_JEREMIAH PROPHESIETH THE CAPTIVITY OF ZEDEKIAH AND OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE CITY. THE PRINCES AND THE PEOPLE, HAVING DISMISSED THEIR BOND-SERVANTS, RE-ASSUME THEM, CONTRARY TO THEIR COVENANT WITH GOD. JEREMIAH, FOR THEIR DISOBEDIENCE, GIVETH THEM AND ZEDEKIAH INTO THE HANDS OF THEIR ENEMIES IN THE... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WORD, &C.— We do not know exactly at what time this happened; but we know that it was in the 11th year of Zedekiah, and during the interval between the raising of the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, and his return to that city, after having repulsed the king of Egypt, who was coming to the... [ Continue Reading ]
TO PROCLAIM LIBERTY UNTO THEM, &C.— By the law of Moses, Exodus 21:2. Deuteronomy 15:12 the Israelites were not allowed to detain their brethren of the Hebrew race in perpetual bondage, but were required to let them go free after having served fix years. This law had, it seems, fallen into disuse; b... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW, &C.— _And all the princes,_ &c. _consented that every one,_ &c. _They consented, and let them go._... [ Continue Reading ]
AT THE END, &C.— _Within the term of seven years._... [ Continue Reading ]
AND YE WERE NOW TURNED— The _covenant_ was properly such a one as that which Josiah and all the people formerly made in the house of the Lord, whereby they obliged themselves to worship him, to observe his laws in general, and this, of giving freedom to their servants, in particular.... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD, I PROCLAIM A LIBERTY— "I will now make public proclamation, that I give free commission and liberty for the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, to destroy you utterly." The reader will observe a turn upon the words in this denunciation, which is not uncommon in the sacred writers.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN THEY CUT THE CALF IN TWAIN, &C.— That is, "When they made a solemn covenant and alliance with me, wherein it was usual to pass between the parts of the sacrifice; as Abraham is described to have done." Genesis 15:9; Genesis 15:21.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE EUNUCHS— Who made part of the court-officers. See 2 Kings 25:19. REFLECTIONS.—1st, This prophesy in its date precedes the former, being, it seems, the cause of Jeremiah's commitment to the court of the prison, chap. Jeremiah 32:2. It was directed particularly to Zedekiah, and, though a king, th... [ Continue Reading ]