Bible Commentaries

Jeremiah 21:1. Pashur the son of Melchiah, a different person from the Pashur named in the preseding chapter, who was son of Immer.

Jeremiah 21:8. I set before you the way of life, and the way of death. They who believe the prophet might escape the famine and the sword by fleeing out of the city, as in the next verse.

Jeremiah 21:13. Oh inhabitant of the valley, and rock of the plain. A description of Jerusalem, comprising the lower part of the city, and Zion the rock or impregnable fortress.

REFLECTIONS.

Those who despise the prophets are the greatest cowards in time of danger. This was exemplified in the timid character of Zedekiah and his people. Jeremiah had preached to them in vain, and they had not humbled themselves at the word of the Lord; but now they desire the prophet to enquire of God for them, and to pray for them; but the answer is a prediction of vengeance. Let us be ambitious to secure the divine friendship, by obeying his word, and hearkening to his ministers; then will he make our prosperity safe and comfortable, and be our support when trouble comes upon us.

How vain is all opposition to God, how necessary that we submit to him. This people trusted in the strength of their city, and insolently said, “who shall enter our habitations?” But God threatens to set his face against them, and to be their enemy; and then no fortification nor power could save them. Thus confident are the hopes of sinners. But if men will rebel against the Most High, he will fight against them, Jeremiah 21:5; and who can tell the power of his anger? Let us therefore take hold of his strength, and be at peace with him. He sets before us the way of life and death very plainly: let us then submit to him, obey his word and live. In all the messages of Jeremiah and the other prophets to the people, this is insisted on, that they put away their iniquities, the reigning vices of the times; that they execute judgment and righteousness, and do no wrong, but behave in an upright conscientious manner. The intention of all God’s precepts and threatenings is to promote righteousness. This shows of how much importance it is in his sight, how necessary to secure his favour, and the prosperity of the nation. Let us therefore follow after righteousness; for the righteous Lord loves it, and it shall be well with those who practise it.