Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 1

THE words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah , of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin .

i. e. Sermons, or Prophesies, which he received from God, as being his mouth to declare them unto the people, and comprising all in the volume of this Book going under his Name, as the matter, and substance of it, see on Isa. 2.1.

As this serves to distinguish him from other Priests, so his being of Anathoth ranks him among the common Priests; not that High Priest mentioned, 2 King. 22.8. under whose Progeny Ieremiah is not named, 1 Chron. 6.13. Who, it is probable, would have been named being one of so much note, and who alwayes lived at Ierusalem, not at Anathoth, which was a City three Miles from Ierusalem lotted out of the Tribe of Benjamin for the Priests, Iosh. 21.18. Of an ordinary Teacher he was made a Prophet, not so of the rest.

i. e. That part of Candan that sell to Benjamins share.

2 To whom the word of the LORD came in the dayes of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

Either that Commission from God that did authorize him to his Prophetical work▪ as it may probably be taken, Iohn 10.35. was actually given unto him verse 10. or, command of God as 'tis used, 1 Kings 12.[illegible: 1 letter]4. Or, rather the materials, of which his Prophesies were to consist, for the space of 41 years successively in Iudea, viz. from the 13th. year of Iosiah to the 11th. year of Zedekiah, besides the time that he prophesied in Egypt. see chap. 43. and 44. as Isa. 2.1.

i. e. During the Reign, and corrupt state of Religion

Who corrupted again that Religion by those Idolatries, that his Father Manasses had in the latter part of his Reign so well reformed by rooting of them out, 2 Chron. 33.21, 22, 23.

By which it appears that Ieremiah prophesied the last 18 years of Iosiahs Reign, for he reigned 31 years, 2 Kings 22.1.

3 It came also in the dayes of Jeho[illegible: 1 letter]akim, the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month .

Viz. The word of the Lord, as verse 2.

Called at first by Iosiah Eliakim, 2 King. 23.34. Iehoahaz, and Iehojakin whereof the former reigned before him, 2 King. 23.31. the latter succeeded, 2 King. 24.8. are conceived not to be mentioned, because they reigned but each of them three months, and therefore not considerable, the Scripture often taking little notice of a small time, as of six months, compare 2 Sam. 5.5. with 1 King. 2.11.

See ver. 2. of whom read 1 Chron. 3.15, 16.

i. e. The inhabitants of Ierusalem namely under Zedekiah, 2 Kings 25.11. during all which time, things standing in that state and condition, Ieremy Prophesied▪

i. e. The inhabitants of Ierusalem namely under Zedekiah, 2 Kings 25.11. during all which time, things standing in that state and condition, Ieremy Prophesied▪

Doth not terminate the time of his Prophesies, for he Prophesied also both in Iudea, and in Egypt afterwards; but only relates to what he Prophesied while the City and Temple were standing, the rest seeming rather to be added, as a supplement, then to be reduced unto this general Title of his Prophesies.

viz. Of that present year; for, though the year end not at the fifth month, yet it might end the year of Zedekiahs Reign, because he might begin his reign at the fifth month of the year.

Marginal references: 2 Kings 25.[illegible: 1 letter]. chap. 52.12.

4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me , saying,

i. e. When he was first called to his Office, or the Lord then began to speak unto me.

A change of the person, a thing very usual with the Prophets.

5 ¶ Before I formed thee in the belly , I knew thee ; and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the Nations.

i. e Wom[illegible: 1 letter] I[illegible: 1 letter]a. 46.3. having spoken before of the time o[illegible: 1 letter] his call verse 4. he now speaks of the manner of it.

i. e. Approved, and appointed thee, as a fit Minister for this work [illegible: 1 letter]ords of kno[illegible: 1 letter]ledge among the Hebrews note affection, as hath been formerly noted.

Vi[illegible: 1 letter]. not with saving grace, though that need not to be excluded▪ but accordingly I prepared and ordained thee for this publick service, and thus with Paul Gal. 1.15. where both are expressed. See the like use of the word Isa. 13.3. he speaks thus to Iere[illegible: 1 letter]iah, not to the other Prophets, because he stood in need of greater, and more direct encouragement then they, both in respect of the tenderness of his years, and also of those insuparable difficulties, which in those most degenerate, and corrupt times he must unavoidably encounter with, which might cause him to decline the work, verse 6.

