r 13 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things: the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing. t 8 17 I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity. h 18 Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah: for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor 14 Will a man leave the snow of Leb-* counsel from the wise, nor the word from anon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? 15 Because my people hath forgotten the prophet. 'Come, and let us smite him x 10:15. 16:19. 44:15-19,25. Is. | 27.21. Ps. 46:7. Hos. 19:15, y Is. 3:12. 9:16. Mal. 2:8. Matt. z See on 6:16. a 19:5. Is. 57:14. b See on 9:11.-19:8. 25:9. 49: c 1 Kings 9.8. 2 Chr. 7:20,21. d Ps. 22:7. 44:14. Is. 37:22. Job Deut. 32:35. 'that which he hath ordained in his secret value clear waters, which, from the melted brought from afar by aqueducts. (Note, 2 Kings V. 11, 12. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, 7:5-7. 17:19 -27.) The people either pleaded that God was a severe Master, whom there was no hope of pleasing; and an implacable Enemy, whom there was no hope of pacifying: or, that there was no hope of security or prosperity, if they renounced their idols and heathen ordinances, and returned to his service: they were therefore determined to go on in their evil ways. (Notes, 2:25. 44:15–25. Is. 57:9,10.)-"But they said desperately, Surely we will walk after our own imaginations; and do every man after the stubbornness of his wicked heart." Oid Version.-'As men that had no remorse, but 'were altogether bent to rebellion, and to their V. 18. When the prophet assured the peo'own self-will.'-Perhaps the people contempt-ple, that the Lord "devised a device against uously and profanely used the prophet's own them," (11) and when he called them to rewords concerning them, in expressing their pentance; instead of obeying the call, they avowed disregard to his exhortations: for it is "devised devices against him," and thus they not likely, that they meant to own the wicked-shewed their enmity against God. The prophness of their hearts. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, Is. 28:9-11,14,15.)—There is no hope. (12), from . Note, 17:9,10, v. 9. V. 13-17. (Notes, 2:10-13.) The heathen had not apostatized from their false gods, as the Israelites did from the true God. He had espoused the nation as a chaste virgin: but she had committed most horrible adulteries. (Notes, Ez. 16:9-22.) Common sense taught men to et had denounced vengeance against the un- 19 Give heed to me, O LORD, and | widows; and let their men be put to death; hearken to the voice of them that contend let their young men be slain by the sword with me. in battle. 20 Shall P evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them. 22 Let a cry be heard from their houses, when thou shalt bring a troop suddenly upon them; for they have digged a z and hid snares for my pit to take me, therefore consulted together to calumniate hints from every object and occurrence: and him, and to obtain false witnesses against him, nothing conveys truth more forcibly than apt that he might be condemned: or, to punish illustration.--We should unreservedly obey him for the words, which he had spoken: for the commandments of God: and if we would they determined not to give heed to any of "hear his words," we must use the appointed them. (Notes, 26:7-9. Am. 7:10,11. Acts 6:9 means, and observe his directions.-The great 14.) The chief priests and scribes had just the|| Creator and Lord of the universe has an unsame objection to the doctrine of Christ and doubted right and uncontrollable power, to dishis apostles, and conducted their opposition pose of us and of all creatures, as he pleases: exactly in the same manner. (Marg. Ref. 1, this extends equally to other nations as to Ism.-Notes, Matt. 23:13-39. 26:57-62. John 7: rael; and likewise to individuals; to our tempo3-10, v. 7. 15:17-25.)-This argument the ral and our eternal concerns: and as fallen crea'wicked have ever used against the servants of tures, we are entirely without plea or claim, The Lord God. The church cannot err: we are the having forfeited every thing by sin. 'church, and therefore whosoever speaketh may therefore, "according to the counsel of 'against us, they ought to die.... Thus the false his own will," either leave us to ourselves, as 'church persecuteth the true church, which "vessels of wrath fitted for destruction;" or 'standeth not in outward pomp, and in multi-cast us into a new shape, "as vessels of mercy 'tude; but is known by the graces of the Holy 'Ghost.' V. 19, 20. The discovery of this conspiracy led the prophet to renew his complaints; and his prayers, that the Lord would notice the malicious words of those, who rewarded him evil for good. If the people would not attend to his words, he trusted the Lord would, and prayed that he would.