Jeremiah 9:1

CHAPTER IX

The prophet bitterly laments the terrible judgments about to be

inflicted upon his countrymen, and points out some of the evils

which have provoked the Divine Majesty, 1-9.

Judea shall be utterly desolated, and the inhabitants

transplanted into heathen countries, 10-17.

In allusion to an ancient custom, a band of mourning women is

called to lament over the ruins of Jerusalem, 17, 18;

and even the funeral dirge is given in terms full of beauty,

elegance, and pathos, 19-22.

God is the fountain of all good; man, merely an instrument by

which a portion of this good is distributed in the earth;

therefore none should glory in his wisdom, might, or riches,

23, 24.

The judgments of God shall fall, not upon the land of Judea

only, but also upon many heathen nations, 25, 26.

NOTES ON CHAP. IX

Verse Jeremiah 9:1. O that my head were waters] מי יתן ראשי מים mi yitten roshi mayim, "who will give to my head waters?" My mourning for the sins and desolations of my people has already exhausted the source of tears: I wish to have a fountain opened there, that I may weep day and night for the slain of my people. This has been the sorrowful language of many a pastor who has preached long to a hardened, rebellious people, to little or no effect. This verse belongs to the preceding chapter.