‏ Jeremiah 15

* The destruction of the wicked described. (1-9) The prophet

laments such messages, and is reproved. (10-14) He supplicates

pardon, and is promised protection. (15-21)

1-9 The Lord declares that even Moses and Samuel must have

pleaded in vain. The putting of this as a case, though they

should stand before him, shows that they do not, and that saints

in heaven do not pray for saints on earth. The Jews were

condemned to different kinds of misery by the righteous judgment

of God, and the remnant would be driven away, like the chaff,

into captivity. Then was the populous city made desolate. Bad

examples and misused authority often produce fatal effects, even

after men are dead, or have repented of their crimes: this

should make all greatly dread being the occasion of sin in

others. 10-14 Jeremiah met with much contempt and reproach, when they

ought to have blessed him, and God for him. It is a great and

sufficient support to the people of God, that however

troublesome their way may be, it shall be well with them in

their latter end. God turns to the people. Shall the most hardy

and vigorous of their efforts be able to contend with the

counsel of God, or with the army of the Chaldeans? Let them hear

their doom. The enemy will treat the prophet well. But the

people who had great estates would be used hardly. All parts of

the country had added to the national guilt; and let each take

shame to itself. 15-21 It is matter of comfort that we have a God, to whose

knowledge of all things we may appeal. Jeremiah pleads with God

for mercy and relief against his enemies, persecutors, and

slanderers. It will be a comfort to God's ministers, when men

despise them, if they have the testimony of their own

consciences. But he complains, that he found little pleasure in

his work. Some good people lose much of the pleasantness of

religion by the fretfulness and uneasiness of their natural

temper, which they indulge. The Lord called the prophet to cease

from his distrust, and to return to his work. If he attended

thereto, he might be assured the Lord would deliver him from his

enemies. Those who are with God, and faithful to him, he will

deliver from trouble or carry through it. Many things appear

frightful, which do not at all hurt a real believer in Christ.