Verse 1

CONTENTS

This is as sorrowful a Chapter as any in the prophecy. Though the last had closed with prayer, yet this begins and ends with judgment.

Jeremiah 15:1

Reader! I cannot pass over this verse, without instantly making this observation: Though neither Samuel, nor Moses, can prevail for sinners, yet there is One mightier than both, whom the Father heareth always. Oh! how precious is to think, that Jesus cannot fail in his intercession, though all other intercessors fail. His blood is a speaking blood. And he ever liveth to appear, and to make intercession in the presence of God for us. Hebrews 12:24; Heb_7:25.

Verses 2-9

These judgments had their accomplishment, in the captivity that followed, when the people were carried away to Babylon.

Verses 10-14

We have here the prophet mourning unmanfully. Jeremiah affords an instance, that he, like all others of Adam's race, partook of the common stock of corruption. Alas! how unsuitable and unbecoming is it, in men of grace to complain. Jeremiah thought so in a cooler moment; See his Lamentations 3:39. Poor Job before him, had vented his sorrow in a language unbecoming, Job 3:2-19. And Jeremiah as if pleased with those angry expressions, repeated them with still stronger language, Jeremiah 20:14-18. Alas! what is man, even the best of men, even a Prophet; consecrated from the womb to be a prophet of the Lord? Jeremiah 1:5. Oh! precious, precious Lord Jesus, to whom shall we look but to thee; whose whole nature was holy, harmless, undefiled; separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens, Hebrews 7:26.

Verses 15-21

Though the Lord would not listen to the prophet's prayer, to avert the visitation concerning the captivity; yet for Jeremiah's personal safety, the Lord remembered his covenant: see Jeremiah 1:19. Reader! it is blessed in times of public calamity, to lay hold on the personal promises in Christ; and to remember, that the love of Jesus to his Church, however outward things may vary, is the same as Jesus himself, yesterday, and today, and forever, Hebrews 13:8. Oh! for grace to know this, and live upon an unchangeable God in Christ; when all things in us and about us, are changing continually.

Verse 21

REFLECTIONS

IN reading this Chapter, I find so much of blessedness leading to the Lord Jesus Christ, that I cannot need more than the first verse opens to me, to feast upon in Jesus forever. What though Samuel and Moses are no intercessors; though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledgeth us not; yet thou blessed Jesus hast stood in the gap, and dost forever stand, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Here then, amidst all the calamities of life, whether in private or public, nationally or individually; here would I rest my plea, my only plea, for I need no other. Looking to God my Father in Christ, I would say, both for myself and the Church of Jesus; behold O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed! And wilt not thou, O Lord Jesus, take up the case and concerns of all thy people? Though our iniquities testify against us, and our sins are aggravated sore; yet Lord, such is the everlasting and eternal efficacy of thy blood and righteousness; such the infinite merit of both; that they plead more for thy people, than all their sins can plead against them. Oh! how would I treasure this word concerning thee; wherein thou hast caused me to hope. I have found them indeed, and have eaten them; and they have been the rejoicing and joy of my heart: yea Lord, I have found thee, the Uncreated Word; and do thou Lord dwell evermore in my heart by faith. Lord do by me, as by thy servant the Prophet; make me as a fenced brazen wall, strong in the grace of faith, that is in Christ Jesus. Be thou with me to save me, and to deliver me, O Lord; so shall I not be confounded, when times of persecution arise, and the enemy cometh in like a flood; for then will my Lord lift up a standard, even Christ Jesus against him.