Bible Commentaries

CONTENTS

We have here a short, but precious Chapter, in which Baruch, being dismayed at his situation in Egypt, is comforted by the Prophet.

We had an account of this Baruch in the thirty sixth Chapter (Jer 36) of this same prophecy; and here, in a short, but instructive manner, his history is again brought forward. It appears, that though a follower of the Lord God of Israel, he had but weak faith. He lived in continual apprehension of danger, and from the surrounding calamities was full of fear, that evil would befall him. Reader! it is astonishing how much even good men suffer from imaginary fears; and what troubles the faithful bring upon themselves from not always living above these fears, by living upon faith in Christ. That is a sweet promise, which ought to be worn in the bosom of a child of God, for every occasion: Isaiah 26:3. And it was an old saying o f the primitive Christians, "he that lives by faith, will never die by fear."

I have often found this gracious answer of the Lord, by his servant Baruch, very profitable. Shall the children of God, while going home to their Father's house, and conscious that they are passing through a wilderness, expect velvet paths, and the easiest accommodation, by the way? Reader! in a world like this, where desolations are all around, let us bless God if we escape the storm. Amidst general shipwreck, let us consider our lot peculiarly favoured that we are not stranded, or overwhelmed with the waves.

REFLECTIONS

PRECIOUS Lord Jesus! it is enough that thou art my portion; Oh! let me seek no great things beside. To have my spiritual life secured, mid my natural life given me for a prey, in such a world as this, where the arrows of death are flying around in every direction; Lord, help me to consider these as distinguishing mercies; and by faith to live on thee now, and ere long to enjoy the full fruition of thee in glory; oh! what marked and distinguishing grace is mine. And now, Lord! I pray thee, let Baruch's history continually furnish out subject of instruction; for in having thee, O Lord, I really and truly possess all things.