Jeremiah 32
Jeremiah in the siege of Jerusalem being imprisoned by Zedekiah, buys a field, takes witnesses, draws a writing, seals and delivers it to Baruch to preserve, as tokens of the peoples return, ver. 1-15. He prays with admiration of God's majesty and works; and represents his own conflict, ver. 16-25. God confirms the captivity for their sins, ver. 26-35. but promises a gracious return, ver. 36-44.
5. Until I visit him - Perhaps in mercy; it is certain Zedekiah was not put to death, only carried to Babylon, where some think he afterward found favour with the king of Babylon.
9. The money - The price of land was strangely fallen at this time, when the enemy was besieging the chief city of the country.
11. I took - It is probable, that upon such sales among the Jews, two instruments were made, the one sealed up, to be kept by the purchaser, the other open, to be shewed to the Judges, and by them ratified.
12. Baruch - This Baruch (chap. xlvi, 4, 26,) was a scribe, and an attendant upon Jeremiah. Witnesses - He made this purchase with all the usual formalities; he signed and sealed it before witnesses, and delivered it to Baruch to keep, in the presence of all the Jews.
20. Who hast set signs - Who didst wonders of justice in the land of Egypt, such as are remembered even to this day.
24. The mounts - Rather engines of war with which those nations used to batter walls, or to shoot great stones into places besieged.
34. Have set - Their idols.
39. One heart - I will give them union and concord, one mind and judgment. One way - They shall all worship me according, to the rule I have given them.
40. I will make - This promise manifestly relates to those Jews that should receive the Lord Jesus Christ, unless it be to be understood of a national conversion of the Jews, not yet effected.
Jeremiah 33
The taking of Jerusalem, carrying away the people, their return, ver. 1-8. Joyful state and settled government, ver. 9-14. Christ the branch of righteousness, his everlasting kingdom and priesthood, and blessed seed, ver. 15-26.
2. The Lord - The maker thereof, of Jerusalem, or of these promises, his name is Jehovah; he hath a sufficiency in himself to make good his word.
5. They - The Jews sally out and fight with their enemies, but to no purpose, but to fill their houses with their own dead bodies, whom I will cause in my anger to be slain.
6. I will cure - The miserable disturbed state of a nation being compared to wounds and sickness, the restoring of it to a peaceable prosperous state is fitly called its health and cure. I will bring them again to a quiet and peaceable state in which they shall abide many days.
9. They shalt fear - And not only so but shall fear to engage against a nation so beloved and favoured by me.
12. Is desolate - That is, a great part of which is, and the other part shall soon be desolate.
13. Shall pass - So as to keep tally of them, as they were wont to do both morning and evening in those countries.
15. The branch - The kings they had hitherto had of the line of David, were most of them unrighteous men, but God promises that after the captivity, they should have a branch of David who would execute judgment and righteousness in the land, for the protection and government of those that feared him.
16. Saved - It is the opinion of some that a spiritual salvation and security is promised under these expressions, but by the most and best interpreters, a temporal salvation. This was typical of that spiritual and eternal salvation which is promised to the true Israel of God; as their rest in Canaan typified that rest which remaineth for the people of God. The Lord our righteousness - There is no such name any where given, either to the Jewish or Christian church, as the Lord our righteousness, but the full import of that name is spoken of Christ, Isaiah xlv, 23, which text is applied to Christ, Rom. xiv, 11 Phil ii, 10.
17. David - That is, apparently a promise relating to Christ, for David's line had failed long since, had it not been continued in Christ, whose kingdom is and shall be an everlasting kingdom.
18. A man - That is, a ministry to abide in the church to the end of the world, nor is it unusual for God in the Old Testament to express promises to be fulfilled under the gospel by expressions proper to the Old Testament.
20. My covenant - The same with the ordinances mentioned, chap. xxxi, 35. God's law established in the course of natural causes, by virtue of which the day and night, orderly succeed one another. The succession of the gospel ministry in the church of God to abide for ever, shall be as certain as the succession of darkness and light.
22. Of David - Christ is himself called David, whose seed and whose Levites are multiplied in the multiplying of Christians and of faithful ministers under the gospel, which are the things here promised.
24. The two families - The families of David and Aaron. Despised - Spoken scornfully of my people, as if they should never be a nation more, having rulers of themselves, and a ministry.
