Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 34:17

17 Therefore thus saith the LORD, Ye have not hearkened unto me in proclaiming liberty every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour : behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, and to the pestilence, and to the famine, and I will make you to be removed, into all the kingdoms of the earth .

They had turned and given a liberty, ver. 20. how doth God say here they had not? So God accounteth none to have done those good acts, which they do in a fit, or meerly to serve themselves of God; he saith, they had not done it, because they did not persist to do it, in such a case mens Righteousness shall by God never be remembred, but they shall dye in the sins they have committed.

Seeing you have refused to manumise your Servants at my command, I will manumise you, and set you free from my Protection and care. You shall perish by the Sword, Famine and Pestilence, and those of you who escape them, shall see how pleasant a thing it is to be Slaves, and in servitude, for you shall be dispersed in many Nations; and be servants to the Rulers of them.

Marginal references: Heb. for a [illegible: 1 letter]emoving.; Deut. 28.6[illegible: 1 letter]. and 29.21.