-They were secretly plotting against his life: but God who searched the heart, knew that he had earnestly ed for their temporal and eternal salvation. (Notes, 7:16. 11:18-23. 15:1,15-18.) prepared before for his eternal glory." (Note, Rom. 9:22,23.) But this absolute sovereignty is always directed by unerring wisdom, and exercised with the most perfect justice, truth, goodness, and mercy: so that none have ought to fear from it, but the determined enemies of God; and none can object to it, without finding fault with infinite perfection. What then can rational creatures deem preferable to this absolute dominion? what can a penitent sinner pray-desire more, than the uncontrollable rule of infinite mercy? (Notes, Ex. 33:18,19. 34:5-7. Rom. 9:15-18.) And who will say, that encouragement should be held forth to the impenitent, as such? What need then of limitations, when error and iniquity are impossible? Let us therefore "rejoice that the LORD reigneth," and "that his counsel shall stand, and he will do all his pleasure:" let us leave seeret things to him unto whom they appertain, and study to profit by what he has been pleased to reveal. For it is as certain concerning individuals, as nations, that no threatening, pronounced against the workers of iniquimercy, who repent ty, will exclude those from and turn from their evil ways, and flee for refuge to the hope of the gospel: and that no promises belong to those who turn aside from their profession, to do evil in the sight of God, and go on in disobeying his word: but we may rejoice at the assurance that he will "put his fear into the heart" of true believers, "that they should not thus depart from him." (Notes, 32:39-41. Ez. 18:21-27. Heb. 6:4-6.) V. 21-23. (Marg. Ref.) ‘Since they are thus 'incorrigible, I shall not any more intercede 'for them: but let those calamities of famine 'and sword, which thou hast threatened, over'take them.' Lowth. (Notes, 7:16. 14:7--12,19 -22. 15:1.) Seeing the obstinate malice of 'the adversaries, which grew daily more and 'more; the prophet, being moved by God's Spirit, without any carnal affection, prayeth for their destruction; because he knew that it 'should tend to God's glory, and profit of his 'church.' Several of the verbs are imperative, the language of prayer, rather than prophecy: it is not however, needful to maintain, that no mixture of human infirmity discovered tself on this trying occasion; especially as we must allow this to have been the case in other instances. (Notes, 15:15--18. 20:10-18.)--Pour out, &c. (21) Note, Ps. 58:6-9. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1--10. The servant of God may collect profitable V. 11--23. Sinners should be called on to take notice, [315 CHAP. XIX. the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring The prophet is sent to Tophet, with an earthen bottle, and at- evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle. tended by the elders; to denounce the judgments of God on TH THUS saith the LORD, Go and get a potter's earthen bottle, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests; c 2 And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee; say, 3 And f Hear the word of the a 10,11. 18:2-4. 32:14. Is. 30: 1 d Neh. 3:29. 2 Cor. 9:6. b 26:17. Num. 11:16. 1 Chr. c See on 7:31,32. 32:35.-Josh. 2 Chr. Heb. sun-gate. e 1:7. 3:12. 7:2. 11:6. 26:2. Acts Ps. 2:10. 102: 3:11. 4:16-18. 2 23. 2 Kings 21:6,16. 24:4. Ps. 59:7. Lam. 4.13. Mart. 23. Kings 21:12,13. Is. 28:19. h 2:13,17,19. 5:6. 15.6. 16:11. 34,35. Luke 11:50. 7:9. 11:13. 18:15. 32:29-35. k 2:30,34. 7:31,32, 22:17. 26:15, Rev, 16:6. m 7:31. n See on 7.31.-32.35. Ler. o Ez. 38:10. Dan. 2:29. unless they repent of this atrocious wickedness. Nor can men commit any sin, which has a more direct tendency to bring down national judgments; and to entail misery on their posterity, as well as destruction on their own souls. NOTES. CHAP. XIX. V. 1. (Marg. Ref.)-Bottle.] A vessel with a narrow neck: the word is translated "cruise," 1 Kings 14:3. Ancients, &c.] Or "elders."-Certain persons of the Sanhedrim, or great counsel of the nation; and some of the chief priests, the heads of the twenty-four courses. (Marg. Ref.— Notes, 1 Chr. 24:1-19. Luke 3:2,3.) Some of these might be more favorable to Jeremiah than others; and the Lord inclined them to attend him on this occasion, that they might witness and report what passed. (Notes, 2Ï:1, 2. 26:16-19, 51:59.) V. 2. (Marg. Ref.