THE WORDS OF JEREMIAH - The usual title of the prophetic books is “the Word of the Lord,” but the two books of Amos and Jeremiah are called the words of those prophets, probably because they contain not merely the words of those prophets, probably because they contain not merely prophecies, but also... [ Continue Reading ]
CAME - literally, was (and in Jeremiah 1:4); the phrase implies that Jeremiah possessed God’s word from that time onward, not fitfully as coming and going, but constantly. THE THIRTEENTH YEAR OF HIS REIGN - According to the ordinary reckoning, this would be 629 b.c., but if the Ptolemaic canon be r... [ Continue Reading ]
The whole period contained in this verse is no less than 40 years and 6 months, namely, 18 years under Josiah, two periods of 11 years each under Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, and 3 months under each of the omitted kings, Jehoahaz and Jeconiah. IN THE FIFTH MONTH - The capture of Jerusalem took place in... [ Continue Reading ]
This history of Jeremiah’s call to his office formed a part of his first address to the people. He claimed to act by an external authority, and to speak not his own words but those of Yahweh; and this even when resisting the divine call (see Jeremiah 15:13; Jeremiah 20:7, Jeremiah 20:14).... [ Continue Reading ]
Rather, “Before I formed thee in the belly.” I approved of thee (as one fit for the prophetic office),” and before thou camest forth from the womb” I made thee holy (dedicated thee to holy uses); I have appointed thee (now by this public call to be) “a prophet unto the nations.” UNTO THE NATIONS -... [ Continue Reading ]
There is no resistance on Jeremiah’s part, but he shrinks back alarmed. I CANNOT SPEAK - i. e., “I cannot prophesy,” I have not those powers of oratory necessary for success. The prophets of Israel were the national preachers in religious matters, and their orators in political. I AM A CHILD - Thi... [ Continue Reading ]
Jeremiah suggested two difficulties, the first inexperience, the second timidity. God now removes the first of these. Inexperience is no obstacle where the duty is simple obedience His timidity is removed by the promise given him in the next verse.... [ Continue Reading ]
TOUCHED - “Made it touch.” This was the symbol of the bestowal of divine grace and help, by which that want of eloquence, which the prophet had pleaded as a disqualification, was removed.... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE ... SET THEE OVER - literally, I have made thee Pakeed, i. e., deputy. This title is given only to these invested with high authority (e. g. Genesis 41:34; 2 Chronicles 24:11; Jeremiah 20:1; Jeremiah 29:26). From God’s side, the prophet is a mere messenger, speaking what he is told, doing wha... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT SEEST THOU? - If we admit a supernatural element in prophecy, visions would be the most simple means of communication between God and man. A ROD OF AN ALMOND TREE - Many translate “a staff of almond wood.” The vision would thus signify that God - like a traveler, staff in hand - was just about... [ Continue Reading ]
HASTEN - Rather, I watch over “my word to perform it.”... [ Continue Reading ]
The first vision was for the support of the prophet’s own faith during his long struggle with his countrymen: the second explains to him the general nature of his mission. He was to be the bearer of tidings of a great national calamity about to break forth item the north. He sees a caldron. It was a... [ Continue Reading ]
OUT OF THE NORTH ... - The caldron represents the great military empires upon the Euphrates. In Hezekiah’s time, Nineveh was at their head; but stormed by the armies of Cyaxares and Nabopalassar it is itself now the victim whose limbs are seething in the caldron, and the seat of empire has been tran... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL CALL - I am calling. The judgment has begun. God is summoning His hosts to the war. FAMILIES - The various races by which the provinces of the Babylonian empire were populated. THEY SHALL SET EVERY ONE HIS THRONE - The chiefs of these various races come as God’s ministers to hold solemn cour... [ Continue Reading ]
In accordance with the custom of law courts, the crimes of the guilty city are mentioned in the sentence. The charges brought against her are three: first, the desertion of the true God; next, the offering incense to false gods, and, lastly, the making obeisance to, or bowing down 2 Kings 5:18 befor... [ Continue Reading ]
GIRD UP THY LOINS - A symbol of preparation for earnest exertion, and implying also firm purpose, and some degree of alacrit BE NOT DISMAYED ... - literally, “be not dismayed at their faces, lest I dismay thee before their faces.” Naturally despondent and self-distrustful, there was yet no feeblene... [ Continue Reading ]
Metaphorically the walls and fortifications of the city represent the prophet’s power of patiently enduring the attacks of his enemies; while the iron pillar, supporting the whole weight of the roof Judges 16:29; 1 Kings 7:21), signifies that no trials or sufferings would crush his steadfast will.... [ Continue Reading ]