Jeremiah 34
The captivity of king Zedekiah, and the city, ver. 1-7. The princes and people by solemn covenant, according to the law, dismiss their bond servants, but the Babylonians leaving the siege, they reassume them, ver. 8-11. For this God threatens a return of the enemy, and the destruction of Jerusalem, ver. 12-22.
5. Ah Lord - The Jews in their chronology, give us the form of the lamentation thus. Alas! Zedekiah is dead, who drank the dregs of all ages: that is, who was punished for the sins of all former ages.
17. Behold - You shall perish by the sword, famine and pestilence, and those of you who escape them, shall be slaves, in many nations.
18. Cut the calf - It seems these Jews in their making of the solemn covenant with God about releasing their servants used this rite; they caused a calf, or heifer to be cut in pieces, and the parts to be laid in the temple, right over-against one another; then they recited this covenant, and passed between the parts of the heifer so cut; silently agreeing that God should cut them in pieces like that beast if they did not make their words good.
22. Behold - I will put into their hearts to return.
Jeremiah 35
By the obedience of the Rechabites, ver. 1-11. God condemns the Jews disobedience, ver. 12-17. The Rechabites are blessed, ver. 18, 19.
1. The word - This is another evidence that the prophecies of this book are not left us in that order wherein they were delivered; for those which we had in the two or three foregoing chapters being in the time of Zedekiah, must needs be ten or eleven years after this.
2. Rechabites - These Rechabites had their name from Rechab their father, descended from Hemath, a Kenite, who is also called Hobab, Judg. iv, 11, or Jethro the father in law of Moses.
4. Igdaliah - A prophet. The princes - The chamber were the princes were wont to meet.
6. Jonadab - Jonadab of whom we read, 2 Kings x, 15, was the father, that is the progenitor of the Rechabites, at three hundred years distance.
7. That ye may live - Jonadab cautions his sons by a thrifty, sober, labourious life, to which they had been bred, in keeping flocks, to avoid any thing which might expose them to the envy or hatred of the people amongst whom they were come to sojourn.
10. Tents - Moveable habitations, which they could with little labour remove to feed their flocks.
19. For ever - For ever here signifies the ever of the Jewish state, or church.
Jeremiah 36
Jeremiah causes Baruch to write his prophecy; and publickly to read it, ver. 1-10. The princes send to fetch the roll and read it, ver. 11-18. They advise Baruch and Jeremiah to hide themselves, ver. 19. The king tears part of the roll, and burns it, ver. 20-26. Jeremiah denounces his judgment, ver. 27-31. Baruch writes a new copy, ver. 32.
2. A roll - Parchments, which anciently were their books. All the words - All the Revelations he had from God for twenty-two years last past. God would have them recorded, that there might be a memorial of them, that so the truth of them might appear, when God should bring them to pass; the time of which now drew near.
6. Upon the fasting day - It was undoubtedly, because of the concourse of people which the prophet knew would that day be in the temple, that he chose that day, when some would be present from all parts of Judah.
10. Then read - Most likely out of some window, or balcony, the people being below, and hearing it.
18. He pronounced - This could not but add to the princes fear, they must needs conceive that without a special influence of God, it had been impossible, that Jeremiah should have called to mind all that he had spoken at several times in so many years.
22. The ninth month - Answered to part of our November and December.
23. He - The king not having patience to hear above three or four columns, or periods, cut it in pieces and burned it in the fire.
25. Elnathan - These princes seemed to have had a greater dread of God upon their hearts than the rest.
26. Hid them - God by his providence kept them both out of their hands; directing them to find such a place of recess as the kings messengers could not find out.
30. None to sit - That is, none that shall be king any considerable time. Jeconiah his son was set up, but kept his throne but three months.
Jeremiah 37
The Egyptians raise the siege of the Chaldeans: and king Zedekiah sends to Jeremiah, to pray and inquire of the Lord for them, ver. 1-5. He prophesies the Chaldeans return and victory, ver. 6-10. He is apprehended for a fugitive, beaten, and put into prison, ver. 11-15. He assures Zedekiah of the captivity; and, entreating for liberty, obtains some favour, ver. 16-21.
10. And burn it - When God is resolved upon an effect, the instruments are little to be regarded. It is not the arm of flesh, but the power of God which is in that case to be considered.
