Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Jeremiah Ch.37 / 52 Ch.s
JER: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.