Bible Commentaries

CONTENTS

This Chapter is as the former, and but a continuation of the same sermon. It contains the Lord's expostulation with his people for their sins and transgressions.

Jeremiah 6:1

There is somewhat particular, and worth notice in this personal direction to Benjamin. Distinguishing mercies are sweet mercies. Beth-haccerem means the house of vineyards. The Church is called, a vineyard of red wine. Isaiah 27:1-2. I do not say as much, but I would humbly ask, may not the expression without violence be supposed to refer to Christ as the defense?

I venture to think, that if we read these verses with an eye to the Church in Jesus, they will be found very interesting. Who is the speaker here, that likens Zion to a comely and delicate woman? May it not be Jesus? And doth not Jesus frequently do so? See Song of Solomon 1:8-15; Son_2:2; Ezekiel 16:14. The afflictions and exercises, which are threatened, are all suited to the Church. Ho 2 throughout.

All these are so many gracious expostulations suited to the state of the Church, in all her seasons of affliction. I need not enlarge on them. They express that deadness, that leanness of soul, that bondage, and indifference to ordinance; the children of God, are at times but too well acquainted with. See Song of Solomon 5:2-3; Revelation 3:2.

This is a beautiful verse, read with an eye to Christ: who is both the new and the living way; and also the old path to dwell in, being the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. And who but Jesus is the rest of the soul? See all those scriptures. John 14:6; Revelation 13:8; Hebrews 13:8; Matthew 11:28-30; Isaiah 28:12; Psalms 116:7.

In what strong terms doth the Lord set forth the folly of outward things, as the incense and the cane, when there was no inward offering of the heart. What are all acts of religion, when there is no regeneration? Isaiah 1:11-17.

The last of these verses throws a light on the whole passage, by way of explanation, on the principles of the gospel of Christ. All men are as reprobate silver, until the Great Refiner and Purifier of silver hath brought them through the furnace of his regenerating and renewing Spirit. All in themselves are forever rejected, until chosen and accepted in Jesus. Ephesians 1:4-7.

REFLECTIONS

Lord Jesus! look upon thy Church, thy vineyard, thy Benjamin, beloved: and place her in times of danger, in the Beth-haccerem of safety in thyself. Remember thou dear Lord, what thou hast said, and what thou hast promised, and say still: I the Lord do keep her. I will water her every moment, lest any hurt her. I will keep her night and day.

And surely thou blessed Lord! if thou hast likened thy Church to a comely and delicate woman: it must be so from being comely in thine eyes, from the comeliness thou hast put upon her. Precious Lord Jesus! though I am in myself black, yea, full of spots; but if comely in thine eyes, it is thy robe of righteousness hath made me so. Oh! for grace to eye thee, and love thee, and to be living upon thee, and to thee as the Lord my righteousness!

Do thou, Almighty Refiner and Purifier of thy Church and people: sit by me as my Refiner, that men may no longer call me reprobate silver, when thou hast refined me as silver is refined, and tried me as gold is tried. Oh! Lord God! by the fire of thy blessed Spirit, consuming all the dross of my corrupt affections, and with thy special influences refining and purging away all the seam of a nature foul and spotted, do thou so cleanse me for thyself and thy glory, that I may offer to my Lord an offering in righteousness, and be so purified like the sons of Levi, to be among thy priests, in thy salvation forever!