12. Went forth - Jeremiah knowing the city would suddenly be taken, and that he could be no farther useful to the people, taking advantage of the withdrawing of the Chaldean army, resolves to go to his own country, to Anathoth, in the crowd of people that were going out.
13. Of Benjamin - The gate that looked toward the inheritance of that tribe.
16. The dungeon - The Hebrew words signify some pit, or deep hole, where were some cells or apartments, in which they were wont to keep those whom they judged great malefactors.
17. Is there - Hath God revealed any thing to thee, concerning the issue of the return of the Chaldean army.
Jeremiah 38
Jeremiah prophesies; is by the princes, with the king's permission, cast into a dungeon; but is by Ebed-melech, with the king's consent, taken out again, ver. 1-13. He has a secret conference with the king, in which he counsels him by yielding, to save his life, ver. 14-23. By the king's command he conceals the conference from the princes, ver. 24-27. He abides in prison 'till Jerusalem is taken, ver. 28.
5. For the king - I see I am as it were no king. I can do nothing against you, you will do what you please.
10. Thirty men - Probably the king commanded Ebed-melech to take thirty men to guard him against any opposition.
19. Lest they - Lest the Chaldeans should deliver me into the hands of those Jews which have fallen to them.
22. The women - Thou that art afraid of the insultings of men, shalt fall under the insultings of the women. Thy friends - For this thou mayest thank thy priests, and false prophets. And they - Have forsaken thee, every one shifting for himself.
Jeremiah 39
Jerusalem is taken: Zedekiah's sons are slain, his eyes put out, he is sent to Babylon, All the nobles of Judah are slain: the city is burnt, and the chief of the people carried captives, ver. 1- 10. Nebuchadrezzar's charge concerning Jeremiah, ver. 11-14. God's promise to Ebed-melech, ver. 15-18.
1. Tenth month - This month answers to part of our December and January.
3. The middle gate - The city was encompassed with two walls, before they came to the wall of the temple; the gate in the inner wall is supposed to have been that which is called the middle gate. They would not at first venture farther, 'till they might without hazarding their persons.
5. Riblah - Riblah was upon the borders of Canaan. Zedekiah was a tributary to the king of Babylon, and so subject to his power, having made a covenant with him, and secured his allegiance by his oath to him.
12. Take him - It is probable, that Nebuchadnezzar had been informed, Jeremiah had constantly told the king, that the Chaldeans should take the city, and as steadily persuaded both the king and princes to surrender it to them.
15. Now the word - These four verses mention a matter that happened before the things mentioned in the foregoing verses.
Jeremiah 40
Jeremiah being set free by Nebuchadnezzar, goes to Gedaliah, ver. 1-6. to whom the remaining Jews repair, ver. 7-12. Johanan revealing Ishmael's conspiracy, is not believed, ver. 13-16.
1. Ramah - Ramah was a city in the tribe of Benjamin near Gibeon. Babylon - Jeremiah was by mistake and expressly contrary to the king's orders carried amongst the other prisoners; probably the captain of the guard at that place called over his prisoners, and among them found the prophet contrary to his expectation.
5. Now - Jeremiah before he was gone out of the presence of Nebuzar-adan, declaring that he was more inclined to stay in his own country, Nebuzar-adan bid him, Go back.
8. Ishmael - It is likely these were commanders of parties, which either were within the city 'till it was taken, and then escaped, or where somewhere in the country, and not so much regarded by the Chaldeans, who were more intent upon the conquest of the city, than pursuing these little parties.
10. I will dwell - I have choice made of Mizpah, a city upon the frontiers, to make my residence, it being a convenient place for me to receive orders from the king of Babylon. But ye - Gather such fruits as the country affords, as you use to do in the times of peace.
12. Returned - Probably upon the king of Babylon's first invading Judah, many fled, and more as he went on his conquests, over- running the country; and it is likely at the taking of the city, many escaped, and fled into several countries, as they had opportunity, or judged this or that country would be safest; some fled to Moab, some to Ammon some to Edom, some one way, and some another: but when they heard that the king of Babylon had set a governor of their own religion and country over them, they came back to him; and there being few people left in the land, which was wonderfully fruitful, they gathered plenty of grapes, and other summer fruits.
