Jeremiah is cast into a JEREMIAH. deep and miry dungeon. deans, 14-23. The king promises the prophet that he will not put him to death, and requires him not to reveal what had passed to the princes; to whom he accordingly gives an evasive answer, telling them only so much of the conference as related to his request for his life, 24-28. 2 Thus saith the LORD, "He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live. 3 Thus saith the LORD,This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which shall take it. 4 Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, flet this man be put to death for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt. 5 Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand for the king is not he that can do any thing against you. NOTES ON CHAP. XXXVIII. Verse 1. Then Shephatiah] This was the factionwhat Dahler terms the Antitheocratic faction-who were enemies to Jeremiah, and sought his life. Verse 3. This city shall surely be given] This was a testimony that he constantly bore: he had the authority of God for it. He knew it was true, and he never wavered nor equivocated. Verse 4. Let this man be put to death] And they gave their reasons plain enough: but the proof was wanting. Verse 5. He is in your hand] Ye have power to do as you please; I must act by your counsel. Poor weak prince! you respect the prophet, you fear the cabal, and you sacrifice an innocent man to your own weakness and their malice! Verse 6. So Jeremiah sunk in the mire.] Their obvious design was, that he might be stifled in that place. Verse 7. Ebed-melech] The servant of the king, one of the eunuchs who belonged to the palace. Perhaps it should be read, "Now, a servant of the king, a Cushite, one of the eunuchs," &c. 7 Now when Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; (the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin ;) 8 Ebed-melech went forth out of the king's house, and spake to the king, saying, 9 My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city. 10 Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die. m 11 So Ebed-melech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the Ch. xxxix. 16.———1 Heb. he will die.- - Heb. in thine hand. The king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin] To give audience, and to administer justice. We have often seen that the gates of cities were the places of public judicature. Verse 9. My lord the king, these men have done evil] He must have been much in the king's confidence, and a humane and noble spirited man, thus to have raised his voice against the powerful cabal already mentioned. There is no more bread in the city.] They had defended it to the last extremity; and it appears that bread had been afforded to the prophet according to the king's commandment, as long as there was any remaining. See chap. xxxvi. 21. Verse 10. Take from hence thirty men] The king was determined that he should be rescued by force, if the princes opposed. Verse 11. Went into the house of the king—and took thence] The eastern kings had their wardrobes always well furnished; as garments were a usual present to ambassadors, &c. I cannot think that, in the proper acceptation of the words, these were in any part of the king's house. Jeremiah is released A. M. cir. 3415. CHAP. XXXVIII. treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah. 12 And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so. 13 So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison. 14 Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that is in the house of the LORD: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me. 15 Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me? 16 So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD liveth, d that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life. Old cast clouts, and old rotten rags] The fact seems to be this: there were several garments that had been ed, and would not be used again; and there were thers which, through continuing long there, had by ects, &c. been rendered useless. These he took, tied to the cord, let down to the prophet, that he might roll them round the ropes, and place them under his arm-pits, so that in being hauled up he might not suffer injury from the ropes, which in this case must sustain the whole weight of his body. Verse 14. Into the third entry] A place to enter which two others must be passed through. Verse 16. As the Lord liveth, that made us this soul] He is the living God, and he is the Author of that life which each of us possesses; and as sure as he lives, and we live by him, I will not put thee to death, nor give thee into the hands of those men who seek thy life. A very solemn oath; and the first instance on cord of the profane custom of swearing by the soul. from the dungeon. 19 And Zedekiah the king said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they "mock me. 20. But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live. 21 But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath shewed me: 22 And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah's house shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon's princes, and those women shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee: thy feet are sunk in the mire, and they are turned away back. k i 23 So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the Chaldeans: and 'thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be burned with fire. 24 Then said Zedekiah unto Jeremiah, Let no man know of these words, and thou shalt not die.. 25 But if the princes hear that I have talked. with thee, and they come unto thee, and say unto thee, Declare unto us now what thou hast Men of thy peace.k Ch. xxxix. 6. xli. 10.