Jeremiah 32:36-44
36. And now therefore—rather, "But now, nevertheless." Notwithstanding that their guilt deserves lasting vengeance, God, for the elect's sake and for His covenant's sake, will, contrary to all that might have been expected, restore them.
ye say, It shall be delivered into . . . king of Babylon—The reprobate pass from the extreme of self-confidence to that of despair of God's fulfilling His promise of restoring them.37. (See on Jer 16:15). The "all" countries implies a future restoration of Israel more universal than that from Babylon.
38. (Jer 30:22; 24:7).
39. one heart—all seeking the Lord with one accord, in contrast to their state when only scattered individuals sought Him (Eze 11:19, 20; Zep 3:9).
for . . . good of them— (Ps 34:12-15).40. (Jer 31:31, 33; Isa 55:3).
not depart from me—never yet fully realized as to the Israelites. I will not turn away from them . . . good— (Isa 30:21). Jehovah compares Himself to a sedulous preceptor following his pupils everywhere to direct their words, gestures. put my fear in . . . hearts . . . not depart from me—Both the conversion and perseverance of the saints are the work of God alone, by the operation of the Holy Spirit.41. rejoice over them— (De 30:9; Isa 62:5; 65:19; Zep 3:17).
plant . . . assuredly—rather, "in stability," that is, permanently, for ever (Jer 24:6; Am 9:15).42. (Jer 31:28). The restoration from Babylon was only a slight foretaste of the grace to be expected by Israel at last through Christ.
43. (Jer 32:15).
whereof ye say, It is desolate— (Jer 33:10).44. Referring to the forms of contract (Jer 32:10-12):
Benjamin—specified as Anathoth; Jeremiah's place of residence where the field lay (Jer 32:8), was in it.