Bible Commentaries

CONTENTS

The Prophet is again commissioned with heavy tidings to Zedekiah and to the people. As the time of the captivity drew near, the alarm became greater.

We cannot sufficiently admire the faithfulness of the Prophet, in following up the will of the Lord. Times were dangerous, but Jeremiah considered, that there was but the more reason to be conscientious. Though a prison was before him, and into it he knew he should be sent, yet whether men would hear, or whether they would forbear, he dared be honest. Ezekiel 2:5-6.

While the Prophet used faithfulness, he forgot not exhortation. It is the duty of ministers to admonish as well as reprove. And never surely was there a servant of the Lord more tender, in his persuasions to the King and people, than Jeremiah. So are commanded all Jesus's ministers to be. 2 Timothy 4:1-2.

Concerning the law for the release of servants, we have it at large, Exodus 21:16. And as this was a beautiful type of the Lord Jesus, in becoming Jehovah's servant for his Church and people; it was most strictly to be observed; and it should seem that it was very religiously followed, when at anytime trouble was upon Israel: but when the trouble was over, the great ones oppressed their brethren as before. So was it at this time. So was it in the after age of Nehemiah. See Nehemiah 5:1-13. Oh! what poor wretched unfeeling creatures sin hath made us! without natural affection, sin is among the most awful judgments of the fall. Romans 1:31.

REFLECTIONS

WE cannot close this Chapter without first stopping to admire God's patience and man's unworthiness. Though judgment was at the door, and everyone seemed to be tremblingly alive at what would follow, yet sin is not lessened. Gracious God! what but sovereign grace can soften the human heart!

Precious Lord Jesus! thou wert indeed the servant, who would not go out free. For the love that thou didst bear thy Father, and the love thou didst bear thy wife the Church, and the children which the Father had given thee; thy ear was indeed bored, and thou didst give thy back to the smiters, and thy cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. Thou didst not hide thy face from shame and spitting. Oh! for grace to imitate thy blessed example, and in all the circumstances of life, to show mercy in having obtained mercy.