- Ver. 18. In Heb. thou shalt burn, &c. Verse 17. Wilt assuredly go] On the king's obedience to the advice of the prophet the safety of the city depended. Unto the king of Babylon's princes] The generals. of the army then returning to the siege from the defeat of the Egyptians; for Nebuchadnezzar himself was then at Riblah, in Syria, chap. xxxix. 5, 6. Verse 19. They mock me.] Insult me, and exhibit me in triumph. Verse 22. All the women-brought forth] I think this place speaks of a kind of defection among the women of the harem; many of whom had already gone forth privately to the principal officers of the Chaldean army, and made the report mentioned in the end of this verse. These were the concubines or women of the second rank. Verse 23. They shall bring out all thy wives and thy children] These were the women of the first rank, by whom the king had children, These had no Jerusalem A. M. cir. 3415. Ol. XLVII. 4. JEREMIAH. said unto the king, hide it not | all these words that the king from us, and we will not put b 27 Then came all the princes unto Jeremiah, and asked him: and he told them according to a Ch. xxxvii. 20.--b Ch. xxxvii. 15.- -c Heb. they were silent from him. temptation to go out to the Chaldeans, nor would they have been made welcome; but the others being young, and without children, would be well received by the Chaldean princes. Verse 26. I presented my supplication] This was telling the truth, and nothing but the truth, but not the whole truth. The king did not wish him to defile his conscience, nor did he propose any thing that was not consistent with the truth. is taken. B. C. Cir. 589. A. M. cir. 3415. Ol. XLVII. 4. Tarquinii Prisci, R. Roman., cir. annum 28. A. M. 34153416. B. C. 589--588. Ol. XLVII. 4 -XLVIII. 1. d Ch. xxxvii. 21. xxxix. 14. Verse 27. The matter was not perceived.] They did not question him farther; and the king's commandment to remove him from the house of Jonathan being well known, they took for granted that they had all the information that they sought. And he was most certainly not obliged to relate any thing that might embroil this weak king with his factious but powerful princes, or affect his own life. He related simply what was necessary, and no more. CHAPTER XXXIX. This chapter gives an account of the siege and taking of Jerusalem; the flight, capture, and punishment of Zedekiah; the burning of the city; and the carrying away of the people (a few of the meanest excepted) to Babylon, 1-10; also of the release of Jeremiah, and the special orders of Nebuchadnezzar concerning him, 11-14. The remaining verses relate to the subject of the preceding chapter; and contain promises of personal safety to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian amidst the public calamities, on account of his piety, and his humanity to the prophet, 15—18. NOTES ON CHAP. XXXIX. Verse 1. In the ninth year of Zedekiah-in the tenth month] This month is called Tebeth in Esther ii. 16. It began with the first new moon of our January, and it was on the tenth day of this month that Nebuchadnezzar invested the city. Verse 2. The eleventh year in the fourth month] This month in the Hebrew calendar is called Thammuz, and commences with the first new moon of our July. The siege had lasted just eighteen months. The city was broken up.] A breach was made in the wall by which the Chaldeans entered. A. M. 3416. B. C. 588. OI. XLVIII. I. Anno Tarquinii Prisci R. Roman., 29. 3 And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarsechim, Rab-saris, Nergal-sharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon. с 4 And it came to pass, that when Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them, and all the men of war, then they fled, and went forth out of c2 Kings xxv. 4, &c. Ch. lii. 7, &c. Verse 3. Sat in the middle gate] The city of Jeru salem stood upon two hills, Sion to the south, and Acra to the north, with a deep valley between them, The gate of the centre, as the term seems plainly to import was a gate of communication in the middle of the valley, between the two parts of the city. sometimes called the higher and the lower city. The Chaldeans entered the city on the north side by a breach in the walls, and rushing forward and posting themselves in this gate, in the very heart or centre of the city, became thereby masters at will of the whole. Zedekiah with his troop, perceiving this, fled out of h 9 Then Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to him, with the rest of the people that remained. 10 But Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time. 11 Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon Ch. xxxii. 4. xxxviii. 18, 23.- b2 Kings xxiii. 33. Heb. spake with him judgments. Ch. iv. 12.- d Ezek. xii. 13, compared with ch. xxxii. 4.- e Heb. with two trasen chains or fetters.--12 Kings xxv. 9. Ch. xxxviii. 18. l. 13. 2 Kings xxv. 11, &c. Ch. lii. 15, &c.- hOr, chief marshal. Heb. chief of the executioners, or the opposite gate on the south side. See Blayney. This is likely; but we know nothing positively on this subject. Nergal-sharezer] These were the principal commanders; but Dr. Blayney thinks that instead of six persons, we have in reality but three, as the name that follows each is a title of office. Thus, Nergalsharezer, who was Samgar; Nebu-sarsechim, who was Rab-saris; and Nergal-sharezer, who was Rabmag. As Nergal-sharezer occurs twice here, and we know that Nebuzar-adan was general-in-chief, the first Nergal-sharezer is probably a mistake for Nebuzar-adan, or some other of the commanders. But these things are as uncertain as they are unimportant. Verse 4. Went forth out of the city by night] Probably there was a private passage under ground, leading without the walls, by which Zedekiah and his followers might escape unperceived, till they had got some way from the city. the Chaldeans. A. M. 3416. B. C. 588. Ol. XLVIII. 