Jer 2:22 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 22. For though thou wash thee with nitre ] It should be rendered natar or natron , a substance totally different from our nitre . It comes from the root nathar , to dissolve, loosen, because a solution of it in water is abstersive, taking out spots , &c., from clothes. It is still used in the east for the purpose of washing . If vinegar be poured on it, Dr. Shaw says, a strong effervescence is the immediate consequence, which illustrates : "The singing of songs to a heavy heart is like vinegar upon natron;" that is, there is no affinity between them; opposition and strife are occasioned by any attempt to unite them. Thine iniquity is marked before me ] No washing will take out thy spots ; the marks of thy idolatry and corruption are too deeply rooted to be extracted by any human means.

‏ Jeremiah 2:22

Verse 22. For though thou wash thee with nitre] It should be rendered natar or natron, a substance totally different from our nitre. It comes from the root nathar, to dissolve, loosen, because a solution of it in water is abstersive, taking out spots, &c., from clothes. It is still used in the east for the purpose of washing. If vinegar be poured on it, Dr. Shaw says, a strong effervescence is the immediate consequence, which illustrates Pr 25:20: "The singing of songs to a heavy heart is like vinegar upon natron;" that is, there is no affinity between them; opposition and strife are occasioned by any attempt to unite them.

Thine iniquity is marked before me] No washing will take out thy spots; the marks of thy idolatry and corruption are too deeply rooted to be extracted by any human means.