Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. Is just. Hebrew “judgment.” Septuagint “I will make my apology to thee.” Jeremias had been grievously persecuted by his countrymen: he therefore mentions a subject which has been the source of much perplexity. The success of the wicked is a temptation for weak souls. See Job 21. Psalms 72:3. Habakkuk 1:13. Calmet.—The prophets often speak in their names, not being ignorant or doubtful of the justice of divine providence. Worthington.
Verse 2. Reins. They have thy name in their mouth, but not in their heart. Isaiah 29:13. Matthew 15:8.
Verse 3. Gather. God orders his prophet to announce the misery of the wicked.
Verse 4. Mourn? Is not this a proof of my providence in chastising Juda? This famine is specified Calmet. 8:13 and 14:4. Calmet.—Last end. Two letters seem to be transposed in Hebrew as the Septuagint read “ways.” Kennicott.—The impious blaspheme as if all were ruled by chance. Calmet.
Verse 5. Horses. If thou hast been terrified at the threats of thy fellow-citizens, how wilt thou withstand those of Jerusalem? ( Menochius.) or he speaks to Juda, who would not be able to resist the Chaldees, since the Philistines, and so forth had routed the Jews, though destitute of cavalry.—Jordan, or the nations of Ammon, and so forth on that side. Calmet.—Prot. “if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt,” and so forth Bible.
Verse 6. To thee. Edom, and so forth made a league with Sedecias, which they broke. They always bore a hatred to the Jews, though sprung from the same stock. Calmet. 27:1. Lamentations 4:21. Calmet.
Verse 7. Soul; people, ( Bible.) whose punishment was decreed. Say not, therefore, that the wicked always prosper.
Verse 9. As a. Septuagint “a den of the hyena:” Alex. “robbers.” Grabe inserts, “or a den around it?” Bible.—They have read auss, “a den,” instead of hait, “a bird.” Bochart, (iii. 11.) however, shews that the latter word denotes various wild beasts, and nearly follows the Septuagint Though the inheritance be most charming, it shall not pass unpunished. Calmet.
Verse 10. Pastors; princes of my people, as well ( Bible.) as of the Chaldees. Calmet. 6:3.
Verse 11. Heart, to seek God and the cause of their misfortunes.
Verse 13. Fruits. They shall not satisfy your expectations or wants.
Verse 14. Land. Nabuchodonosor led the Ammonites, and so forth into captivity, five years after the Jews. Jos. Ant. x. 11. Calmet.—After the children are chastised, the rod is burnt. Worthington.
Verse 15. Land; the Jews, as well as their neighbours. Calmet. 49:6. Menochius. Isaiah 23:15. Ezekiel 16:55.
Verse 16. People. After the captivity, converts were more cherished. Yet the predictions concerning the call of the Gentiles were accomplished only by the preaching of the gospel. Calmet.