CHAP. III.
The prophet bitterly bewails his complicated sufferings, 1-20. He acknowledges the mercy and truth of God, and the benefit of afflictions, to be a proper ground of patient hope, 21-36. He exhorts his people to submit to the sovereignty of God, and humbly to turn unto him, 37-41. He mingles complaints with confessions of sin, 42-54. He appeals to God against his enemies, and beseeches him to execute judgment upon them, 55-66.
always be attempted, by condoling friends, and the ministers of God. Indeed this requires a delicate and cautious hand: and they are most fit for the difficult service, who actually share the sorrows of the distressed, and mingle compassionate tears with their warnings, instructions, and exhortations. ( P. O. Job 4:111.)
V. 13-22.
It is sometimes advisable, to allow those, who are in extreme affliction, to consider their sorrows as very great; and even to expatiate on the circumstances which most oppress them: and then to give the subject a religious turn, and shew that all their sorrows are deserved, and admit of redress; and that the sources of consolation are far greater, than their greatest griefs can be.
Indeed the topics, which philosophy suggests on such occasions, are very feeble and inadequate: it gives little support to the wounded and distressed heart, to hear that others have suffered the same or even greater afflictions; that they are the common lot of man, and cannot be avoided; or that it is more becoming and honorable to bear up under them, than to complain, and repine, and despoud.
But religion brings us more powerful supports; by leading us to consider the mercy of God, God, his readiness to pardon; his power to support and comfort; his wisdom, truth, and love, and the blessed effects of sanctified afflictions. When mourners are brought to cry to the Lord, and "pour our out their hearts before him;" they will not long hang down their heads unto the ground: for he can heal those breaches, which to all others are irreparable; and he will turn our earnest prayers, (though presented with sighs and tears,) into joyful praises. ( Notes and P. O.
Is . 12:) But, while we contemplate the scenes here set before us; and view the children perishing by famine, slain by the sword, or even made the horrid repast of their frantic mothers; and the prophets aud priests "slain in the sanctuary of
the LORD:" whilst we view the enemies of Jerusalem "clapping their hands, wagging their heads, gnashing their teeth, and saying, Is this the city, that men call the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?" and rejoicing in having at length obtained their advantage against her, and swallowed her up: and while on the other hand we consider, that in all this, God performed what he had devised and predicted many ages before; and remember for what and to whom he did this: let us learn to shun false teachers, who "speak smooth things and prophesy deceits;" who do not detect men's iniquities, but flatter them in their sins; and who thus bring ruin on churches and nations, and on the souls of countless multitudes.
Let us fear being deceived: let us beware of hypocrisy, and of trusting in our outward privileges: let us watch and pray against temptation; and learn to fear God, and walk humbly before him: and, "while we think we stand, let us take heed lest we fall."
NOTES.
been considered. It consists of the same number of stanzas, according to the number of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet: but every stanza is divided into three parts, or verses, each of which begins with the same Hebrew letter; the first three verses with Aleph , the three next with Beth , &c. and in one instance the order of the letters varies from that which is elsewhere observed. It also forms a distinct elegy, or lamentation, arranged differently from those which precede.
The prophet speaks throughout ut the whole, lamentin lamenting his afflictions, seeking co seeking consolatory topics, and giving counsel and encouragement to his fellow mourners. Some indeed understand it to be the language of a chorus of Jews, speaking as one person: but so many passages evidently refer to Jeremiah's own personal trials, that this interpretation seems inadmissible.
The subject of of the 'chapter is penitential meditations upon the 'prophet's own calamities, as well as those of the public; together with pious reflections 'upon the end which God proposes in sending 'afflictions, and the good use which men ought 'to make of such chastisements.' Lowth . I 'am the man that has seen this great affliction, 'which the Lord hath in just anger brought 'upon his people. Bp. Hall. Probably, he spake in his own person, as one who, besides his peculiar aflictions, shared largely in those of his nation, and sympathized with them in those from which he was most exempted.
He spake of himself as a public character, for the common benefit; being one of many, who thus shared and mourned over the calamities of Israel. - We have before met with some passages in the writings of Jeremiah, like the bitter complaints of Job: ( Notes , Jer . 15:10,15–18. 17: 15-18. 18:18-23. 20:14-18.) here we find various expressions similar to those used by that afflicted and tempted servant of God; and this favors the supposition, that he related the more gloomy and discouraging part of his own experience, and the way in which he found support and relief, as the best method of instructing and comforting his fellow sufferers.-In this view of the chapter, we consider the prophet addressing the afflicted Jews, in order to counsel and encourage them; and speaking as one, who knew the heart of mourners, and could sympathize with them.
He was "the man," who had been peculiarly conversant with affliction, having experienced the effects of God's anger, both for his own sins, and as sharing the punishment inflicted on his people. ( Notes , Heb . 2:16–18. 4:14—16.)—‘It is worthy to be observed, that Jeremiah, in endeavoring 'to promote resignation in his countrymen, 'represents his own deportment under afflictions, in terms which have a prophetic cast; 'so strikingly are they descriptive of the pa'tience and conduct of our Savior under his 'sufferings.
The prophet indeed, in the meek 'endurance of unmerited persecution, was an 'illustrious type of Christ. Gray's Key . ( Marg Ref .- Notes , Ps . 22: 38: 69: 88: Jer. 37:38:1
Seen, &c.] To see is often used by the He'brew writers, for to feel, taste, or to have ex'perimental knowledge of any thing. ( Ps . 49:9. Blayney .
CHAP. III. V. 1. The construction of this 89:48. 90:15. Jer. 14:13. 17:6,8. Luke 2:26.)' chapter differs from that of those, which havel
3 Surely against me is he turned: || Ppulled me in pieces: he hath made me he turneth his hand against me all the desolate. day.
