Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. Girdle, usually worn by women. Saint Jerome Exodus 28:42.—It denoted the Jews, who became more corrupt during the captivity; (verse 7. 11) so that God delivered them out of his pure mercy. Thus He explains this prophetical action. Calmet.—Loins. God cherished his people. Menochius.—Water. He made choice of them when they were rough and deformed. Saint Jerome—Their sins cause their ruin. Bible.
Verse 4. Euphrates, above 150 leagues distant. Some think this was only to be done in spirit: but it is generally supposed that the prophet made this long journey twice. Bochart suggests that Euphrates (Hebrew Peratha) may be put for Ephrata, or Bethlehem, as the first syllable is often cut off. Calmet.—Yet a journey to the Euphrates would represent more strikingly the destination of the people; and it would not be difficult for God to convey Jeremias thither in a short time, if requisite, as he sent Habacuc through the air to carry a dinner to Daniel; (14:32) though this supposition is not here necessary, as the labour to which Jeremias was repeatedly exposed, might shew the people their manifold transgressions and captivities. Bible.—Such prophetic actions make a deeper impression than words. Hebrews 1. The ingratitude of the people is here described, to Calmet. 21. Worthington.
Verse 9. Rot. I will bring them low. Menochius.—They shall see that all their dependance must be on the divine mercy.
Verse 11. Glory; that they might serve me for the edification of the world.
Verse 12. Bottle, of earthen ware. Calmet. 25:27. Calmet.—Every man shall suffer. verse 13. Bible.—This is another prophetical similitude denoting extreme perplexity. Worthington.—Do. They deride the prophet, as if he said nothing worthy of notice. Menochius.
Verse 16. Dark. John 12:35.—Mountains, beyond the Euphrates, resembling clouds.
Verse 17. My soul. Jeremias can do no more. Calmet.—Septuagint “your soul, … your eyes,” and so forth Bible.
Verse 18. Queen; Nohesta, mother of Joachim, or to the consort of Sedecias. Calmet.—Septuagint “to the princes.” Bible.
Verse 19. South, belonging to Juda; ( Calmet.) or Egypt will afford no protection. Tournemine. Calmet. 37:3. 10.
Verse 20. North: ye Chaldees. Bible.—Hebrew and Septuagint “see those who come.”—Cattle. O king, what account wilt thou give of the people to the Almighty? Calmet.
Verse 21. Head. Achaz called the Assyrians into the country, and Ezechias had shewn his treasures to the Babylonians. Other kings excited God’s indignation.
Verse 22. Defiled. Thou art exposed to the brutality of the soldiers.
Verse 23. Evil. Bad habits are a sort of second nature. I speak in vain. Calmet.—Yet God sometimes converts inveterate sinners, who cannot rise of themselves. Worthington.
Verse 26. Appeared. Thou art treated as a wretched and vile captive. Bible.
Verse 27. Me; to serve me. Menochius.