Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 3:19

19 But I said, How shall I put thee among the children , and give thee a pleasant land , a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations ? and I said, thou shalt call me, my father , and shalt not turn away from me.

Words that speak, either first Gods putting them to their own thoughts, how they could think he should bring such a perfidious people as they were into the Land, which he had promised? Else, secondly his considering within himself, how or what course he should take to bring such a thing about, and accomplish it, they had so greatly degenerated from him, and disobliged him. See Hos. 6.4. both implying that such a thing could not be brought about without Repentance, and true conversion to him, wrought by his free grace, Eph. 1.5, 6.

Esteem thee as my Child, till thou give some clearer proof, and demonstration of thy Repentance.

How shall I put thee into possession of that pleasant Land of desire, that I have promised thee, Canaan is so called, Psal. 106.24. Dan. 8.9. and 11.16, 41.

Heb. heritage of glory, or beauty, see Isa. 4.2.

So called either because possessed by several potent Nations, Num. 13 28. and Deut. 4.38. or rather it may note the great hosts, and multitudes of Nations, or Gentiles, that should be joyned to them in the Gospel Church, viz. Of Gods Elect, and so an heritage of the greatest delights, or the desire of Nations; a People to whom all the Nations would desire to Flock. See Ezek. 20.6. and may be spoken also of the heavenly Canaan; the LXX render it, the heritage of God the Omnipotent Governour of the Nations.

God comes now to a resolution how he would do it, either it is a direction, q. d. on this condition, that thou wilt own me, and not return any more to Idols, this shall be done, or a promise, I will cause thee to own me, and give thee perseverance, that thou shalt not depart from me: and this is very applicable to the work of Christ, see Ioh. 1.12. see also 2 Cor. 6.17, 18. and the condition is indeed no more, then God promiseth to effect in them.

Marginal references: Heb. land of desire.; Heb. an heritage of glory, or beauty.; Heb. from after me.