Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 6:29

29 The bellows are burnt, the lead is consumed of the fire; the founder melteth in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away.

The Prophet prosecutes his Metaphor taken from refining of metals, intimating herein, that the Prophets had spent their lungs to no purpose, the like Psal. 22.15. and 69.3. and their strength was consumed by their so much labour, and pains, q. d. terror of the Lord is, as a fire in my throat.

Some read it, the lead was entire, viz. their dross did still remain in them, the lead put for their dross, but I see no reason for, nor nee[illegible: 1 letter] [illegible: 1 letter]f this reading, but rather hereby is understood, either that means, which was used to prevail with them, his words compared to lead for the weight of them, and the use of them; or the judgments which were heavy, as lead, that God mixed among them, the more easily to prevail with them, it was all upon them, as lead is used in melting Silver, that it may melt the easier, it is all wasted, and doth no good.

Let the Artist use his greatest skill, and industry, yet is it all in vain, he can make nothing of it, the Prophets did but lose their labour in all the pains they took, Psal. 58.5. after they had wearied themselves.

Or drawn away as the word is, Josh. 8.16. and Judg. 20.32. their dross and corruption, their wickedness and filthiness is not removed, Isa. 32.6. for wicked may be read wickedness.