Either with reference to place, to other nations besides the Jews, as appears chap. 43. and 46, and 47. &c. taking the Jews in among them, as chap. 25.17▪ 18. and so may be taken for again[illegible: 1 letter]t, as it is often expressed in those places and elsewhere; Or with reference to time, to people of all times, who may be instructed by this Book, or whose words are made use of, both by several Prophets of the Old Testament▪ as Daniel, Ezekiel, Ne[illegible: 1 letter]emiah, &c. and by our Saviour in the New, by Matthew chap. 2.17.18. By Pa[illegible: 1 letter]l 2 Cor. 6.18. And by St. Iohn R[illegible: 1 letter]v. 2.23.

Marginal references: Isa. 49 1.5.; Luk. 1.15.41. Gal. 1.15.16.; Heb. gave.

6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD, Behold, I cannot speak : for I am a child .

An introductory inter[illegible: 1 letter]ection making way for his excuse in a way of grief, and complaint, indeavouring with all reverence to clear himself of undertaking such a work rashly, it being properly the figh of one that hath too great a weight upon his shoulders

Not dumb, as Zachary Luke 1.20, 22. nor stammering as Moses, Exod. 4.10, 14. but not with that becomming gravity, and commanding Majesty, as is suitable to a Prophet, he modestly excuseth himself, from a consideration of the weight of the work, and the tenderness of his age, as in the next expression.

Either in years, and so not ripe, or apt for the declaring of great things, and that to Princes and Nobles. Or, 2. In experience, being altogether unskilful in such affairs, not having been used to Prophesie: and therefore in neither respect likely to be much regarded.

Marginal references: Exod. 6.12.

7 But the LORD said unto me, say not I am a child ; for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee, thou shalt speak.

Do not plead excuses.

This is Gods answer to Ieremiah in respect of his sense of his own inability; this may be by way of command, and then it is a check to his timerousness; thou shalt go, therefore draw not back, or, by way of promise, and then it is a satisfactory answer to his excuse, as both proceeded from a sense of his own insufficiency, q. d. fear not, I will make thee eloquent, and couragious.

This relates, either to persons, or things, to all i e to all persons to whom I shall send thee, thou shalt baulk none, see Rev. 10.11. Or, upon so is the Hebrew and then it is thou shalt go upon all errands, and messages, that I shall send thee, see Isa. 55.11. and Act. 26.16.

8 Be not afraid of their faces : for I am with thee to deliver thee , saith the LORD.

Their fierce looks Ezek. 3.9. the indication of their enraged minds, Dan. 3.19. Neither when thou deliverest my message to them, nor when thou mayest be cited before them Matth. 10.18, 19. This is Gods answer to Ieremy's fears in respect of the persons he was to deal with, as the other was in respect of his own consciousness of insufficiency; and he mentions their faces, because the majestick countenance, of Princes, and Magistrates, is apt to strike a great awe and terror upon Children.

Ile not only send thee as other Kings do their Embassadors, but I will go with thee, this God promises to Moses, Exod. 3.12. and D[illegible: 1 letter]ut. 31.6, 8.

Here God promises his protection for encouragement.

Marginal references: Jos. 1.5. Heb. 13.5, 6.

9 Then the LORD put forth his hand , and touched my mouth, and the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

God having before excited the Prophet to his work by command, and promise, doth now in a vision establish and confirm him, either by the hand of an Angel, as Isa. 6.6, 7. Or, rather, by himself in some visible shape.

Heb. Came upon, as the word is used Iudg. 20.41. hereby enabling him to speak, or thou shalt be my mouth to deliver my words, partly to let Ieremy understand that they were God's words; and partly to intimate they should be effectual, and partly that he should never be without them, but continually supplied, see the like kind of phrase, chap. 5.14, and he adds Behold, q. d. attend to what I am about to say; or, look upon this outward sign, and let it assure thee of the thing signified.

Marginal references: chap. 5.14.

10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations, and over the kingdoms , to root out, and to pull down , and to destroy, and to throw down, to build and to plant .

Having now received his Commission he is directed to whom he is to go, viz. to the greatest, not only single persons, but whole nations, as the Babylonians, Persians, and Egyptians, and exhorted to greatness of mind, as being sent as an Ambassador from God to deliver his messages without flattery, or cowardize; and that he might make that proud people sensible of their folly, that looked upon themselves above reproof, he gives unto his Prophet this large authority.

i. e. To Prophesie, that I will pull down, which I will as certainly effect, as if thou hadst done it thy self, for according to Scripture usage, the Prophets are said to do that, which they foretell to come to pass, Gen. 4.7. Ezek. 43.3. [illegible: 1 letter] i. e. to pronounce destruction, hence God is said to slay them by the words of his mouth, Hos. 6.5. and so are all the following expressions to be understood.

