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he destruction of the temple and city foretold. (1-6)
Jeremiah's life is threatened. (7-15) He is defended by the
elders. (16-24)
Verses 1-6: God's ambassadors must not seek to please men, or to save
themselves from harm. See how God waits to be gracious. If they
persisted in disobedience, it would ruin their city and temple.
Can any thing else be expected? Those who will not be subject to
the commands of God, make themselves subject to the curse of
God.
Verses 7-15: The priests and prophets charged Jeremiah as deserving
death, and bore false witness against him. The elders of Israel
came to inquire into this matter. Jeremiah declares that the
Lord sent him to prophesy thus. As long as ministers keep close
to the word they have from God, they need not fear. And those
are very unjust who complain of ministers for preaching of hell
and damnation; for it is from a desire to bring them to heaven
and salvation. Jeremiah warns them of their danger if they go on
against him. All men may know, that to hurt, or put to death, or
to show hatred to their faithful reprovers, will hasten and
increase their own punishment.
Verses 16-24: When secure sinners are threatened with taking away the
Spirit of God, and the kingdom of God, it is what is warranted
from the word of God. Hezekiah who protected Micah, prospered.
Did Jehoiakim, who slew Urijah, prosper? The examples of bad
men, and the bad consequences of their sins, should deter from
what is evil. Urijah was faithful in delivering his message, but
faulty in leaving his work. And the Lord was pleased to permit
him to lose his life, while Jeremiah was protected in danger.
Those are safest who most simply trust in the Lord, whatever
their outward circumstances may be; and that He has all men's
hearts in his hands, encourages us to trust him in the way of
duty. He will honour and recompense those who show kindness to
such as are persecuted for his sake.