4 My dflesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones.
5 He hath builded against me, and compassed me with &gall and travail.
6 He hath set me in dark places, as they that be dead of old.
12 He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow.
13 He hath caused the quiver to enter into my reins.
arrows of his
14 I was sa derision to all my people, and their song all the day.
bitter
15 He hath filled me with ness; he hath made me drunken with
7 He hath i hedged me about, that I cannot get out; he hath made my chain wormwood. heavy.
16 He hath also " broken my teeth with 8 Also when I cry and shout, he shut-gravel-stones; y he hath #covered me teth out my prayer.
9 He hath enclosed my ways with hewn stone; he hath made my paths crooked. 10 He was unto me as a bear lying
with ashes.
17 And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: a I forgat prosperity.
p Job 16:12,13. Ps. 50:22. Jer. 5:6. 51:20-22. Dan. 2:40 44. 7:23. Mic. 5:8.
in wait, and as a lion in secret places. 11 He hath turned aside my ways, and 91:13. Job 16:7. Is. 3:26. Jer.
e 2:4-7. Deut. 29:20. Job 31: | Jer. 38:6. Hos. 2:6. 21. Is. 1:25. 63:10.
d Job 16:8,9. Ps. 31:9,10.32:3. 38:2-8. 102:3-5、
e Ps. 22:14. 51:8. Is. 38:13. Jer. 50:17.
V. 2-9. The Lord had not sent his word to the Jews, by a man accustomed to ease and indulgence; but by one whom he had led into great darkness and distress, both in his outward circumstances and his inward experience. (Marg. Ref. b.-Notes, Is. 59:9-15. Jer. 13:15-17. Am . 5:18-20.) He had scarcely known prosperity or comfort all his days, but had always been acquainted with grief and sorrow. ( Is . 53:2,3, v. 3.) The Lord had so tried and distressed him in every thing, that he surely thought, (in the hour of temptation,) that God was turned to be his enemy, and con
6:8. 9:10,11. 19:8. 32:43. Matt. 23:38. Rev. 18:19.
60:3. Is. 51:17-22. Jer. 9:15. 23:15. 25:15-18,27.
† Heb. bitternesses.
u Job 4:10. Ps. 3:7. 58:6.
x Prov. 20:17. Matt. 7:9. Luke 11:11.
represent the state of the Jewish church, during the most afflictive period.
Shutteth , &c. (8) 'It is a great temptation to 'the godly when they see not the fruit of their 'prayers, and causeth them to think that they 'are not heard; which thing God useth to do, 'that they might pray more earnestly, and the 'oftener.
V. 10-13. The prophet seems to have enlarged on his discouragements, preparatory to the account which he intended to give of his supports and comforts. In the season of his trouble and temptation, the Lord became ter
tinually employed his power to afflict and pun-rible to him; as a bear or a lion, which sud
ish him. By a succession of sorrows, his body was emaciated, and he was put to great pain and anguish, as if his bones were broken. ( Marg . Ref . c—е.— Notes , 17-20. Job 16:6-16. Ps. 51:8. Is . 38:9-13.) God had builded against him, (as the Chaldeans had done against the city,) to exclude all relief from being brought to him, and to prevent his escape.
Thus he reduced him to extremities, and surrounded him with the most distressing troubles; which caused him to sink into such despondency, that he was like one cast into a dark dungeon or sepulchre, confined among the remains of the dead, and secluded from the comforts of the living. ( Marg . Ref . f--h.- Notes , 52--57.
Ps. 88:3-9. 143:3.) The entrance of this dismal cave was so barricadoed, that he could not get out; he was loaded with a heavy and galling chain, to increase his misery: and when in this situation he cried to God for help, he shut out his prayer; and would neither hear his requests for his own deliverance, nor for that of his people. Thus his path was closed up as by stone walls, and he was lost in a labyrinth, from which he could not extricate himself. ( Marg .
Ref . i-m.- Notes , Job 19:5-22.)All this seems to refer to the case of the prophet, when he was in the dungeon and the stocks; and to his inward experience erience during those trials: ( Notes , Job 30:20-24. Jer. 20:1-9. 37: 12-16.38:1--6.) but the language is extremely figurative; and might also be intended to
denly rushes from its covert upon the traveller, turís him out of his way, or tears him in pieces: ( Marg . Ref . n, o.- Notes , Job 10:14— 17. Hos . 5:13,14. 13:5-8.) for God had made him desolate, destroyed all his comforts, set him as a mark for his arrows, and wounded him by them in his vitals. ( Marg . Ref . p-r. -Notes , Job 6:1-4. 16:6-16. Ps . 38:1,2.)-In speaking of his own sufferings, he also referred to those of the Jews, in which he was so deeply interested: and some expressions may best suit his own case, and others that of the people. -Arrows . (13) "Sons of his quiver." Marg . A Hebraism.
V. 14-16. In the midst of his other troubles, the prophet was derided and insulted by the people, over whose approaching calamities he so pathetically mourned; and they made him the subject of their profane songs, for which they were at length made a derision and a song to their enemies. ( Marg . Ref . s.-63. Notes , Job 30:1-14. Ps . 69:10-12.) Thus the Lord filled him with bitterness, and intoxicat ed him with the nauseous cup, of which he made him to drink, instead of the cordials, which his case seemed to require. ( Marg . and Marg. Ref . t.- Notes , Ps. 60:1-3, v. 3. 75:8. Is . 51:17--23. Jer . 8:14--16, v . 14. 23:13-15, υ. 15. 25:15-18,27,28.) In the place of nourishing, palatable food, his bread was, as it were, mixed with gravel, which brake his teeth, and put him to great pain when he attempted to 18 And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:
25 The LORD is good unto them that to the soul that seeketh wait for him, him.
19 * Remembering mine affliction, and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. 26 It is good that a man should both 20 My sould hath them still in remem-Phope and a quietly wait for the salvation brance, and ist humbled in me.