13. Moreover - They had been with him before, but now they come to discover a conspiracy against his life.
Jeremiah 41
Ishmael, under a colour of friendship kills Gedaliah and others, both Jews and Chaldeans, ver. 1-9. He purposes to carry the residue captive to the Ammonites, but they are rescued from him by Johanan, who intends to flee into Egypt, ver. 10-18.
1. Now - Three months after the city was taken. Ishmael - The same Ishmael that came to Gedaliah, ver. 8, 9, to whom he swear protection; only here we are told he was of the royal blood, which might both raise his spirits, as having a more legal pretense to the government, and rendered him a fitter instrument, for Baalis the king or queen of the Ammonites to make use of. The princes - Some of the princes, who had escaped the army of the king of Babylon.
3. Slew - All those who were about the court of Gedaliah.
4. No man - No man who lived at any distance from Mizpah.
5. There came men - Who possibly had not heard of the temple being burnt. Cut themselves - With all indications of mourning used in those countries.
8. He forebare - His covetousness prevailed over his cruelty.
Jeremiah 42
Johanan and the people desire Jeremiah to inquire of God, promising obedience to his will, ver. 1-6. Jeremiah assures them of safety in Judea, ver. 7-12. and destruction in Egypt, ver. 13-18. Reproves their hypocrisy and obstinacy, ver. 19-22.
6. Good or evil - Whether grateful or ungrateful to us.
10. I repent - I am satisfied with the punishment your nation hath undergone, and as to the remainder, will change the course of my providence.
Jeremiah 43
Johanan and the commanders discredit Jeremiah's prophecy, ver. 1-3. and with the people, carry him and Baruch into Egypt, ver. 4-7. He prophesies by a type, the conquest of Egypt by the Babylonians, ver. 8-13.
7. Tahpanhes - It was at this time the place where the king of Egypt made his residence.
12. Carry them - He shall carry away both the idols, and the inhabitants of Egypt captive. With the land - With the spoils of the land of Egypt, he shall clothe his army.
13. Beth-shemesh - Beth-shemesh is the name of a city, which had its name from a famous temple of the sun.
Jeremiah 44
Jeremiah represents to the people in Egypt, the former sins and punishment of Judah, ver. 1-10. He prophesies of their destruction in Egypt, ver. 11-14. Their obstinacy, ver. 15-19. Threatened, ver. 20-28. For a sign, the destruction of Egypt is foretold, ver. 29, 30.
1. At Migdol - It seems the Jews that went into Egypt had planted themselves at these four places. Migdol was a city upon the borders of the Red Sea. Noph was a city, which the Greeks and Latines called Memphis; it is thought to be that, which is now called Cairo. Pathros was the province, since called Thebais.
14. For none - Only such shall escape, as have been forced into Egypt against their wills; and as did not fall in with the idolatry of the Egyptians.
15. All the men - It should seem those that did it were mostly women, and that they did it with some privacy, so that all their husbands did not know of it.
26. The Lord liveth - There shall not any be left alive of the Jews that are in Egypt, to swear The Lord God liveth.
29. This shall be a sign - Signs are usually antecedent to the thing signified, but the word is taken in a larger notion in this place for that which should attend the thing signified by it.
Jeremiah 45
Jeremiah instructs and comforts Baruch, ver. 1-5.
3. I find no rest - Upon Baruch's reading the prophecies both he and Jeremiah were advised to hide themselves. This probably disturbed Baruch, and made him lament his condition.
5. Seek them not - Dost thou expect what none is like to meet with who feareth God? Upon all flesh - I am bringing calamities upon the whole nation.
Jeremiah 46
The overthrow of Pharaoh's army, ver. 1-12. The conquest of Egypt by Nebuchadrezzar, ver. 13-26. God's people comforted, ver. 27, 28.
1. The word - This verse contains the title of all the ensuing discourses; for, tho' there be some verses in these chapters that relate to the Jews, yet they are all concerning their restoration. The prophecies of judgments from the beginning of this chapter to the fifty-second, are all against foreign nations, which are called Gentiles.
4. Brigandines - Coats of mail.
6. Let not the swift - It is in vain for the swift to flee away, the mighty men shall not escape, but they shall stumble and fall at Carchemish, which was near the river Euphrates, and northward from Egypt.
9. And the Lydians - They were all auxiliaries to the Egyptians in this expedition.
10. Made drunk - These phrases only metaphorically signify, the great slaughter God would make that day amongst the Egyptians.
