Verse 1

Jeremiah"s Twentieth Prophecy (see book comments for Jeremiah).

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Verse 2

the LORD God of Israel. See note on Jeremiah 11:3.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

in a book. For abiding comfort and hope in the coming times of trouble. Written before the deportation. Compare Jeremiah 30:5-11, Jeremiah 30:12-24. A dark foreground is shown in Jeremiah 31:37.

Verse 3

lo. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.

Israel. As well as Judah.

Verse 4

these are the words. This is the introduction to the two chapters.

Verse 6

a man = a male. Hebrew. zakar.

man = a strong man. Hebrew. geber. App-14.

Verse 7

that day. The interpretation here is of the day of Babylon"s overthrow. The application is of the yet future Great Tribulation of Mat 24. This is in contrast with the day of Restoration.

great, &c. = too great to have another like it.

Jacob"s. Not Israel"s, for it is the natural seed that is here in question, not the spiritual. See notes on Genesis 32:28; Genesis 43:6; Genesis 45:26, Genesis 45:28.

Verse 8

break his yoke. Reminding us of Jeremiah 28:10, Jeremiah 28:11.

Verse 9

David their king. This is yet future. Compare Ezekiel, Jeremiah"s contemporary (Ezekiel 34:23, Ezekiel 34:24; Ezekiel 37:24, Ezekiel 37:25. Isaiah 55:3. Hosea 3:5) for seven years (484-477). See App-77.

Verse 10

fear thou not, &c. Taking up Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 41:18; Isaiah 43:5; Isaiah 44:2.

shall be in rest = be [again] in rest.

Verse 11

in measure = to the due measure.

unpunished = guiltless. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 20:7; Exodus 34:7. Numbers 14:18). App-92.

Verse 13

that thou mayest, &c. = for binding thee up.

Verse 16

all they that devour thee, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 23:22).

Verse 18

upon her own heap. This cannot have a spiritual application; still less interpretation. It is literally Zion. This was written in the book, before the siege, which had already been foretold (chs. 7; 19; Jeremiah 21:10, Jeremiah 34:2, Jeremiah 37:10).

heap = ruins.

palace = fortress.

after the manner thereof: or, upon its own site.

Verse 19

them: i.e. the restored cities and palaces.

I will multiply. Note the Alternation : | multiply. | not be few. | glorify. | not be despised.

small = small (in number).

Verse 20

children = sons.

oppress. First used by God Himself (Exodus 3:9).

Verse 21

their nobles. Hebrew his Prince.

their governor. Hebrew his Ruler.

cause him to draw near. Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 16:5).

who is this . . . ? Compare Isaiah 63:1 (in judgment). Matthew 21:10 (in grace).

engaged = pledged.

Verse 23

continuing whirlwind = a tempest rolling itself upward: i.e. a roaring tempest.

the wicked = lawless ones (plural) Hebrew. rasha". App-44.

Verse 24

the latter days = the end of the days. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 49:1). Compare Jeremiah 23:20. App-92. consider = understand. Compare Jeremiah 23:20.