[Practical Observations.]
21 This I recal to my mind; fore have I hope.
there
22 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, & because his compassions fail not.
every morning:
24 The LORD is my Portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
13,14,21,22. Mal. 3:6.
g Ps. 77:8. 86:15. Mic. 7:18, 19. Luke 1:50.
h Ps. 30:5. Is. 33:2. Zeph. 3:5. i Ex. 34:6,7. Ps. 36:5. 89:1,2, 33. 146:6. Tit. 1:2. Heb. 6: 18. 10:23.
k Ps. 16:5. 73:26. 119:57. 142: 5. Jer. 10:16. 51:19.
1 21. 1 Sam. 30:6. 1 Chr. 5: 20. Job 13:15,16 Ps. 31:24. 33:18. 42:11. 43:5. 62:8. 84: 12. Rom. 15:12,13. 1 Pet. 1:21.
eat: and he was covered with ashes, as a constant mourner and penitent. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . u, y.- Notes , Ps . 102:3--11. Is . 44:19,20.) V 17--20. Here the prophet, addressing himself to God, complained that he had removed his soul to the greatest distance from peace, and had made him forget prosperity, through a long continuance of adversity.-- So Joseph 'speaking of the seven years of famine, saith, that "plenty shall be forgotten in the land of 'Egypt." ( Gen. 41:30.) Lowth . (Marg. and Marg.
Ref . z, a.-- Note , Is 65:16.) He was even brought to the borders of despair; as if he could have no help from the Lord, or hope in him, both being perished together. These thoughts harassed him, whilst he ruminated on his complicated and bitter troubles; and the more he revolved them in his mind, the greater depression of spirits he experienced; being bowed down, not only in humiliation, but in deep dejection, as the word often means.
Thus 'with pain he was driven to and fro between 'hope and despair, as the godly oft-times are; 'yet in the end the spirit getteth the victory.' ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . b-d.- Notes , Job 7:711. Ps . 31:22.- Notes and P. О. 42: 43 :) Wormwood . (19) See on Note , 14--16, v . 15.
of the LORD.
27 It is good for a man, that he bea the yoke in his youth.
28 He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him. 29 He putteth his mouth in the dust; " if so be there may be hope.
30 He giveth smiteth him: he is proach.
* his cheek to him that filled full with re
m. 26. Gen. 49:18. Ps. 25:8. 27:14. $7-7,34. 39:7. 40:1-5. 62:1,5. 130:5. Is. 25:9. 30:18. 40:31. 64:4. Mic. 7:7,8. Zeph. 3:8. 1 Thes. 1:10. Jam. 5:7. n 1 Chr. 28:9. 2 Chr. 15:2. 19: 3. 30:19. 31:21. Ps. 22:26. 27: 8. 69:32. 105:3,4. 119:2. Is. 26:9. 55:6. Hos. 10:12.
o Ps. 52:9. 54:6. 73:28. 92:1. Gal. 4:18.
p Heb. 3:14. 10:35. 1 Pet. 1: 13.
166,174. 130:5. Is. 30:7,15. r Ps. 94:12. 119:71. Ec. 12: 1. Matt. 11:29,30. Heb. 12: 5-12.
s 2:10. Ps. 39:9. 102:7. Jer. 15:17.
t 2 Chr. 33:12. Job 40:4. 42:5, 6. Ez. 16:63. Rom. 3:19. u Joel 2:14. Jon. 3:9. Zeph. 2:3. Luke 15:18,19. 18:13.
x Job 16:10. Is. 50:6. Mic. 5: 1. Matt. 5:39. 26:67. Luke 6: 29. 2 Cor. 11:20.
q Gen. 49:18. Ex. 14:13. 2 y Ps. 69:9,20, 123:3. Chr. 20:17. Ps. 37:7,34. 119:
raised above them. ( Notes , Ps. 73: 77:) He recollected, under his temptations, that, as a sinner, he might have been cut off, and cast into the pit of destruction, and should certainly have thus perished, but for the mercies of God: while his people'
people would have been totally consumed, and no remnant of them left. As, however, the Lord had mercifully spared him, and had not utterly destroyed them; as his compassions were plenteous and unfailing, and every morning renewed to him, in the continuance of his life and many unmerited
benefits; and as God had given many precious promises to Israel and to every believer, and in his great faithfulness had always performed them to those who trusted in them: so he found there was yet encouragement to hope, and to exercise patience nce and repentance, in expectation of returning comfort. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 1 Sam . 7:12. Ps . 77-5-12. 106:40-48. Is . 63:15-19. 2 Cor . 1:8-11.2 Tim . 4:16-18.) - Therefore have I hope. (21) Or, Therefore I will hope.