12. Stumbled - Stumbling one upon another, so that both those that went before, and those who followed after, should fall together.
14. Declare - Publish this over all the land of Egypt.
17. Pharaoh - Hath made a great noise, but it cometh to nothing. Passed - That is, he hath passed the time himself fixed when he would cone, and fight the Chaldeans.
18. Surely - He shall as certainly come and encompass you with his armies, as Tabor is encompassed with mountains, and as Carmel is by the sea.
20. A serpent - Egypt is now like an heifer that makes a great bellowing, but the time shall come when she shall make a lesser noise like the hissing of a serpent. With axes - For the Chaldeans shall come with an army, armed with battle-axes, as if they came to fell wood in a forest.
23. Tho' - Tho' it seem impenetrable.
Jeremiah 47
The destruction of the Philistines, Tyrians, Zidonians, and others by the seaside, ver. 1-7.
1. Before - In the time of the Philistines prosperity.
4. The day - Which God hath set, and appointed for their ruin. Caphtor - Tyre and Sidon were neighbours to the Philistines, and so were often called to their help. The Philistines and Caphtorim were related, for their first progenitors, Philistim and Caphtorim, were both the sons of Mizriam the son of Ham, one of the sons of Noah.
5. The remnant - Those who lived in the valleys near Ashkelon. But thyself - Why will you afflict yourselves, when all your mourning will do you no good.
6. O thou sword - Perhaps they are the words of the prophet, lamenting the havock which he made among the Philistines by the Chaldeans.
7. How - God lets the prophet know that he had given this sword its commission, and therefore it could not stop 'till Ashkelon and the people on the sea-shore were destroyed by it.
Jeremiah 48
The judgment of Moab, ver. 1-6. for their pride, ver. 7-10. for their security and human confidence, ver. 11-15. especially for their contempt of God, and insolence towards his people, ver. 26- 46. Their restoration, ver. 47.
2. Heshbon - Heshbon was one of the principal cities of the Moabites. Probably the enemies sat there in counsel, when they had taken it, against the other parts of the country.
3. Horoniam - Another city of Moab.
5. Luhith - To this city the Moabites fled for sanctuary, and flying made so great an out-cry that their enemies who pursued them heard it.
6. And be - Save your lives, though all ye have be lost.
7. Trusted - In thy idols. Chemosh - Chemosh was their principal idol.
9. Give wings - The Moabites have need of wings like a bird to escape that ruin which is coming upon them.
11. At ease - The Moabites ever since they began to be a people, have been a quiet people. Settled - Like a cask of wine, that has not been racked but has continued in the same state. Not emptied - A metaphor of wine which is drawn out from vessel to vessel, when it is drawn off the lees. It is expounded by the next words. Therefore - And this is the reason why they retain their old sins, pride, presumption, and luxury.
12. Wanderers - The Chaldeans, who wandered from their own country to conquer other people. Break his bottles - He had before compared the Moabites, to wine settled upon the lees, here he saith, that God would send those that should not only disturb, but destroy them.
13. Bethel - The golden calves, which Jeroboam set up at Daniel and Bethel.
16. Is near - Josephus tells us this destruction came upon the Moabites five years after the siege of Jerusalem.
17. Staff - A staff and a rod are as well, ensigns of power and government, as instruments to punish offenders.
18. Dibon - Dibon, Aroer, and Ataroh were built by the children of Gad. It should seem the Moabites were not come into the possession of them. In thirst - It was a place well watered, but God threatens she should be in thirst, that is, driven into some dry, barren countries. The spoiler - The king of Babylon.
20. Arnon - Arnon was the name of a river; it was the border of Moab: probably the adjacent country or city might take its name from the river.
25. The horn - That is the beauty and the strength of Moab.
26. Drunken - Fill him with the intoxicating wine of God's vengeance.
27. Was he found - Why didst thou deal by Israel as men deal by thieves, when they are brought to shame?
28. O ye - Still the prophet speaks of the Moabites, as a people whose armies were routed, and calls to them to leave their houses in cities, not promising themselves any security, either to or from their houses, or from the walls of the cities, but to get them to rocks, which are naturally fortified, and from whence (if from any place) security may be promised.
30. I know - He shall never execute what he thinks to do. But - His boastings and his lies, still never effect his designs.
