Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 8:19

19 Behold, the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people, because of them that dwell in a far country: Is not the LORD in Zion? is not her King in her? why have they provoked me to anger with their graven Images, and with strange vanities?

i. e. The greatness of their cry, the bitter cries and schreeches and complaints that methinks I hear: The words are abrupt, because the Prophet is to represent several persons speaking; himself, the People and God.

See chap. 4.11. possibly because Ieremiah loved them, instructed them, admonished them as a daughter.

Viz. Their enemies the Babylonians, that were to come against them from a very far Country, chap. 6.22. or the voice of them, that were Captives under those of a far Country, now they begin to cry, which would not be perswaded to it before; the first is most to be approved of.

Viz. In Ierusalem a Metonymy of the Subject.

Or as King in Zion, or have we not a King of the seed of David, to whom the Kingdom was granted to be perpetual? Either the words of God, q. d. was not I among you to provide for you, and protect you, but you must needs repair to Idols? the like kind▪ of speech is in 2 King. 1.3. and the close of the verse seems to [illegible: 1 letter]avour this, or, as others, an expostulatory Lamentation of the People, that the cruel Adversary should prevail over a people, that had God so near them, Psal. 48.2, 3. and 76.1, 2. hath God now left us? and is the promise of our continuance here at an end? Psal. 89.36, 37, 38.

As if God should seem to reply here; Let them not think it strange, seeing they have turned their backs upon me, and trusted to Idols, which are but vanity, chap. 2.11, 13. called vanity, not only because Idols are as nothing, but because all the Confidence, that is put in them is vain, and because Idolaters are vain in their minds, and want understanding, I have not forsaken them, but they me.

Marginal references: Heb. beca[illegible: 1 letter]se of the the country of them that are far off.