V. 24, 25. It next occurred to the prophet, that whatever he lost or suffered, or witnessed of the sufferings of his people, his grand interest was secure. He was satisfied that JEHOVAH was his all-sufficient Portion. ( Marg . Ref . k, 1.-Notes, Gen. 15:1. Ps. 73:23-28, ν . 26. Jer. 10:16.) He was conscious, that he had chosen him as his Portion, and expected his happiness from him, and not from the world: and therefore he determined still to hope in him, and refer all his concerns to his wisdom, truth, and love. In this, he evidently proposed himself as an example to his people, that they might seek comfort from God, when all other comfort failed. ( Note , Hab . 3:17-19.) And, though they might not be able confident
V. 21--23. Some connect the twenty-first verse with what goes before: and our version, (with the paragraph generally placed before the next verse,) and the termination of the distich in the original, favors this interpretation. --Such was my wretched desponding state; 'yet I am delivered. I remember my despond'ency and am humbled for it; and also my un'expected past deliverances, which encourages 'my hope for the future.'--The generality of commentators, however, join it with the following verses.--"The reflections, set down in 'the following verses, are a sufficient ground ly to aver, that "the LORD was their Portion;" 31 For the LORD will not cast off for
'for our trust in God under the severest trials.' Lowth . I recal to mind these following con'siderations, and thereupon I conceive hope 'and comfort.' Bp . Hall . This connexion seems most obvious; according to which the prophet, having stated the extremity of his distress and temptation, proceeds to shew how he was
yet they might remember, that he was kind and merciful to those who waited for him and sought him. ( Marg . Ref . n.- Notes , 1 Chr . 16: 10,11. Is . 55:6,7.)
V. 26-30. The wisest, best, and most comfortable way, which the afflicted people could take, would be to watch against murmurs and
ever:
32 But a though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
33 For he doth not afflict * willingly, nor grieve the children of men.
34 To crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth,
36 To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord + approveth not.
37 Who is he that & saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
38 h Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?
39 Wherefore i doth a living man complain, k a man for the punishment of his
35 To turn aside the right of a man sins? before the face of the most High,
z 1 Sam. 12:22. Ps. 77:7. 94: 14. 103:8-10. Is. 54:7-10. 57:16. Jer. 31:37. 32:40. 33: 24. Mic. 7:18,19. Rom. 11:1 -6.
a 22. Ex. 2:23-25. 3:7. Judg. 10:16. 2 Kings 13:23. Ps. 78: 38. 103:11-13. 106:43-45. Jer. 31:20. Hos. 11:8,9. Luke 15:20.
b Is. 28:21. Ez. 18:32. 33:11.
Heb. 12:9,10.
* Heb. from his heart. c Is. 51:22,23. Jer. 50:17,33,34.
51:33-36.
d Ps. 69:33. 79:11. 102:20. Is. 14:17. 49:9. Zech. 9:11,12, e Ps. 12:5. 140:12. Prov. 17: 15. 22:22,23. 23:10,11. Zech. 1:15,16.
† Or, a superior.
f 2 Sam. 11:27. Is. 59:15. Hab. Is. 38:17-19. 1:13. Or , murmur .
Heb. seeth not.
g Ps. 33:9-11. Prov. 16:9. 19:21. 21:30. Is. 46:10,11. Dan. 4:35. Rom. 9:15,16. Eph. 1:11. Jam. 4:13-15. h Job 2:10. Ps. 75:7. Prov. 29:26. Is. 45:7. Am. 3:6. i 22. Num. 11:11. Prov. 19:3.
k Gen. 4:5-7,13,14. Lev. 26: 41,43. Num. 16:41. 17:12,13. Josh. 7:6-13. 2 Sam. 6:7,8. 2 Kings 3:13. 6:32,33. Ezra 9:13. Job 11:6. Is. 51:20. Jon. 2:3,4. 4:8,9. Mic. 7:9. Heb. 12:5-12. Rev. 16:9.
V.31-36. The sacred writer here suggested other consolatory topics. God had severely
despondency; to hope in God for support and deliverance; to submit resignedly to his will, and wait his time; to use appointed and prop-punished the nation of Israel, and cut off very
er means, and no other; and thus, in composure and confidence, to wait for the performance of his promises of temporal and eternal salvation. ( Marg . Ref . m. p, q.- Notes , Gen. 49: 18. Ex . 14:13,14. Ps . 27:13,14. 40:1-5. 62:1,2,5 -7. 130:5-8. Is . 30:18,19. 40:27--31. Mic. 7:5 -7, v. 7. Jam. 5:7,8.) This would be good in itself, honorable to God, and profitable to them.
It would also be good and useful to bear the yoke in youth: as it must be allowed to be beneficial, that young persons should be inured to hardship, subjection, and discipline; it must be also good for men to be early habituated to affliction, and resignation to the will of God; to learn subjection to his authority, and to bear his yoke. Such afflictions and disappointments would tend to take the thoughts off from the world, and to check the eagerness of men's pursuits and expectations.
Thus the sufferer would be induced to court solitude and retirement, and to employ himself in serious reflection; because he would perceive, that God had laid these burdens upon him: or, he would be led to take them patiently as from him. And, when he considered that the Lord afflicted men for their sins, and to bring them to repentance; he would "put his mouth in the dust," through through self-abasement, confessing his sins, and welcoming welcoming the chastisement; "if so be, there might be hope" " of "deliverance from the wrath to come." ( Marg . Ref . o.r-t.-- Notes , 2 Chr. 33:12,13.
Job 42:1 --6. Ps. 4:3-5, v . 4. Ez . 16:60--63. Matt . 11: 28--30. Rom . 3:19,20. Heb . 12:4--11.
Jam . 1:2 --4,9-12.) In this temper, the afflicted penitent would meekly yield to the injuries of men, as the correction of God: "give his cheek to the smiter," and patiently endure the reproaches, with which he should be loaded. (Note, 2 Sam . 16:5-14.) This Christ did, though without sin; and the penitent sufferer will learn to imitate his example.--The scope of the prophet was, to shew the advantages, which might be derived from afflictions: and as this consideration tended to compose his own mind; he proposed it to his people, in order to reconcile them to their sufferings, and to teach them to profit by them.-'He not only 'humbles himself in the sight of God; but like'wise patiently bears the ill treatment of men.
