Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Jeremiah
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 39
Overview:
The taking of
Jerusalem.
(1-10) Jeremiah used
Well.
(11-14)
Promises of safety to
Ebed-
Melech.
(15-18)
1-10 Jerusalem was
So strong, that the inhabitants believed the
enemy could never enter it. But
Sin provoked
God to withdraw his
protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah
had his eyes
Put out;
So he was condemned to
Darkness who had
shut his eyes against the clear
Light of
God's
Word. Those who
will not believe
God's words, will be convinced
By the event.
Observe the wonderful changes of
Providence, how uncertain are
earthly possessions; and see the just dealings of
Providence:
but whether the
Lord makes men
Poor or rich, nothing will profit
them while they cleave to their sins.
11-14 The servants of
God alone are prepared for all events;
and they are delivered and comforted, while the wicked suffer.
They often meet with more kindness from the profane, than from
hypocritical professors of
Godliness. The
Lord will raise them
up friends, do them good, and perform all his promises.
15-18 Here is a message to assure
Ebed-
Melech of a recompence
for his great kindness to
Jeremiah. Because thou hast
Put thy
trust in me, saith the
Lord.
God recompenses men's services
according to their principles. Those who trust
God in the way of
duty, as this good
Man did, will find that their
Hope shall not
fail in times of the greatest danger.