Metaphors taken from Architects, and Gardiners, either the former words relate to the Enemies of God, and the latter to his Friends. Or, rather to both conditionally if they repent, he will build them up, i. e. he will encrease their Families, and plant them, viz. settle them in the Land, chap. 24.6. If they do not he will root them up, and pull them down, &c. he will do the contrary: compare this with chap. 42.10. and 45.4. The reason why God useth so many words to the same purpose seems to be, partly to shew how deeply all kind of wickedness and contempt of God had taken root, which possibly may be one reason why he placeth pulling down, and rooting up before building and planting, to shew what a deal of rubbish there was to be removed, before he could reform, and repair his Church and State. Or, rather because the Prophet was to begin with these in his Prophesie, as appears by his second Visions ver. 11, 13. and partly to quicken the Prophets zeal against them.

Marginal references: chap. 18.7. 2 Cor. 10.4, 5.

11 ¶ Moreover, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? and I said, I see a rod of an almond-tree .

This and the boiling C[illegible: 1 letter]uldron ver. 13. is thought to be at the same time, and in the same Vision, when he was first appointed to his work.

Viz. That had leaves, and possibly blossoms on it, like Aarons, Numb. 17.8. for without leaves at least, 'tis possibly he had not so readily guessed of what kind it had been; this is a tree that blossoms early, and speedily, and hence hath its name in Hebrew Soaked signifying watchful, forward, nimble, or quick, and so it may point at either Gods readiness to smite, ver. 12. which is described elsewhere by Summer fruit, Am[illegible: 1 letter]s 8.1▪ 2. or Israels ripeness to be smitten, as we have the like, Ezek. 7.10, 11. or both; this rod being like a portentous Comet, shewing to Ieremiah the miseries that were at hand, as the death of Iosiah, which soon followed this Vision, 2 King. 23.29. and the taxing them by Pharaoh Neco, 2 King. 23.35. and presently after the breaking in of the Chaldees, [illegible: 1 letter]yrians, Moab[illegible: 2 letters]es, and Ammonites, 2 King. 24.2. and then the Babylonian Captivity, 2 King. 24.10. which happened in the eighth year of Iehojakim, 2 King. 24.12. when Nebucha[illegible: 1 letter]nezzar took him with others, and carried them away about 23 years from hence, and about the 40th. year Ierusalem was taken, and the Temple burnt.

12 Then said the LORD unto me, thou hast well seen : for I will hasten my word to perform it.

Or, thou hast seen and judged right; or, as the Hebrew, thou hast done well to see, i. e. in seeing so.

Word for word I will Almond-tree it; i. e. I will be upon them speedily in a short time, and suddainly, ere they are aware, or I will watch, and be ready to accomplish this in due time.

i. e. My word of threatning against Iudah and its inhabitants.

13 And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying, what seest thou? and I said, I see a seething pot , and the face thereof is towards the north .

After the smaller punishment from the Lord, follows this of the boiling pot, by which understand Iudea, and Ier[illegible: 1 letter]salem, as may appear by the application, that they themselves make of it in a way of scorn and derision, Ezek. 11.37. some put the face of the pot for the pot it self; as the face of the cold, the face of his anger for Cold, and Anger it self, q. d. I see a pot coming, meaning the Babylonian Army flowing in upon them, like boiling, or scalding water, as some interpret it; but this seems not to be so congruous to the Vision; but rather thus the Babylonians should besiege, as a fire playes round the furna[illegible: 1 letter]e, when it is to be made boil, so should these Chaldeans begirt it, as ver. 15. and reduce the inhabitants to most miserable extremities, with unspeakable cruelty, as if they were like flesh roasting by the fire, or boyling in a pot, as their sufferings are described, Mic. 3.3.

Or front of the pot, or furnace, the place where the fire was put in, or blowed up to make it boyl, as a pot, hanged in the form of a [illegible: 1 letter]urnace, seems to be all but one and the same pot or vessel, the face of which may be easily conceived to stand toward the north, not the mouth of the pot; for that looks directly upward, unless we conceive it to be represented in the Vision leaning, of which conceit there is no need.

Indicating from whence their misery should come, ver. 14. viz. from Chaldea which lay north from Ierusalem.

Marginal references: Heb. from the face of the north.

14 Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land .

Explained this Vision.

i. e. From Babylon a Metonymie of the subject, for though it lye East-ward, yet it is North from Ierusalem as lying 4 Degrees more from the Equinoctial. See ver. 13.

It shall be withheld, or restrained no longer in my treasure I will let it out, viz. That evil of punishment represented by the fire.