' Is . 50:6.' Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . x, y.-- Notes , Ps . 22:4--8. 69:8,9,16-20. 123:3,4. Is . 50:5,6. Mic . 5:1. Matt . 5:38-42, v. 39. 26:63--68, v . 67.)
great numbers. But he never rejected the penitent, cast off the believer, or meant to forsake his people Israel: there was therefore still hope, both in their personal and public concerns. ( Marg . Ref . z . - Notes , 1 Sam . 12:22. Ps . 77:5-12. Jer . 33:14-26. Rom . 11:1-6.) For the honor of his justice, holiness, and truth, the Lord often "caused grief:" yet his manifold and infinite mercies disposed him to compassionate the sufferers; and to relieve them, when their sorrows bad produced a salutary effect.
Even in his ordinary dealings with "the children of men," he did not willingly afflict them, or "from his heart," as taking pleasure in their sufferings, or without cause; but from a wise regard regard to his own glory, and the benefit of his universal kingdom. ( Marg , and Marg . Ref . a, b.-. Votes , Ez . 18:23. Heb . 12:4-11.) He was not like those oppressors, who delighted in crushing under their feet their prisoners or vassals; and who would thus enslave and trample down the whole earth, if they could.
Much less would the Lord delight in afflicting his people, who submitted and humbled themselves before him. And, as he did not use his power to oppress, or to do injustice, by prerogative; so he would never authorize it in others. He could not approve of those, who as in his presence deprived others of their right, or supplanted them in their causes: and therefore, as the Chaldeans had done the Jews great injustice; the latter might be sure, that God would in due time plead their cause against their oppressors. ( Marg , and Marg . Ref . c-f.- Notes , Is . 14:1,2. 47:6. 58:5-7.
Jer. 25:8-12. 50:1114.)
V. 37, 38. ( Marg . Ref . g, h.- Notes , Ps . 33: 10-12. Prov. 19:21. 21:30. 29:25,26. Is . 46:10, 11. Dan . 4:34-37. Acts 4:23-28.) 'The king of 'Babylon, and such haughty tyrants may boast 'of their power, as if it were equal to omnipo'tence: but still it is God's prerogative to bring 'to pass whatever he pleases, without any let 'or impediment, only by speaking or declaring 'his purpose, that the thing should be done, as 'he did at the beginning of the creation. ( Ps . 33:6.) And ever since nothing is brought to 'pass, but according to his determinate counsel 'and foreknowledge; who, as he makes men 'the instruments of his vengeance, so he can 'restrain their cruelty whenever he sees fit.... Do not calamities come from his will and dis'posal, as well as prosperity?" Lowth . When 40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.
41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. [Practical Observations.]
42 We have transgressed, and have rebelled: a thou hast not pardoned.
43 Thou hast covered with anger, and * persecuted us: t thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied.
44 Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through.
45 Thou hast made us y as the offscouring and refuse in the midst of the people.
46 All our enemies have opened their mouths against us.
1 1 Chr. 15:12,13. Job 11:13-q 2 Kings 24:4. Jer. 5:7,9,29. 15. 34:31,32. Ps. 4:4. 119:59. Ez. 24:13,14. Zech. 1:5,6. 139:23,24. Ez. 18:28. Hag. 1:5-9. 1 Cor. 11:28,31. 2 Cor. 13:5.
m Deut. 4:30. 2 Chr. 30:6,9. Is. 55:7. Hos. 6:1. 12:6. 14: 1-3. Joel 2:12,13. Zech. 1: 3,4. Acts 26:20.
n Ps. 25:1. 86:4. 143:6-8.
o Ps. 28:2. 63:4. 141:2. 1 Tim. 2:8.
p 1:18. 5:16. Neh. 9:26. Job 33:27,28. Jer. 3:13. Dan. 9:5 -14. Luke 15:18,19.
r2:1. Ps. 44:19.
s 66. Ps. 83:15.
t 2:21. 2 Chr. 36:16,17. Ez. 7: 9. 8:18. 9:10.
u Ps. 97:2.
x See on 8.- Ps. 80:4. Jer. 14: 11,12. 15:1. Zech. 7:13.
y 14. 2:15, 4:14,15. Deut. 28: 13,37,44. 1 Cor. 4:13.
z 2:16. Ex. 11:7. Job 30:9- 11. Ps. 22:6-8. 44:13,14. 79: 4,10. Matt. 27:38-45.
therefore the calamities of the Jews had produced the proper effect; the purposes of their oppressors would be frustrated, and they would no longer onger be able to enslave or afflict them. (Notes, Ps . 76:10. 2 Cor. 4:5,6, ν. 6.)
47 a Fear and a snare is come upon us, b desolation and destruction.
48 Mine eye runneth down with rivers of water, for the destruction of the daughter of my people.
49 Mine eye trickleth down, d and ceaseth not, without any intermission,
50 Till the LORD look down, and behold from heaven.
51 Mine f eye affecteth* mine heart t because of all & the daughters of my city.
52 Mine enemies chased me sore like a bird, without cause.
53 They have cut off my life in the dungeon, and cast a stone upon me.
54 m Waters flowed over mine head; then I said, I am cut off.
a Is. 24:17,18. 51:19. Jer. 48: † Or, more than all. 43,44. Luke 21:35.
b See on 1:4,13. 2:1-9.
c 2:11,18. Ps. 119:136. Jer. 4: 19. 9:1,18. 13:17. Rom. 9:1
-3.
d See on 1:16. Ps. 77:2. Jer. 14:17.
e 2:20. 5:1. Ps. 80:14-16. 102:19,20. Is. 62:6,7. 63:15. 64:1. Dan. 9:16-19.
f Gen. 44:34. 1 Sam. 30:3,4. Jer. 4:19-21. 14:18. Luke 19:41-44.
