Verse 1

The Thirtieth Prophecy of Jeremiah (see book comments for Jeremiah).

came. Jeremiah goes back here to insert a preceding event (See Jeremiah 25:1; Jeremiah 26:1), in order to complete the correspondence by introducing the second illustration, as shown in the Structure, (Jeremiah 34:8-16) and (Jeremiah 35:1-11).

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

in the days, &c. Immediately before Nebuchadnezzar"s advance, in his fourth year.

Verse 2

house. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), for the descendants of Rechab, through Jonadab his son. who became their chieftain and lawgiver. Compare Jeremiah 35:6.

Rechabites They were descended from Hobab, the brother-inlaw of Moses. A Kenite tribe, who migrated with Israel to Canaan. Compare Numbers 10:29 with Judges 1:16; Judges 4:11-17; Judges 5:24. 1 Samuel 15:6. They were proselytes, not idolaters; inhabiting the wilderness south of Judah.

one of the chambers. There were many, for various purposes of the Temple worship. Compare Jeremiah 36:10 with 1 Kings 6:5. 1 Chronicles 9:27. Nehemiah 13:4-12.

wine. Hebrew. yayin. [fermented wine] App-27.

Verse 4

Igdaliah. See note on Psalms 90:1.

a man of God = the man (Hebrew. "ish, App-14.) of God (Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.): i.e. a prophet. See App-49.

Maaseiah, &c. He was the deputy of the High Priest. Compare Jeremiah 52:24. 2 Kings 25:18. Probably the same whose son Zephaniah, after the carrying away of Maaseiah with Jehoiachin (Jeremiah 29:1), held office under Zedekiah (Jeremiah 21:1; Jeremiah 29:5; Jeremiah 37:3).

keeper of the door = keeper of the threshold. There were three. See 2 Kings 25:18. 2 Chronicles 31:14.

Verse 5

pots = bowls.

Verse 6

for ever = unto times age-abiding.

Verse 7

build. This was as essential as the former injunction.

live many days, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 20:12). App-92.

in the land = on the soil.

Verse 11

When, &c. They explain why they did not carry out the latter part of their vow (Jeremiah 35:7).

Syrians. This is the only place where they are mentioned with the Chaldeans. They had been made subject to Assyria long before; (Isaiah 9:12). After the fall of Nineveh they came under the yoke of Babylon.

Verse 13

The Thirty-First Prophecy of Jeremiah (see book comments for Jeremiah).

the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel. See note on Jeremiah 7:3. men. Hebrew. "ish. App-14.

saith the Lord = [is] Jehovah"s oracle.

Verse 14

rising early and speaking. See note on Jeremiah 7:13.

Verse 15

every man. Hebrew "Ish. App-14.

evil. Hebrew. raa. App-44.

Verse 16

Because, &c. They are praised for their obedience, without reference to the nature of the command. Jonadab is not justified by this for imposing his will on all his posterity.

Verse 17

the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel = Jehovah Elohim Zeba"oth, Elohim of Israel. See App-4. This is the fullest (and therefore the most solemn) use of this Divine title. Occurs in this book only three times (here, Jeremiah 38:17, and Jeremiah 44:7).

Behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6. Used to emphasize further what follows.

evil. Hebrew. ra"a". App-44.

Verse 19

for ever = all the days.