Verse 1. Joakim. This revelation was made to the prophet in the beginning of the reign of Joakim: but the bands were not sent, to the princes here named, before the reign of Sedecias. verse 3. Challoner.—He wore them six or seven years. Vat. Tirinus.—But this is uncertain. Septuagint omit this title. Syr. Arab. and so forth read “Sedecias.” Calmet.—As far as Juda may belong to the last chapter. S. Jerom includes the whole verse. Bible.—It seems to be rather a fresh prophecy, or the title may be spurious, like many in the Psalms. See Calmet. 26:1 and 28:1. Isaiah 21:13.
Jeremiah
Verse 2. Chains. Hebrew “a yoke and pole,” ( Calmet.) or piece of wood for the necks of slaves. Saint Jerome—Thus would the servitude of these nations be clearly represented. Bible.—Bands and chains were proper signs, as they were used to bind captives. Worthington.
Jeremiah
Verse 3. Edom. Thus he exercises the function of prophet among the nations. Calmet. 1:5. These had come to compliment Sedecias, or rather to form a league.
Jeremiah
Verse 5. Eyes. God disposes of all princes, and so forth His prophets speak boldly. Calmet.
Jeremiah
Verse 6. Beasts. The property of those people, or the most barbarous nations. Saint Jerome—Hangmen and executioners may in the same sense be styled God’s servants. Worthington.
Jeremiah
Verse 7. His son; that is Evilmerodach, and his son’s son, that is Nabonydus, or Nabonadius, the Baltassar of Daniel, (chap. 5) and the last of the Chaldean kings. Challoner.—Come. It will not be long before this rod is cast into the fire, the usual fate of those who execute God’s vengeance.
Jeremiah
Verse 9. Prophets, who deluded the Jews, as diviners did the Gentiles.
Jeremiah
Verse 10. To remove. Hebrew “that I may,” and so forth This will be the effect, though contrary to their intention.
Jeremiah
Verse 11. In it. None complied, and though the Idumeans, and so forth joined the Chaldees against Juda, they were punished ( Calmet.) for their former league. verse 3. Bible.
Jeremiah
Verse 16. Time. Hananias specified two years, (Calmet. 28:3) which proved false. Some “silver vessels,” (Baruch 1:8) and not those of gold, it seems, ( Calmet.) or not all, ( Bible.) were restored at the request of Saraias. Calmet. 51:59.
Jeremiah
Verse 18. Hosts. If they prevail, account me a false prophet. Calmet.—The things taken shall not be soon restored; but more shall be conveyed away. Worthington.
Jeremiah
Verse 19. To thee. Hebrew also, “concerning,” as verse 21. ( Bible.) though ( Calmet.) inanimate things are often spoken to. Saint Jerome