Chr. 24:19.
Neh. 9:26,29,30. Acts 2:40.
Eph. 4:17. 1 Thes. 4:6.
' concerns this world ; and he would not continue 'the same severity unless they gave him a new 'provocation.' Lowth . (Note, Gen. 6:6,7.)-Be not afraid. (11) Note , 41:16--18.
He may , &c. (12) 'I will incline the king of Babylon to take pity on you;... and so settle 'you in your own country.' Lowth . ( Notes , Prov. 16:7. 21:1.)-He should cause them to re turn to their cities and inheritances; and not live in that unsettled manner which they then did.
V. 13-17. ( Marg . Ref .) 'Thus God turneth 'the policy of the wicked to their own destruc'tion; for they thought themselves safe in Egypt; and there Nebuchadnezzar destroyed 'them and the Egyptians.' ( Notes , 43:8-13. 44: 26-30. Is . 30:15-17. John 11:47,48.)- If ye wholly set your faces . (15) Luke 9:51.
V. 18. The people had witnessed the tremendous effects of the wrath of God, in the siege and destruction of Jerusalem: and had they not been passed feeling, this denunciation must have made their ears to tingle, and appalled their very souls. (Marg. Ref . Note, Prov . 29:1.)
'tection, was in effect refusing to submit to the V. 19. The Jews going into Egypt for pro
king of Babylon, to whom God nad decreed 'the government of Judea, and all the neigh'boring countries. (27:6.)' Lowth . ( Notes , 25:8 -12. 27:4-15. 38:1-6.) - Admonished .] "Testified against." Marg . -( Note , 1-6, v . 5.)
boring
our inclinations: and not only will it be well with us at last, if we "obey the voice of the LORD our God;" but "in keeping of his precepts there is great reward."--Those who would know the mind of God in doubtful cases, must wait as well as pray. "He that believeth will not make haste," but will stay till he is satis
V. 20-22. God made known to the prophet the dissimulation of the princes and people: and their conduct, when he delivered his mes- fied, or obliged to decide: but unbelief and self
sage, seems to have indicated a determination to disobey it. He did not therefore shun to charge the matter home on their consciences, and to denounce the awful judgments of God against them; though they had shewn him much respect, and had him entirely in their power. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 18. 26: 12-15.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Numbers have a general persuasion, that the instructions given them from the word of God are right and good; but they do not so decidedly believe them, as to yield obedience when self-denial is requisite: they however desire that faithful ministers should sanction their measures, and in urgent cases entreat an interest in their prayers.
Many also learn the language of piety, and can, upon occasion, use it very plausibly: they profess great respect for the servants of God, and become their supplicants for their own selfish purposes: they impose upon them, and recommend themselves to their compassion and good-will; and make them think, that they desire to "know the way in which they may walk, and the thing that they may do." There is, however, no harm done, if ministers entertain better hopes of men than they deserve; provided they be only induced to pray for them, and to declare the word of God, without reserve or discouragement: for they should on all occasions be ready to do this for every one, whether great or small.
But many, who promise, with much solemnity, to do whatever the Lord requires, so long as they can hope to have their pride flattered, and their favorite inclinations gratified; cannot endure to be contradicted, or called to exercise elf-denial: and generally, something in the anguage of such persons, betrays the state of their hearts to those, who "have their senses exercised to discern good and evil." For how could men, if they were not greatly attached to their own wills, suppose that the Lord would require of them any thing evil in itself, or prejudicial to them?
All his commands are holy, just, and good, however they may thwart
will are impatient; and the Lord often delays to answer prayer, that he may distinguish betwixt the humble believer, who must wait at mercy's door till it be opened; and the alarmed hypocrite, who, like Saul, will soon apply elsewhere, if he do not find the encouragement and success which he expected. ( Note , 1 Chr . 10:13,14.)--It is as vain as it is impious, to attempt imposing upon God. He will, however, always give encouragement to sinners, who apply apply for it in his appointed way.
He is ever ready to return in mercy to those whom he has afflicted, and to pardon the penitent; for "he delighteth not in the death of a sinner, but rather that he should repent and live:" and he never rejects those, who rely on his promises and obey bey his commandments.--Whatever loss or suffering we may sustain from obedience, it is provided against in his word: and he has engaged to protect and deliver all who trust and serve him.
But if men will "not abide his counsel," or obey his voice; if they will "lean to their own understandings," instead of trusting in his guidance; ( Note , Prov . 3:5,6.) if they will expect security from trouble and danger by disobedience, and obstinately pursue their worldly projects; either the evils which they feared, or far worse, will come upon them, from which they will not be able to escape.
And they, who copy the crimes of those, on whom "the anger and fury of the Lord hath been poured out," will in their turn also be made "an execration, an astonishment, a curse, and a reproach." These things must be urged on the consciences of men, without respect of persons; nor must the servants of God shun to declare his whole counsel, out of regard to their rank, fear of their frown, or even gratitude for favors conferred on themselves. But no sinners should be rebuked with such sharpness, as those who have dissembled with God, in their solemn professions and inquiries after his will.
This often appears in their conduct, for actions speak more plainly than words: and when it is thus made manifest, that "they will not obey the voice of God," they must be plainly told that his "wrath abideth on them."
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miah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD || and hide them in the clay in the brickour God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there;
3 But Baruch the son of Neriah setteth thee on against us, for to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they might put us to death, and carry us away captive into Babylon.
4 So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, obeyed not the voice of the LORD, to dwell in the land of Judah.
5 But Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, took all the remnant of Judah, that were returned from all nations, whither they had been driven, to dwell in the land of Judah;
6 Even men, and women, and children, and the king's daughters, and every person that Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Jeremiah the prophet, and Baruch the son of Neriah.
7 So they came into the land of Egypt; for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes.
8 Then P came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,
9 Take great stones in thine hand,
f 5:12,13. 2 Chr. 36:13. Is. In Ec. 9:1,2. Lam. 3:1. John 21:18. 7:9.
kiln, which is at the entry of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah;
10 And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid: and he shall spread u his royal pavilion over them.
11 And when he cometh, * he shall smite the land of Egypt; and delivery such as are for death to death; and such as are for captivity to captivity; and such as are for the sword to the sword.
12 And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives; and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.
13 He shall break also the * images of † Beth-shemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.
q 13:1,&c. 18:2, &c. 19:1,&c. 51:63,64. 1 Kings 11:29-31. y See on 15:2.-44:13. Job 20:
Is. 20:1-4. Ez. 4:1, &c. 5:1, &c. 12:3, &c. Hos. 12:10.
Acts 21:11. Rev. 18:21.
NOTES.