1. Anno Tarquinii Prisci, R. Roman., 29. gave charge concerning Jeremiah 'to Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard, saying, 12 Take him, and m look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee. 13 So Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rab-saris, and Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, and all the king of Babylon's princes; n 14 Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of P Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him. home so he dwelt among the people. 15 Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying, 16 Go and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee. 17 But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. 18 For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD. slaughtermen. And so ver. 10, 11, &c. See Gen. xxxvii. 26. m Heb. set Heb. in that day Heb. by the hand of. thine eyes upon him.- - Ch. xxxviii. 28.- Lo Ch. xl. 5. P Ch. xxvi. 24.--9 Ch. xxxviii, 7, 12.- -- Dan. ix. 12. 6 Ch. xxi. 9. xlv. 5.-t 1 Chron. v. 20. Ps. xxxvii. 40. The way of the plain.] There were two roads from Jerusalem to Jericho. One passed over the mount of Olives; but, as this might have retarded his flight, he chose the way of the plain, and was overtaken near Jericho, perhaps about sixteen or eighteen miles from Jerusalem. He had probably intended to have passed the Jordan, in order to escape to Egypt, as the Egyptians were then his professed allies. Verse 5. To Riblah] This city was situated on the northern frontier of Palestine, and Hamath was a large city belonging also to Syria. See Gen. x. 18. Verse 7. Bound him with chains] Margin: "Two brazen chains;" one for his hands, and the other for his feet. Verse 9. Those that fell away] the Chaldeans during the siege. That deserted to Verse 10. Left of the poor of the people] The very refuse of the inhabitants, who were not worthy of The Chaldeans JEREMIAH. release Jeremiah. being carried away; and among them he divided] Verse 16. Go and speak to Ebed-melech] The king's the fields and vineyards of those whom he took servant, the Cushite. away. Verse 18. I will surely deliver thee] Thou hast Verse 12. Take him-look well to him] Nebuchad-feared the Lord, and not the king, nor his princes, nezzar had heard that this prophet had foretold his capture of the city, and had frequently used all his influence to induce Zedekiah to pay the tribute, and not rebel against him; and on this account would be inclined to show the prophet especial favour. and thou hast taken the part of the prophet, and become his intercessor. Thou shalt not be slain. Thou hast put thy trust in me; thou shalt therefore be safe whithersoever thou goest. They that fear God need fear nothing besides. CHAPTER XL. This and the four following chapters contain a distinct account of what passed in the land of Judah from the taking of Jerusalem to the retreat of the remnant of the people to Egypt; together with the prophecies of Jeremiah concerning that place, whither he himself accompanied them. In this chapter we have an account of the enlargement of Jeremiah by Nebuzar-adan, the captain of the guard, who advises him to put himself under the jurisdiction of Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land of Judea, 1-5. The prophet and many of the dispersed Jews repair to Gedaliah, 6-12. Johanan acquaints the governor of a conspiracy against him, but is not believed, 13-16. A. M. 3416. B. C. 588. b g h A. M. 3416. B. C. 598. Ol. XLVIII. I. Anno Tarquinii Prisci, R. Roman, 29. to from the chains which were THE word that came Ol. XLVIII. 1. Jeremiah from the LORD, upon thine hand. 'If it seem Anno Tarquinii Prisci, after that Nebuzar-adan the good unto thee to come with R. Roman., 29. captain of the guard had let me into Babylon, come; and him go from Ramah, when he had taken him being bound in chains among all that were carried away captive of Jerusalem and Judah, which were carried away captive unto Babylon. 2 And the captain of the guard took Jeremiah, and said unto him, The LORD thy God hath pronounced this evil upon this place. 3 Now the LORD hath brought it, and done according as he hath said: "because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed his voice, therefore this thing is come upon I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land is before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go. you. 5 Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard 4 And now, behold, I loose thee this day gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go. a Ch. xxxix. 14.- b Or, manicles.- Ch. 1. 7. d Deut. xxix. 24, 25. Dan. ix. 11. e Or, are upon thine hand. NOTES ON CHAP. XL. Verse 1. The word that came to Jeremiah] This and the four following chapters contain a particular account of what passed in the land of Judea from the taking of the city to the retreat of the people into Egypt, and the prophecies of Jeremiah concerning them there. Had let him go from Ramah] This has embarrassed most of the commentators. Dr. Blayney has thrown much light upon it by his translation and note : "The word that came to Jeremiah from Jehovah, after that Nebu-Zaradan captain of the guards had taken him, and let him go from Ramah: for he had been bound with chains among all the captives of f Ch. xxxix. 12. Heb. I will set mine eye upon thee. 2 Kings xxv. 22, &c. Jerusalem and Judah, who were carried away captive to Babylon." "HAD TAKEN HIM, AND LET HIM GO.-) -Most interpreters have understood pɔ bekachto otho of Nebuchadnezzar's having first taken Jeremiah as a captive unto Ramah. But if the order of the sertence be well observed, as well as the more comme use of the verb plakach, it will, I think, rather appear that those words relate to his taking or having him brought to him, in order to give him his discharge." Verse 2. The Lord thy God hath pronounced] I know that thou art a true prophet, for what thou hast predicted from thy God is come to pass. Verse 4. Come; and I will look well unto thee] |