Bible Commentaries

CONTENTS

The awful rejection of the Prophet's advice, by Johanan and his party, is related in this Chapter: and with daring impiety he and his followers carry Jeremiah / and the remnant of the people by force into Egypt.

Reader! mark in the progress of the history, the truth of that scripture; as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith, 2 Timothy 3:8. How awful the state of judicial blindness!

To what a desperate degree of boldness in sin, doth sin harden! It is somewhat extraordinary however, under all, that the life of the Prophet is so sacred. The reason is assigned us: Jeremiah 1:19.

Reader! look at God's people in their vassalage: part of them in Babylon, and part in Egypt! Is this the Lord's heritage? Well might the Prophet use his lamentations in the way he hath, and pour out his soul in prayer, see La 5 throughout. But, Reader! in the midst of judgments do not overlook how the Lord's grace follows the people. Jeremiah is still to preach, and still to prophesy. And although evil must come, yet goodness shall follow. Pray read Jeremiah 32:37 to the end.

REFLECTIONS

MY soul! do not close this book of God, neither pass away from this Chapter, without first dropping in prayer before the mercy seat, for the continual leadings, and preventing, and restraining influences of the Holy Spirit. Who can read the astonishing hardness of the human heart, as set forth in the relation of Johanan and his followers, without trembling? Who would have supposed it possible, that when a nation for its impiety had been given up by the Lord to the sword, the remnant should have set forth yet more outrages and marks of rebellion against God! But, alas! what is man, in his highest attainments, if for a moment left of God! The best of men are but men, and are equally capable of falling: for corruption is the same in all men, by nature. And, my soul, never for a moment lose sight of that most certain and unquestionable truth, that they that are kept, are kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation. And that thou art not like Johanan and his party, is not owing to thee; or to thy prudence, but wholly to the merciful grace of the Lord. Oh! for grace to seek grace; and to be on the lookout for the sweet visits of him and his love, who alone keepeth from falling, and will present his people before his throne faultless, with exceeding great joy. Precious Jesus! Do thou keep me, and I shall be kept. And grant Lord, that I may never grieve the Holy Spirit of God; whereby thy people are sealed unto the day of redemption.