‏ Jeremiah 37

* The Chaldean army will return. (1-10) Jeremiah is imprisoned.

(11-21)

1-10 Numbers witness the fatal effects of other men's sins, yet

heedlessly step into their places, and follow the same

destructive course. When in distress, we ought to desire the

prayers of ministers and Christian friends. And it is common for

those to desire to be prayed for, who will not be advised; yet

sinners are often hardened by a pause in judgments. But if God

help us not, no creature can. Whatever instruments God has

determined to use, they shall do the work, though they seem

unlikely. 11-21 There are times when it is the wisdom of good men to

retire, to enter into their chambers, and to shut the doors,

#Isa 26:20|. Jeremiah was seized as a deserter, and committed to

prison. But it is no new thing for the best friends of the

church to be belied, as in the interests of her worst enemies.

When thus falsely accused, we may deny the charge, and commit

our cause to Him who judges righteously. Jeremiah obtained mercy

of the Lord to be faithful, and would not, to obtain mercy of

man, be unfaithful to God or to his prince; he tells the king

the whole truth. When Jeremiah delivered God's message, he spake

with boldness; but when he made his own request, he spake

submissively. A lion in God's cause must be a lamb in his own.

And God gave Jeremiah favour in the eyes of the king. The Lord

God can make even the cells of a prison become pastures to his

people, and will raise up friends to provide for them, so that

in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.