Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 6:16

16 Thus saith the LORD, stand ye in the wayes, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein.

Having told the False Prophets their doom, he now turns his speech to the people, and gives them counsel for he rather propounds then commands by a Metaphor taken from Travellers ▪ that, being in doubt of their way, do stand still, pause and consider, whether the direction, they have received from some ignorant person, or false guide be right, or not.

Heb. paths of antiquity such as their Godly forefathers of old were wont to walk in, the ancient paths, chap. 18.15. Or the Oracles of God, what directions his word gives, Isa. 8.20. or the Providence of God, observe what hath been Gods ways [illegible: 1 letter]nd method in times past with reference to sin and punishment, Deut. 4.3, 4. Iudg. 5.6, 8. chap. 22.15, 16. and what have been wont to be the best courses, called here the good way, or the best way to continue mercies, and prevent judgments, Deut. 32.7. &c. See 1 Thess 5.21.

When you have found what was best, and most prosperous, keep in it, stick to it.

You will find God to stand by you, and be a sanctuary to you. Deut. 33.12, 29. See Matth. 11.29. you will find things mend with you, it will be well with you, as it hath been with others; you will be satisfied and quiet, you will not doubt any longer, which way to follow, see 1 King. 18.21.

It notes their great wilfulness, and obstinacy, that, though the Prophets had directed them in the right way, and though they knew others had experimented it to be so, yet they would not be perswaded to walk in it, but deliberately refused these [illegible: 1 letter]avours offered, Isa. 8.11, 12, 13. chap. 18.11, 12.

Marginal references: Mal. 4.4. Luk. 16.29.