CHAPTER XLIV _Jeremiah reproves the Jews in Egypt for continuing in idolatry_ _after the exemplary judgments indicted by God on their nation_ _for that sin_, 1-14; _and, upon their refusing to reform, denounces destruction to_ _them, and to that kingdom wherein they sought protection_, 15-30.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Jeremiah 44:2. _NO MAN DWELLETH THEREIN_] The desolation of the land of Judea must have been exceedingly great when this, in almost any sense, could be spoken of it.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Jeremiah 44:4. _O, DO NOT THIS ABOMINABLE THING_] A strong specimen of affectionate entreaty. One of the finest figures of poetry, when judiciously managed, the _anthropopathia_, the ascribing _human_ _passions_ to God, is often used by this prophet: so God is said to _grieve_, to _mourn_, to... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Jeremiah 44:5. _BUT THEY HEARKENED NOT_] 1. They disregarded the _authority_ of their God. 2. They were not _moved_ by the _entreaties_ of their most affectionate Father. 3. In abominations they _delighted_. And, 4. They _loved that_ which _God hated_; and, apparently, _because_ he hated i... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Jeremiah 44:7. This _GREAT EVIL AGAINST YOUR SOULS_] Will not _self-interest_ weigh with you? See what ruin your conduct has brought upon your country. Your fathers sinned as you are doing; and where are they now? Either destroyed, or in captivity. And you are now taking the same way to your o... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Jeremiah 44:9. _HAVE YE FORGOTTEN THE WICKEDNESS OF YOUR FATHERS_] It seems that the _women_ were principal agents in idolatrous practices; for the _queens _- the _wives_, of rulers and of common people, burnt incense to the _queen of heaven_, (the moon,) Jeremiah 44:17, and poured out drink-o... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Jeremiah 44:15. _THEN ALL THE MEN - AND ALL THE WOMEN_] We have not seen the women in determined rebellion before. Here they make a common cause with their idolatrous husbands.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Jeremiah 44:19. _AND WHEN WE BURNED INCENSE TO THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN_] The MOON seems to have been called מלכת _melecheth_, as the SUN was called מלך _molech_. The Hindoos pour out water to the sun thrice a day; and to the moon whenever they worship her. The idolatrous worship of these people w... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Jeremiah 44:22. _THEREFORE IS YOUR LAND A DESOLATION_] I grant that ye and your husbands have joined together in these abominations; and what is the consequence? "The Lord could no longer bear because of your evil doings; and therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curs... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Jeremiah 44:30. _BEHOLD I WILL GIVE PHARAOH-HOPHRA_] That is, _Pharaoh_ _Apries_. How this and the prophecies in the preceding chapter were fulfilled, we learn from ancient historians. The sum of such information is this: the subjects of _Pharaoh Apries_ rebelling, he sent _Amasis_, one of hi... [ Continue Reading ]