Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Jeremiah Ch.30 / 52 Ch.s
JER:30
* Troubles which shall be before the restoration of Israel.
(1-11) Encouragement to trust Divine promises. (12-17) The
blessings under Christ, and the wrath on the wicked. (18-24)
#1-11 Jeremiah is to write what God had spoken to him. The very
words are such as the Holy Ghost teaches. These are the words
God ordered to be written; and promises written by his order,
are truly his word. He must write a description of the trouble
the people were now in, and were likely to be in. A happy end
should be put to these calamities. Though the afflictions of the
church may last long, they shall not last always. The Jews shall
be restored again. They shall obey, or hearken to the Messiah,
the Christ, the Son of David, their King. The deliverance of the
Jews from Babylon, is pointed out in the prophecy, but the
restoration and happy state of Israel and Judah, when converted
to Christ their King, are foretold; also the miseries of the
nations before the coming of Christ. All men must honour the Son
as they honour the Father, and come into the service and worship
of God by him. Our gracious Lord pardons the sins of the
believer, and breaks off the yoke of sin and Satan, that he may
serve God without fear, in righteousness and true holiness
before him all the remainder of his days, as the redeemed
subject of Christ our King.
#12-17 When God is against a people, who will be for them? Who
can be for them, so as to do them any kindness? Incurable griefs
are owing to incurable lusts. Yet, though the captives suffered
justly, and could not help themselves, the Lord intended to
appear for them, and to punish their oppressors; and he will
still do so. But every effort to heal ourselves must prove
fruitless, so long as we neglect the heavenly Advocate and
sanctifying Spirit. The dealings of His grace with every true
convert, and every returning backslider, are the same in effect
as his proceedings to the Jews.
#18-24 We have here further intimations of the favour of God for
them after the days of their calamity have expired. The proper
work and office of Christ, as Mediator, is to draw near unto
God, for us, as the High Priest of our profession. His own
undertaking, in compliance with his Father's will, and in
compassion to fallen man, engaged him. Jesus Christ was, in all
this, truly wonderful. They shall be taken again into covenant
with the Lord, according to the covenant made with their
fathers. "I will be your God:" it is his good-will to us, which
is the summary of that part of the covenant. The wrath of God
against the wicked is very terrible, like a whirlwind. The
purposes of his wrath, as well as the purposes of his love, will
all be fulfilled. God will comfort all that turn to him; but
those who approach him must have their hearts engaged to do it
with reverence, devotion, and faith. How will they escape who
neglect so great salvation?