-Note, Is. 30:33.) The prophets sometimes did not know what they were to speak, till the very time that their message was to be delivered, and then it was immediately revealed to them. (18:2. Note, Acts 8:26-31.) that the Lord is "framing evil, and devising devices, concerning them; which they cannot escape," except they return from their evil ways, and seek his grace, that they may "make their ways and doings good." But some answer, "There is no fear, God is so merciful, that he 'will not punish; others say, "There is no that he hope," for he is so strict and severe, 'cannot be pleased, and will not pardon:' while some verge alternately to presumption, and despair; and in both extremes determine to "follow their own devices, and to walk after the imaginations and obstinacy of their own evil hearts."--The perversion or contempt of God's word, and the daring disregard shewn to his precepts, among professing Christians, are more horrible than any wickedness to be found among the heathen. Multitudes forget God to follow lying vanities, and "stumble from the ancient paths," to walk in ways of their own devising. But he will disown those who have disowned him: and what will they then do in "the day of judgment, and perdition of ungodly men?"-Instead of taking warning by the awful denunciations of scripture, men frame devices against the faithful servants of God, who "declare to them his whole counsel:" and none are so violent and implacable in their enmity as false teachers, who are proud of their learning, rank, wisdom, and reputation for sanctity: for the faithful preaching of God's word detects their hypocrisy and ignorance, undermines their credit and authority, and predicts their confusion and destruction.-When sinners resolve not to regard the word of God, it may be expected, that base slanders of his servants will form a prelude to more bloody persecutions: except Filled, &c. Some confine the interpretatheir malice should be restrained either by an tion of this to the children which they sacriinvisible power, or by the salutary laws of the ficed to idols. But the blood of innocents, or country in which they reside. In such cir- of innocent persons, (as contrasted with malcumstances we should study to "possess our efactors who were put to death for their souls with patience," and to give ourselves crimes,) includes the blood of the prophets. unto prayer: and it will be comfortable to re- and of the righteous, who were put to death flect that we have earnestly sought, and fer- by the persecuting rage of the rulers and peovently prayed for, the salvation of those, who ple: and of those also, who were put to death, now revile or persecute us: but we must still like Naboth, by oppressive rulers, by means of continue to pray for, and not against them. iniquitous statutes, unjust decrees, and the tesWe may, however, declare that most tremen-timony of suborned false witnesses. (Marg. dous punishments await such, as "recompense Ref-Notes, 2:26—30, v. 30,33–37. 2 Kings evil for good," and seek to destroy faithful || 21:16. 24:3,4.) ministers, or to entangle them in their snares; East gate. "Sun-gate." Marg. The meaning of the original word non is not agreed on by learned men. V. 3. Marg. Ref.-Note, 1 Sam. 3:11. V. 4. Estranged, &c.] Setting up idols even in the temple of God!" (Marg. Ref.—Notes, 2 Kings 21:4-9.) Nor the kings, &c.] The pious kings of Judah had not known, or acknowledged, the idols worshipped by their descendants. V. 5. Baal.] The idol, to whom these in 6 Therefore, behold, the days come, the LORD of hosts; Even so will I break saith the LORD, that this place shall no this people and this city, as one breaketh no the ' more be called Tophet, nor The valley of a potter's vessel, that cannot be made the son of Hinnom, but The valley of whole again: and they shall bury them in slaughter. Tophet, till there be no place to bury. 7 And I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hands of them that seek their lives: and their carcasses will I give to be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth. 8 And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss, because of all the plagues thereof. 9 And I will cause them to "eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend, in the siege and straitness, wherewith their enemies, and they that seek their lives, shall straiten them. X 10 Then shalt thou break the bottle in the sight of the men that go with thee; 11 And shalt say unto them, Thus saith D See on 2,11. 7:32,33.-Is. 30: 33. q Job 5:12,13. Ps. 33:10,11. Prov. 21:30. Is. 8:10. 28:17,18. 30:1-3. Lam. 3:37. Rom. S:31. 4:14. r 9:21. 15:2,9. 18:21, 22:25. 46: 26. Lev. 26:17. Deut. 23:25. $ 7:33. 8:2. 9:22. 16:4. 22:19. 34:20. Deut. 28:26. Ps. 79: 2,3. Rev. 19:18-21. t See on 9:9-11. 18:16.-25:18. 49:13. 50:13. Lev. 26:32. 1 Kings 9:8. 2 Chr. 7:20,21. Lam. 2:15,16. Zeph. 2:15. u Lev. 26:29. Deut. 28:53-57. 