* Heb. my soul.
g 1:18. 2:21. 5:11. Jer. 11:22. 14:16. 19:9.
h Jer. 37:15,16. 38:4-6.
i 1 Sam. 24:10-15. 25:28,29. 26:18-20. Ps. 35:7,19. 69:4. 109:3. 119:161. Jer. 37:18. John 15:25.
k Jer. 37:20. 38:9,10.
1 Dan. 6:17. Matt. 27:60,66. m Ps. 18:4. 69:1,2,15. 124:4,5. Jon. 2:3-5.
n See on 18.-Job 17:11-16. Ps. 31:22. Is. 38:10-13. Ez. 37:11. 2 Cor. 1:8-10.
Lord. He had covered them with his anger, pursued them by his judgments, and destroyed them without pity: and he had covered himself with a thick cl cloud, so that their prayers could find no admission. ( Marg . Ref . p-x. Notes , Is . 64:6-12. Dan . 9:4-19.) The hypocritical prayers of the people for deliverance were rejected; and even the fervent prayers of the prophet in that behalf were discouraged. Thus the Lord made them "as the offscouring and refuse" of the nations, who insulted and trampled upon them; and opened their mouths in reproaches, menaces, boasts boasts, and blasphemhaving opportunity giv-ies, against them and their holy religion: and
V. 39-41. As all sinners deserve death and destruction, and are exposed to be crushed every moment; so none, whose life is prolonged, who is out of hell and may hope for heaven, heaven, has either right or reason to complain, while suffering the temporal punishment of his sins, which is far less than he deserves.-'As long 'as men are on this side of the grave, they ought
'en them for repentance. Lowth . ( Note , ( Note , 2 Pet . 3:14-16.)-The prophet therefore checked his own complaints, and those of his people, and called them to join with him in diligent selfexamination, and a serious trial of all their ways; that they might discover and repent of all their sins, and return to the Lord, trusting in his mercy and worshipping his name. He reminded them also, not to rest in formally lifting up their hands to God; but "to lift up their hearts also;" considering the greatness and holiness of Him, whose glory filled the heavens, though he condescended to notice their worship on earth. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . -See on Note , 21-23.- Notes , Deut . 4:29-31. 30:1-10. Ps . 25:1. 139:23,24. Is . 55:6,7. Jer . 3: 12-15. 31:18-20. Hos . 6:1-3. 14:1-3. Jam . 4: 7-10.)
V. 42-47. Some connect these verses with the preceding, by the word, Saying ; - "Let us lift up, &c." Saying , "We have transgressed &c." The prophet however, proceeded to direct the confessions of his people, and to put words into their mouths. He humbly acknowledged, that they had transgressed and rebelled against God; and, as he had not pardoned, it was plain they had not repented: this was the cause of all their miseries, of which he led them humbly and submissively to complain to the
terrors, entangled in snares, and given up to desolation and ruin.
Offscouring . (45) The sweeping. 'St. Paul 'plainly alludes to this text, 1 Cor . 4:13. ... The 'apostles, in quoting the Scriptures do not al'ways follow the Septuagint, but now and then 'make a new translation out of the Hebrew.' Lowth . If the apostle referred to this text, as it is highly probable, this must have been the case; for there is nothing in the Septuagint like his words, which yet accord entirely with the Hebrew. ( Marg . Ref . y.- Note , 1 Cor . 4:9-13.) -Fear , &c. (47) Marg. Ref . z -b. Is . 24:1720. 51:17-20, υ . 19.
V. 48-51. The prophet here again spake in his own person, and of his share in the public calamities. He wept incessantly for the destruction of his people and of Jerusalem; and must do so, "till the LORD should look down from heaven," to regard and redress their calamities. Every object which he saw affected his heart, and renewed his sorrows: but especially, when he saw the daughters of Jerusalem fallen into the hands of the brutal conquerors, and exposed to every kind of violence without any protection. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 2:11. Ps . 119:136. Jer. 9:1,2. 13:15-17. Luke 19:41-44. Rom . 9:1-3.)
( Marg . Ref .
V. 52-57. Jeremiah seems here more immediately to speak of his own trials; with reference to the case of his people, and the public calamities of the church. He had given no cause to his enemies to hate him: and yet they eagerly chased him as a bird, in order to destroy him. They thought they had cut him off, when they had let him down into the dungeon, and covered him over with a great stone, as if buried alive: ( Marg . Ref . h. 1.- Notes , Jer. 38:1 -6. Dan . 6:12-17.
Matt . 27:62-66.) and he seemed to himself as certainly cut off, nly cut off, as if the waters had flowed over his head. ( Marg . m, n.- Notes , Fs . 69:1-3. Jon. 2:3-7.) Yet out of this low dungcon he had called upon the Lord: he had pleaded with him that he had heretofore heard his voice; and entreated him, that he would not now hide his ear from his sighs, and the breathings of his soul in prayer.
God had been used to draw near to him, when he prayed; to silence his fears, to plead his cause, and rescue his life: and to him he appealed in that emergency; nor had his request been dneied. ( Marg . Ref . o-s.-- Notes , Ps . 40: 1-5. Jer . 38:7-13.)- Without cause . (52) Marg . Ref . i.-- Notes , Ps . 25:2,3, v . 3. 69:4. John 15:22 -25.
V. 58-66. The Lord had seen the "wrong" done to his servant, and knew "the vengeance," the devices and imaginations of his persecutors, with all their calumnies and reproaches; and that he was their constant derision and contempt: and he therefore besought the
reasons, especially, because it gives the ene- mies of revelation, and consequently of the ancient prophets, a plausible ground of repre- senting them, as men of a malevolent and vin- dictive spirit. - "Thou wilt render, &c." Blay- ney.
