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Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 23:11

In my house - They had even introduced idolatry into the Temple of God! read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 23:13

I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria - This was not to be wondered at, for their religion was a system of corruption. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 23:14

I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem - That is, the prophets of Jerusalem, while professing a pure faith, have followed the ways, and become as corrupt as the prophets of Samaria. They are all of them unto me as Sodom - Incorrigible, brutish sinners, who will as surely be destroyed as Sodom and Gomorrah were. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 23:9

Verse 9 The Prophet here again inveighs against the wickedness of the people; but as the prophets by their flatteries had then led astray the king and his princes, as well as the people, the Prophet directed his discourse to them, and says that his heart was troubled on account of the prophets We know that men think themselves half absolved when no one severely reproves them. When, therefore, the prophets ceased from their work, there was so great a security among the whole people, that there... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 23:10

Verse 10 Jeremiah now assigns the reason why he was so much horrified by the insensibility which he observed in the prophets. If things were in good order, or if, at least, they were tolerable, the prophets would have more calmly addressed the Jews; for what need is there to make a great ado when men willingly follow what God commands? When, therefore, we have to do with meek and modest men, vehemence is foolish; and they who thus bestir themselves, and seek, through great ambition, to shew... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 23:11

Verse 11 He adds here that it ought not to appear strange that the prophets were silent when they ought to have loudly cried out, because they were guilty themselves: and whence can freedom of speech come except from a good conscience? Hypocrites, who indulge themselves, are indeed often severe against others, and even more than necessary; but no one can dare honestly to cry out against wickedness, but he who is innocent. For he who condemns others seems to make a law for himself, according to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 23:12

Verse 12 Here he declares to false prophets and unfaithful priests that the Lord’s judgment was nigh at hand, because they had deceived the people. But he speaks figuratively when he says, that their way would be to them as lubricities. By way he understands the means which they thought to be of the best kind, as elsewhere, nearly in the same sense, what is deemed delectable, or what conduces to sustain life, is called “the table” of the wicked. (Psalms 69:22.) The meaning then is, that when... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 23:13

Verse 13 These two verses are to be read together; for there is no doubt but that the Prophet here compares the false prophets, who had corrupted God’s worship in the kingdom of Israel, with those in Jerusalem who wished to appear more holy and more perfect. And he thus compares them that he might set forth those who sought to be deemed God’s faithful ministers, as being by far the worst; for he says, that he had found fatuity in the prophets of Samaria, but depravity in the prophets of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 23:14

Verse 14 It follows,They commit adultery, and walk in deception Expositors think that there is a change of number; but what if these words be applied to the people? as though Jeremiah had said, “When any one is an adulterer, when any one walks in deception, that is, when any one is fraudulent, they strengthen, the hands of the wicked.” And, doubtless, this sense seems here to be the most correct. Then Jeremiah shews how they surpassed other prophets in impiety, even because they dissimulated... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 23:15

Verse 15 This verse is addressed to the prophets of the kingdom of Judah, as we learn from its conclusion; and thus the exposition which I have given is confirmed, even this, that God extenuates the fault of other prophets, in speaking of the prophets of Jerusalem, who boasted of greater sanctity. But he declares that they would have poison for meat and gall for drink; as though he had said, “I will pursue them with every kind of punishment.” He expresses evidently the same thing I have before... read more

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