2 Kings 6.26-29. Is. 9:20. Lam. 2:20. 4:10. Ez. 5:10. x 48:12. 51:63,64. 'human sacrifices were offered, is elsewhere 'called Molech. ... Baal and Molech were two names promiscuously given to one and the 'same idol. 32.35. Lowth.-Some things, however, favor the opinion that Molech and Baal were different idols; one the abomination of Ammon, and the other of the Philistines and Zidonians. (1 Kings 11:1-8, vv. 5-8. 16: 30-33. 2 Kings 1:2.) But it is probable, that the Jews sacrificed children sometimes to one, and sometimes to the other: for unnatural cruelties, similar to this, and equally horrid, have in almost all ages and countries attended the worship of idols, and do to this very day. Indeed they seem essential to the worship of the devil. (Notes, Lev. 18:21. 20:2-5. Deut. 32: 17. Ps. 106:35—38.1 Cor. 10,18–22.)—Which I commanded not, &c.] Note, 7:31. V. 6-8. (Notes, 7:32,33.8:1-3. Deut. 29:20 -25. Lam. 2:15,16. 4:13-16.) It is probable, that the Chaldeans defeated the Jews in this valley, with very great slaughter. V. 9. Notes, Lev. 26-29. Deut. 28:49-57.| Lam. 2:20-22. 4:10. Ez. 5:5-10, v. 10. V. 11. (Note, 51:61-64.) The Lord alone could restore Jerusalem: until his time came, their ruin would be irreparable, and their efforts useless; and the destruction of numbers of the inhabitants would be final and irremediable. (Notes, Ps. 2:7-9. Is. 30:12-14.) V. 12, 13. As Tophet. (12) That is, a place of slaughter and burial, and altogether unclean. (Marg. Ref. Note, 7:32,33.)--Roofs. (13) 32:29. Zeph. 1:5. V. 14, 15. Marg. Ref.-Note, 18:13-17. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Man's unteachableness and unbelief render 12 Thus will I do unto this place, saith the LORD, and to the inhabitants thereof, and even make this city as Tophet: b 13 And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet because of all the houses, upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the hosts of heaven, and have poured out drink-offerings unto other gods. 14 Then came Jeremiah from Tophet whither the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the LORD'S house, and said to all the people, 15 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns, all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words. Ps. 2:9. z 6. See on 7:31,32. a 2 Kings 23:10,14. Ps. 74:7. 79:1. Ez. 7:21,22. b 32:29. 2 Kings 23:12. Zeph. 1:5. e d 17:19. 26:2. 2 Chr. 20:5. 24: 20,21. Luke 21:37,38. Acts 5:20. e See on 7:26. 17:23.-35:1517. 2 Chr. 36:16,17. Neh. 9:17,29. Zech. 7:11-14. Acts 7:51,52. it proper to use a variety of methods to engage his attention; repetitions become unavoidable; and sometimes a mere circumstance may impress those, who remained unaffected under the most solemn warnings of the word of God. We ought therefore to avail ourselves of every proper expedient, and to observe every direction for that purpose.-Those who stop their ears, and harden their hearts, against the threatenings of God, will not only have their ears made to tingle at the report of dire calamities; but their hearts filled with anguish and dismay, at feeling the truth of what they would not believe.-The rulers, in church and state, are peculiarly concerned to know those things, which relate to national sins and judgments: and it is highly proper and important to convey information and warning to the more careless, by means of such as are willing to attend to the word of God.-Men may often read their sins in their punishment: persecutors and oppressors commonly come to a dreadful and violent end; abused plenty often terminates in wretched penury; and children trained up in ungodliness become the misery of their offending parents. They who despise God, must sink into contempt and ruin: and he will "make void the counsels" of all those who will not obey his commandments. -The power of the mightiest nations is as easily broken by him as an earthen vessel; and he often destroys them so entirely, that none can make them whole: but he is chiefly to be feared, as "able to destroy both body and soul in hell." That is a ruin which will never be repaired: but ail other afflictions, personal or public, will "work together for good" to those, whom "Jesus delivereth from the wrath to come " CHAP. XX. strength of this city, and all the labors Pashur, a chief priest, smites Jeremiah and sets him in the thereof, and all the precious things thereof, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah stocks, 1, 2. Jeremiah gives him a new name, and predicts the door of him and his friends, 3-6. The prophet complains bitterly: but is constrained to speak in the name of God, 7-will I give into the hand of their enemies which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon. He recovers his confidence, and rejoices in God, 10-13. He curses the day of his birth, 14-18. NOW OW Pashur the son of a Immer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the LORD, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things. 