This learned critic renders the whole in the future. ( Notes , Ps. 35:4-9. 40:14-16. 68: 1-3. 109:6-20.) -The event had fully proved, that the Lord heard and answered Jeremiah's prayer from the dungeon: and this might well encourage the church, in her deep distress and misery, (when she was as it were, cast into the pit, overwhelmed, and ready to perish, amidst the insults and contempt of her ene- mies,) to expect deliverance from the power and mercy of God, in answer to the prayers of her afflicted sons, and attended with the predicted vengeance on her persecutors.
This seems to be the intention of the prophet. For if God had not disregarded the cries of one afflicted servant; could it be supposed, that he would leave his whole church to sink for ever in her trouble, and not answer the prayers of all his people, and avenge them on their oppressors? ( Marg . Ref . f-k.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-20.
They are best qualified to administer counsel and consolation to the afflicted, who have themselves experienced the anguish and terror of the rod of divine wrath: and therefore ministers often pass through heavy trials, that they may learn to speak seasonably to the af
righteous Judge to plead his cause, which he un- flicted. ( Note , 2 Cor . 1:1-7.)-It is very profit
reservedly committed to him. ( Marg . Ref . xe.-- Notes , Jer. 11:18-23. 15:15–18. 18:18–23. 20:10-13.) The verbs in the concluding verses are all future , not imperative , nor any thing in the least requiring an optative construction; a prophecy, and not an imprecation ; what Jeremiah foresaw and foretold, without so much as a hint that he desired or prayed for it. "Thou wilt render them a recompense, &c. Thou wilt give them sorrow," or obstinacy , "of heart, thy curse upon them. Thou wilt persecute and destroy them, &c." Even the Septuagint renders the passage in this manner: and it is hard to say, what induced modern translators in general, to give it the form of a most tremendous imprecation; which
able, in speaking to the distressed and wounded in conscience, to shew them out of what troubles and temptations we ourselves have been delivered; and in what way we have been led to peace and confidence in God.The suffering and tempted believer has very different views of the Lord's dealings with him, in the midst of his conflicts, than at other times: the struggle betwixt unbelief and faith, flesh and spirit, is often very sharp: and outward troubles concur with inward discouragement. ( Note and P. O. Job 3:1--10.) Indeed, the Lord sometimes leads his most eminent servants "into darkness and not into light;" and they are apt to conclude, that he is punishing them as an enemy, and not correcting certainly should not be done in any case, with-them as a Father: his hand seems turned against them all the day; the body is affected
out evident necessity: among other important
with the disquietude of the mind: God him- || teach young persons to retire, "to sit alone," self appears to exclude their souls from com- to "keep silence" from vain words, and to
fort, to put them to pain, to hedge up their way, to "shut out their prayers" and earnest cries, to plunge them into perplexity, to envelope them in darkness, and to be in every way, formidable to them.
But, whether our God frown, or our enemies deride and insult; and whether our comforts be turned into "gall and wormwood," or "our souls forget prosperity;" we may be assured, that it is our infirmity and temptation, if we think, "that our strength and hope are perished from the LORD." Indeed, if we only consider our affliction and misery; or the power, justice, and holiness of God, compared with our guilt and pollution; and do not view him on a mercyseat and ready to forgive; instead of being properly humbled before him, we shall sink unto despondency.
Thus conscious guilt may even "swallow us up in overmuch sorrow, and give Satan an advantage against us; and it is of great importa rtance to be aware of his devices. ( Note , 2 Cor. 2:5-11.) But if we properly recal to mind the Lord's goodness, we shall have hope in our darkest hours: and we should consider how others have found comfort in similar circumstances; that when we too have found relief, we may point it out to our brethren.
V. 21-41.
The due consideration of the evil of sin and our own sinfulness will convince us, that "it Is of the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed." If they had not been more abundant even than our provocations, we should not now be in the land of hope, of pardon, of prayer; but in the region of vengeance, blasphemy, and despair. And how much worse might it have been with us, than now it is! How many have been cut off, and perished in their sins! How many on earth are suffering far more severe pains than we are!
How many sufferers have no acquaintance with their guilt and danger! and what severe and tong continued self-denial has God often required of his most honored servants, which they found it their wisdom and duty, and eventually their happiness, to submit to in humble patience! How meekly, submissively, and thankfully ought we to bear our lighter cross, and exercise that moderate self-denial to which he calls us! and how shameful, if we repine, despond, or seek relief by sin! These and similar reflections will suggest reasons for gratitude even in our afflictions, and for hope in our dejections.
He who has hitherto spared us, and whose "compassions are new to us every morning," still "waiteth to be gracious:" great is his sincerity in his invitations, and faithfulness to his promises; and he has promised to teach and help all who desire to come, as well as to receive all who do come to him. If we cannot then say, with unwavering voice, "The LORD is my Portion;" may we not say, 'I desire to have him for my Portion and salvation, and in his word do I hope?" We may wait on him and seek him, assured of success.
Let us then watch against despondency, as well as presumption; and count it "good to hope and quietly to wait for the salvation of the LORD." We should also remember, that many have found the galling yoke of affliction salutary and useful; and in the severe school of adversity have learned repentance, patience, and godliness. As that is always best for us, which most conduces to the salvation of our souls; we cannot too soon be initiated in this profitable discipline. Happy hen is it, when disappointments and troubles
give themselves to meditation and prayer; whilst others, of their age, are running the round of folly and vice, and making abundant provision for future anguish and misery. And happy shall we all be, if we learn so to receive affliction, (considering that it is laid upon us by the hand of God,) as to extract good out of it.
