Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Jeremiah Ch.29 / 52 Ch.s
JER:29
* Two letters to the captives in Babylon; In the first, they are
recommended to be patient and composed. (1-19) In the second,
judgments are denounced against the false prophets who deceived
them. (20-32)
#1-7 The written word of God is as truly given by inspiration
of God as his spoken word. The zealous servant of the Lord will
use every means to profit those who are far off, as well as
those who are near him. The art of writing is very profitable
for this end; and by the art of printing it is rendered most
beneficial for circulating the knowledge of the word of God.
God's sending to the captives by this letter would show that he
had not forsaken them, though he was displeased, and corrected
them. If they live in the fear of God, they may live comfortably
in Babylon. In all conditions of life, it is our wisdom and duty
not to throw away the comfort of what we may have, because we
have not all we would have. They are directed to seek the good
of the country where they were captives. While the king of
Babylon protected them, they must live quiet and peaceable lives
under him, in all godliness and honesty; patiently leaving it to
God to work deliverance for them in due time.
#8-19 Let men beware how they call those prophets whom they
choose after their own fancies, and how they consider their
fancies and dreams to be revelations from God. False prophets
flatter people in their sins, because they love to be flattered;
and they speak smoothly to their prophets, that their prophets
may speak smoothly to them. God promises that they should return
after seventy years were accomplished. By this it appears, that
the seventy years of the captivity are not to be reckoned from
the last captivity, but the first. It will be the bringing to
pass of God's good word to them. This shall form God's purposes.
We often do not know our own minds, but the Lord is never at an
uncertainty. We are sometimes ready to fear that God's designs
are all against us; but as to his own people, even that which
seems evil, is for good. He will give them, not the expectations
of their fears, or the expectations of their fancies, but the
expectations of their faith; the end he has promised, which will
be the best for them. When the Lord pours out an especial spirit
of prayer, it is a good sign that he is coming toward us in
mercy. Promises are given to quicken and encourage prayer. He
never said, Seek ye me in vain. Those who remained at Jerusalem
would be utterly destroyed, notwithstanding what the false
prophets said to the contrary. The reason has often been given,
and it justifies the eternal ruin of impenitent sinners; Because
they have not hearkened to my words; I called, but they refused.
#20-32 Jeremiah foretells judgments upon the false prophets, who
deceived the Jews in Babylon. Lying was bad; lying to the people
of the Lord, to delude them into a false hope, was worse; but
pretending to rest their own lies upon the God of truth, was
worst of all. They flattered others in their sins, because they
could not reprove them without condemning themselves. The most
secret sins are known to God; and there is a day coming when he
will bring to light all the hidden works of darkness. Shemaiah
urges the priests to persecute Jeremiah. Their hearts are
wretchedly hardened who justify doing mischief by having power
to do it. They were in a miserable thraldom for mocking the
messengers of the Lord, and misusing his prophets; yet in their
distress they trespass still more against the Lord. Afflictions
will not of themselves cure men of their sins, unless the grace
of God works with them. Those who slight the blessings, deserve
to lose the benefit of God's word, like Shemaiah. The
accusations against many active Christians in all ages, amount
to no more than this, that they earnestly counsel men to attend
to their true interest and duties, and to wait for the
performance of God's promises in his appointed way.