31. Kir-herez - A city of Moab.
32. Sibmah - Sibmah was famous in those days for vines. Jazer - Jazer was it seems first taken, and carried into captivity.
36. Pipes - The prophet means such pipes as they were wont to use at funerals, and other sad occasions.
40. He - Nebuchadnezzar shall come swiftly, and spread himself over Moab.
43. Fear - A variety of dangers upon all sides.
45. Heshbon - Heshbon was it seems a place of force. The crown - That is, the glory.
47. Bring again - It seems this is to be understood of a spiritual reduction of them, by calling them into the kingdom of the Messiah.
Jeremiah 49
The judgment of the Ammonites, ver. 1-5. Their restoration, ver. 6. The judgment of Edom, ver. 7-22. Of Damascus, ver. 23-27. Of Kedar, and Hazor, ver. 28-33. Of Elam, and its restoration, ver. 34-39.
1. No heir - During the long tract of time that there were wars between the Jews and Ammonites, the land of Gad and Reuben which lay beyond Jordan, fell into the hands of the Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites. Hence it is that the prophet saith, Hath Israel no sons? God had given that country of Gilead to Manasseh, Reuben, and Gad; and as mens estates ought to descend to their heirs, so this land should have descended to their posterity, but the Ammonites had taken and possessed it.
3. Ai - A city of the Ammonites, not the same mentioned, Josh. vii, 2, for that was on the other side Jordan. By the hedges - Where they might be hidden, and not so easily seen.
4. Flowing - Either flowing with water, or plenty of corn and grass.
5. Right forth - So that you shall be glad to flee, and never look back. Gather up - None will receive or entertain you.
6. I will bring - Probably this refers to the conversion of the Ammonites, as well as other Heathens, to Christ.
7. Edom - The Edomites were the posterity of Esau the eldest son of Isaac, but disinherited; the blessing being given to his younger brother Jacob, who was head of the twelve tribes of Israel. God promised him that he should have a fat, and plentiful country, tho' his brother should be his Lord; and foretold, that he should break his brother's yoke from off his neck: the land of Seir was his country. The Edomites coasted southward upon Canaan, the Israelites passed by their coasts to go into Canaan, their way lay thro' Edom, but their king refusing to suffer them to go through, God ordered them to go another way. Balaam prophesied their ruin. They were enemies to the Israelites in the time of Saul, 1 Sam. xiv, 47, and David, 2 Sam. viii, 14, and Amaziah, 2 Kings xiv, 17, who slew of them ten thousand, and took Selah, calling it Jokteel. Many of the prophets foretold their ruin, Jeremiah in this place, Ezek xxv, 12-14 Joel iii, 19 Amos ix, 11, 12, and others. Teman - Was a city of Edom.
8. Dedan - Was a city of Arabia joining to Idumea, Isaiah xxi, 13, they being neighbours to the Edomites are called to flee, and to get into caves, where they might dwell deep in the earth and be in some security.
9. If - Edom shall be totally destroyed; their destruction should not be like the gleaning of grapes, where the gatherers content themselves with taking the principal clusters: nor yet like the robbings of thieves, who take for their hunger, and when they have got enough leave the rest.
12. They - The Jews, who in comparison with others did not deserve to drink of the cup, yet have drank of it, and can you think to escape? When an Israelite hath not escaped the justice of God, an Edomite must not expect it.
13. Bozrah - Edom is expressed under the name of Bozrah, (a part for the whole) Bozrah being its principal city.
14. An ambassador - He speaks after the manner of earthly princes, who use to send their ambassadors to other princes to declare their minds to them. God hath inclined them to come against Edom.
19. Behold - The Edomites shall come up fiercely against Nebuchadrezzar, but will suddenly flee, yea even from their own country. Appoint - Into whose hands shall I give that country. For who - For I can do whatsoever I please. Will appoint - And who will appoint me a time to plead with men? Who is - Where is that king or potentate that will stand before me?
20. Teman - Edom and Teman signify the same thing. The least - The least of Nebuchadrezzar's forces shall drag them out of their lurking places.
23. Damascus - Being the head of this country, is put for the whole country. Hamath - Hamath and Arpad were two cities also of Syria. On the sea - Their inhabitants that live near the sea shall be troubled.