In order to this we must abase ourselves before him, in the deepest humiliation: and then, whatever reproach or injurious treatment we receive, we shall be conscious that we have no cause to complain, whilst we have the hope of his favor, and are thus made "partakers of his holiness." This submission and dependence on God must be safe and advantageous: for "he will not cast off for ever" any who trust in him.
" "Though he cause grief," yet "he delighteth in mercy," and not in afflicting the children of men: and when he has humbled and proved us, he will "have compassion, according to the multitude of his mercies," and "do us good at the latter end." Indeed, Indeed, he often permits the instruments of his correction or his vengeance, to crush their subjects or prisoners under their feet: but he cannot approve of injustice or oppression, Nor can they exceed their commission, or do mischief according to their own will; for good and evil are dispensed at the mouth of God.
When therefore his wise and righteous ends are answered, he terminates the power of oppressors, and rescues the oppressed.
Our troubles are all from him: and when our peace is made with him, all things will certainly "work together for our good." Instead then of fretting and complaining, when we suffer a small part of the punishment due to our sins; whilst the continuance of life gives ground for hope and time for prayer; we should employ ourselves in "searching and trying our ways, in repenting of our sins and "returning unto the LORD;" and in lifting up our hearts and prayers unto our heavenly Father.
We should complain to him, and not of him; and the representation of our sorrows should be always accompanied with humble confession of our manifold and heinous transgressions. V. 42-66.
If the Lord has "not pardoned" our sins, we may be sure, that it is because we have not repented and believed his gospel: yet it is possible, that we are forgiven, even though we have not the comfort of it. If we be covered with his anger, and our prayers be not answered; it may be, because we ask amiss, or have not patiently waited his time. If we be made "as the filth of the world," treated as the refuse of mankind, and insulted by our neighbors; we should the more earnestly look to our God, and expect him to plead our cause and deliver us.
But indeed, our own troubles, and those of the church and world around us, continually suggest causes of sorrow: and wherever we look, "our eyes may affect our hearts," and cause our tears to flow afresh.
Yet we may still hope and rejoice in the Lord: no dark dungeon or deep pit can exclude us from his throne of grace. ( Note , Acts 16:2528.) If we cannot speak, he will hear our breathings and our sighs. ( Note , Rom . 8 : 24— 27, υυ . 26,27.) He will draw near to encourage, to defend, and to plead the cause of his afflicted servants, and to redeem their souls. -But what are all our sorrows compared with those of the Redeemer? "He" indeed "was the man, who saw affliction, by the rod of the LORD'S wrath" against our sins; and exclaimed, "My God, my God, why hast thou
OW is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! b the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.
2 The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
3. Even the* sea-monsters draw out the breast; they give suck to their young ones: • the daughter of my people is become cruel,
flike the ostriches in the wilderness.
4 The & tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, and no man breaketh it unto them.
forsaken me?" He "gave his cheek to the smiters, and was filled with reproach:" he was cut off, and laid in the grave, and the stone covered him: yet his prayer was answered, his cause was pleaded, he rose triumphant, and his enemies have, many of them, perished miserably from "under the heavens of the LORD." Thus will he deliver his people out of every trouble, and revive his church from every overwhelining persecution: thus will be raise our bodies from the grave, and save us with an everlasting salvation; whilst all his enemies will perish with an "everlasting de- struction from his presence." ( Notes , 2 Thes . 1:5-10. Rev. 20:11-15.)
NOTES.
5 They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were * brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.
6 For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her .
7 Her Nazarites were
• purer than
snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire.
8 Their visage is + blacker than a coal; a they are not known in the streets: their it is become like a stick. skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered,
9 They that be slain with the sword are
i Deut. 28:54-56. Is. 3:16-26. 24:6-12. 32:9-14. Jer. 6:2, 3. Am. 6:3-7. Luke 7:25. 1 Tim. 5:6. marg. Rev. 18:7 -9.
k 2 Sam. 1:24. Prov. 31:21. Luke 16:19.
1 Joh 24:8. Jer. 9:21,22. Luke
15:16.
† Or, iniquity of the daughter, &c. Is. 1:9,10. Ez. 16:48- 50. Matt. 11:23,24. Luke 10: 12. 12:47.
m 9. Gen. 19:25. Dan. 9:12.
Matt. 24:21.
n Num. 6:2,&c. Judg. 13:5,7. 16:17. Am. 2:11,12. Luke 1: 15.
o 1 Sam. 16:12. Ps. 51:7. 144: 12. Cant. 5:10. Dan. 1:15. p 5:10. Job 30:17-19,30. Joel 2:6.
Heb. darker than blackness . 91,2. Ruth 1:19,20. Job 2:12.
Is. 52:14.
r Job 19:20. 33:21. Ps. 32:4. 38: 3. 102:3-5,11. 119:83.
or other savage creatures.
In endeavoring to preserve their own lives, they neglected to tend on their infants; and thus left them to perish, as the ostrich does her eggs, which she leaves on the sand and looks no more after them: ( Note , Job 39:13--18.) and some of them were even far more cruel. (10) Thus the sucking child was parched to death by thirst; the lisping children, begging for bread, were left to perish by hunger; and such as had been brought up most delicately, and with every indulgence, lay neglected in the streets, or upon dunghills, without other lodging, or other food than they could rake out of them. ( Marg .
Ref . -Notes , Deut . 28:49–57, vv . 54–56. Is . 3:16 26. 47:1-3.) - Sea-monsters. (3) Marg . It is, 1 believe, now generally agreed, that whales, and several other sea-monsters, bring forth their young, and suckle them, as land-animals do: though some learned expositors, taking it for case, have proposed other translations, which do not seem admissible.