Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 20:10

10 ¶ For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side : Report, say they, and we will report it : all my familiars watched for my halting , saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him , and we shall take our revenge on him .

The Prophet here rendereth a reason why he thought of giving over his work as a Prophet, his ears were continually fildle with the Obloqu[illegible: 1 letter]es and reproaches of such as reproached him, and besides he was afraid on all hands there were so many Traps laid for him, so many devices devised against him. They did not only take all advantages against him, but they sought advantages and

invited others to raise up false stories of him. They said to men like themselves, Raise but you the report, we will blow it abroad.

Not onely strangers, but those that I might have expected the greatest kindness from, those that pretended most courteously, watched for opportunities to do me mischief, and lay in wait for my halting.

Desiring nothing more then that I might be enticed to speak or do something which they might make matter of a colourable Accusation.

That so they might satisfie their malice upon me. This hath alwayes been the genius of wicked men; Iob and David both made complaints much like this, Iob 19.19. Psal. 3[illegible: 1 letter].13. & 55.12, 13, 14. Thus it fared with Christ himself. The same Spirit which yet possesseth wicked men, was found in wicked men in all former times. And this ought to be a great relief to the people of God under the like measures, to consider that the Servants are not above their Lord, and wicked men thus of old persecuted the Prophets.

Marginal references: Heb. every man of my peace.; Psal. 41.9. & 55.13, 14.