2 Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks, that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD. e 3 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah unto him, The LORD hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magor-missabib. f 4 For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will make thee a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends; and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and thine eyes shall behold it: and I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive into Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword. 5 Moreover I will deliver all a 1 Chr. 24:14. Ezra 2.37,38. | 10. 6:25. 46:5. 49:29. 13. Lam. 2:22. Neh. 7:40,41. the Ps. 31: b 2 Kings 25:18. 2 Chr. 35:8. g Deut. 28:65-67. Job 18:11 Acts 4:1. 5:24. e 1:19. 19:14,15, 26:8. 29.26. 36:26. 37:15,16. 38:6. 1 Kings 22:27. 2 Chr. 16:10. 24:21. Am. 7:10-13. Matt. 5. 1012. 21:35. 23:34-37 Acts 4: 3. 5:18,40. 7:52. 6:22-24. Heb. 11:36,37. Rev. 2:10. 17:6. d 37:13. 38:7. Zech. 14:10. -21. 20:23--26. Ps. 73:19. 19:15. 21:4-10. 25:9. 32:27- 4:20. 12:12. 15:13. 24:8-10. NOTES. 6 And thou, Pashur, and all that dwel in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and shalt be buried there, thou, and allthy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies. [Practical Observations.] 7¶O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: "thou art stronge than I, and hast prevailed: "I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me. 8 For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision daily. 9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word 'was in mine heart, as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. 10 For I heard the defaming of many, k 28:15-17. 29:21,22,32. Acts 14. 5:31. 6:13-15. 8:10,11. 14: m 9. Ez. 3:14. Mic. 3:8. 1 Cor. n 15:10. 29:26. 2 Kings 2:23. Heb. 11:36. self and to his friends; and, having seen several of them slain in the siege of Jerusalem, he and the rest should be carried captive to Babylon: there they should be slain before his eyes; and he should die and be buried there, with all those whom he had deluded by his lies; for he was a false prophet, as well as a persecuting priest. (Notes, 28:15-17.)—Probably, these predictions made such an impression on Pashur's mind, as to disturb his imagination during all the succeeding events, and to produce the predicted terror. alarmed continually, through terrors of conCHAP. XX. V. 1-6. It might have been science and surrounding dangers: he should expected, that the prophet's faithfulness in de-be so disquieted as to become a terror to himlivering these most tremendous predictions, in so public a manner, would exasperate the rulers of Judah, if it did not convince and humble them. Accordingly we have in this chapter an account of a persecution which he endured, and of his behavior under it. Pashur, a priest of the race or order of Immer, (1 Chr. 24:14. Note, Ezra 2:36–39.) who under the high priest superintended the affairs of the temple; (Votes, 2 Kings 11:4. Acts 4:1 -3.) having heard of the predictions which the prophet had delivered in Tophet; and perhaps being present when he repeated them Stocks. (2,3.) noenen, (from 7:) eversio, subin the temple, used his authority to punish and versio; item cippus, ab evertendo et contorquensilence him, as a troubler of the nation. Hav-do corpore. Robertson. It occurs, as signifying smitten or scourged him as a malefactor, he set him in the stocks, in a public part of the city, (Marg. Ref. d.) and left him there all night, exposed to ignominy as well as pain. This he probably thought would disgrace him with the people, and discourage him from prophesying any more. The prophet seems to have borne the indignity with silence and patience: but when the next day Pashur came to set him at liberty, he was directed to inform him that God had named him "Magormissabib," or "Terror round about:" (Marg. and Marg, Ref. for he would cause him to be ing an overthrow, Deut. 29:22. Is. 1:7. 10:19. and elsewhere. Some learned men understand this word merely as signifying a place of confinement, or "house of correction:" but the word is never used for any of the prisons into which the prophet was afterward's cast: and the punishment seems to have been publie and ignominious. (Notes, 29:24—32, v. 26. 2 Chr. 16:7-12. Acts 16:19–24.) V. 7-9.) The prophet here complains more bitterly than he had done before. The Lord had allured, and induced him by his promises, to undertake the prophetical office; and thus |