Though God gave almost all the then known World to the King of Babylon, yet here he understands the Land of Iudea, chap. 25.9.

Marginal references: chap. 4.6. and 6.1.; Heb. be opened.

15 For lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD: and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entring of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah.

Or, I am upon calling, it is at hand, I am about to incline the Northern [illegible: 1 letter]ountries to joyn together in this work, chap. 6.22. and 10.22. and 25.9, 26.

Or kindreds. viz. those diverse Countries, and Nations, that were under one Lord, as a chief Ruler is called the Father of his Countrey.

viz. The Babylonians, and their assistants, the Medes also being in Confederacy with them, whose Kings Daughter Nebuchadnezzar married

Their Seats, Pavilions, or Tents shall be pitched, which shall be as so many thrones, where I will see my judgments executed by the Chaldeans, chap. 52.4.

At the entring to the gates, or way leading to the gates, Iudg. 9.35. 2 King. 7, 3. chap. 43.9. which besiegers have a[illegible: 1 letter]wayes a special regard to, that there be no going in, or coming out, Isa. 22.7.

They shall begirt it round, noting the great multitude, power and courage of the Chaldeans.

There were none of them should fare any better then Ierusalem.

Marginal references: chap. 5.15.

16 And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me , and have burnt incense unto other gods , and worshipped the works of their own hands .

Cause sentence to be passed according to my threatning, see chap. 39.5. Or▪ I will place my bounty, and their unworthiness before them. Or I will upbraid them with their Ingratitude, Rebellion and breach of Covenant, &c. I will speak with them by thee Ieremiah, and others of my Prophets.

Either noting the persons against whom, or rather the cause for which, because they have forsaken me; the same particle being so used, chap. 13.25. and elsewhere. Or their sins whereby, as it is also expressed chap. 16.11. and 22.9.

i. e. Worshipped strange Gods▪ a Synecdoche of the part for the whole.

i. e. Their Idolatrous Images expressed here by a Periphrasis. Isa. 2.8.

17 ¶ Thou therefore gird up thy loins , and arise , and speak unto them all that I command thee : be not dismayed at their faces , lest I confound thee before them .

By this expression God quickens, and hastens him upon his work, not to stand hesitating, but to be doing, prepare thy self; for it is a speech taken from the custom of their Countries, that wear long garments, and therefore they did gird them up about them, that they might not hinder them in any work, that required expedition, see the phrase and practise, Exod. 12.11. 2 King. 4, 29. and in many other Texts; it implies two things. 1. Speed and Dispatch. 2. Courage and Resolution: Iob 38.3.

Another expression to the same purpose to speed him about his work, the like chap. 13.4.

Heb. Shall command thee.

Discover no fear, and conceal no message, See ver. 8.

Heb. Break thee in pieces, either lest thou prove confused, and shattered in thy notions, and unable to deliver thy message, lest I leave thee, and forsake thee. Or, lest I terrifie thee worse, then they are able to do, even to ruin thee, See Matth. 10.28.

It seems to be spoken by way of aggravation, God would shame him, or destroy him even in their sight, to become their reproach. Or, think not to [illegible: 1 letter]scape any more then Vriah, chap. 26.23.

Marginal references: Or, break to pieces.

18 For behold , I have made thee this day a defenced city , and an iron pillar and brazen walls against the whole land , agai[illegible: 1 letter]st the kings of Judah; against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

H[illegible: 1 letter]b. For I, lo, q. d. for my part▪ I will not fail to do what I have promised, to stand by thee.

Heb. City of def[illegible: 1 letter]nce impregnable, which the two following expressions do import▪ it should be supported with

Pillars, not of Wood, but of Iron.

And encompassed with walls, not of Stone but of Brass, noting hereby both great uprightness, and also strength.

i. e. All its inhabitants in general, none to be spared, as he doth particularly rank them in their several degrees in the following words, intimating hereby, that though men of all degrees should set themselves against him, yet God would support him against them all, and that he would carry him through his work, though his troubles and tryals would not be only great, but long, viz. passing through several Kings Reigns, therefore p[illegible: 1 letter]ssibly said Kings here in the plural.

Marginal references: Isa. 5[illegible: 1 letter].7. chap. 6.27. a[illegible: 1 letter]d 15.20.

19 And they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee , saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

Make united attempts upon thee. See Iudg. 20.11.

They shall not be able by all their devices to shorten thy days, chap. 15.20. and 20.10.11.

Here is the reason given of his safety, God will be his g[illegible: 1 letter]ard. See verse 8. 2 Timothy 4.17, 18.