25. Of my joy - A city of great renown. The king of Syria is here supposed to speak.
27. Ben-hadad - Was the common name of the kings of Syria.
28. Kedar - Was one of the sons of Ishmael, whose posterity inhabited part of Arabia Petraea. Hazor was the head city to several kingdoms in Joshua's time.
29. They - The Chaldeans.
30. Flee - These seem to be the prophet's words.
31. Arise - The result of Nebuchadrezzar's counsels, giving charge to his armies to march against the Kedarens, who lived at ease and took no care, nor had any neighbours that could assist them.
34. Against Elam - Probably the Persians.
38. My throne - God calls the throne of Cyrus or Alexander his throne; because he gave it the conqueror.
39. But - We had the like promise as to Moab, chap. xlviii, 47, and as to Ammon, ver. xlix, 6, the same latter days either signify after many days, or in the time of the Messiah. In the former sense it may refer to Cyrus, who conquered Persia. In the latter sense it refers to the spiritual liberty which some of these poor Heathens were brought into by the gospel. We read Acts ii, 9, that some of the Elamites were at Jerusalem at pentecost, and were some of those converted to Christ.
Jeremiah 50
The judgment of Babel, and the land of Chaldea, for their idolatry, tyranny and pride; with gracious promises of the redemption of Israel intermixed, ver. 1-46.
2. Bel - Bel and Merodach were the two principal idols of the Babylonians.
3. The north - From Media which lay northward to Babylon and Assyria.
4. In those days - In the days wherein God shall begin to execute judgment upon Babylon, (which was in the time of Cyrus) the children of Judah shall come out of captivity, and some of the children of Israel hearing that their brethren were gone out of Babylon, shall go up also from the several places into which they were disposed by the Assyrians: weeping for their sins, or for joy that God should shew them such mercy.
6. Their shepherds - Their civil and ecclesiastical governors have been a cause of it. The former by their wicked commands and example; the latter by example as well as doctrine. Turned them - To offer sacrifices unto idols. From mountain - From one idolatry to another. Forgotten - They have forgotten me.
7. Habitation - Some think this is a name here given to God, who indeed is the habitation of justice, but whether the Chaldeans would call him so, may be a question. Others therefore think the preposition in is understood, making this the aggravation of the Jews sins, that they were committed in a land which ought to have been an habitation of justice.
8. Remove - God commands his people to remove out of Babylon, and to go forth cheerfully like the he-goats of a flock leading the way.
10. Satisfied - Satisfied with spoil and plunder.
11. Because - They rejoiced at the ruin of the Jews. Fat - The cause for which Babylon is threatened, was doubtless their luxury of all sorts commonly attending great wealth.
12. Mother - Your country, shall be ashamed of you, who are not able to defend her.
15. Given her hand - Acknowledging themselves overcome, and yielding. As she hath done - Unmerciful men find no mercy.
16. Everyone - Either such strangers as for commerce had their abodes in Babylon, or such assistance as the Babylonians had gotten against their enemies.
17. Israel - The whole twelve tribes. Lions - Enemies cruel as lions had carried them into captivity.
20. Not found - God will no longer punish the sins of the Jews, they should be sought for as to punishment and not found. Reserve - Whom I save from the captivity of Babylon.
21. Merathaim - The names of some places which Cyrus took in his way to Babylon.
22. The land - Of Chaldea.
26. Open her store-houses - The granaries, or treasures of the Babylonians.
27. Bullocks - The great and rich men of Babylon.
28. The vengeance - The revenge which God had taken for his holy temple, which the Chaldeans had destroyed.
33. Together - Together in this place signifies no more than that they were both oppressed, or alike oppressed.
34. Plead - He will actually and readily effect it.
36. Dote - Their soothsayers and wizards shall dote, not foreseeing what will be. Dismayed - Their hearts shall fail them when this day comes.
37. Horses - Through they be full of chariots and horses, the enemy shall destroy them. Mingled people - People that were not native Chaldeans, but under their dominion.
38. Dried - This phrase has a plain reference to Cyrus's stratagem used in the surprize of Babylon; one part of it was fortified by the great river Euphrates, which Cyrus diverted by cutting several channels, 'till he had drained it so low, that it became passable for his army; others think that a want of rain is here threatened.
40. No man - Cyrus only made them tributaries, and took away their government. But Seleucus Nicanor, a Grecian prince, utterly destroyed Babylon, so that in the time of Adrian the Roman emperor, there was nothing left standing of that great city.