WHEREFORE, etc.] The question was one which much exercised men of pre-Christian times who had no clear view of any but temporal rewards and punishments. See Psalms 37:39, 49, 73, and Job (specially Jeremiah 21:7) The plots of his fellow-townsmen at Anathoth (see Jeremiah 11) were probably the occasi... [ Continue Reading ]
1-4. The prosperity of the wicked perplexes Jeremiah.... [ Continue Reading ]
NEAR IN THEIR MOUTH, etc.] They honour God with their lips but their heart is far from Him.... [ Continue Reading ]
A drought has been sent in punishment. HE SHALL NOT SEE, etc.] Jeremiah's denunciations are derided by his enemies. 5, 6. God's answer to the prophet's appeal. By two proverbial expressions He shows him that he must prepare to endure worse things than any he has yet been called upon to face. He has... [ Continue Reading ]
SWELLING] RV 'pride,' referring to the luxuriant vegetation on the banks, which formed a source of danger, as a covert for wild beasts. 7-13, A lament over the desolate land. Some scholars think that this passage belongs to the time after the first siege and capture of Jerusalem, where Jehoiachin w... [ Continue Reading ]
The v. indicates the hostile attitude of the people to God.... [ Continue Reading ]
The figures to represent the coming desolation are, first, that of birds assembling round one of their own kind and maltreating it, because its plumage attracts their attention as unusual, and then that of hungry beasts of prey.... [ Continue Reading ]
PASTORS] leaders of the invading armies: cp. Jeremiah 6:3, where they axe called 'shepherds.'... [ Continue Reading ]
HIGH PLACES THROUGH] RV 'the bare heights in': no spot shall escape.... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THEY SHALL BE ASHAMED] RV 'And ye shall,' etc. REVENUES] RV 'fruits.'... [ Continue Reading ]
MINE EVIL NEIGHBOURS] Syrians, Edomites, Moabites and others who would feel that Judah's difficulty formed their opportunity. Both they and Judah shall be punished by exile; but God will restore them in His mercy. If the heathen will but seek to serve God, they shall share in the blessings He has in... [ Continue Reading ]