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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 43:1

The view of a prophet's complete work. I. A PROPHET IS ONE WHO HAS TO SPEAK THE WORDS OF JEHOVAH . Not his own words, not the words of other men. This applies to the substance of the message; for it is plain that each prophet has his own style. The chief thing to be remembered is that a prophet never goes forth on his own impulse. Men in their zeal for right may go out to protest against wrong and fight against it, but this does not make them prophets. The prophet's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 43:1-13

Hearts set to do evil. Such were the hearts of these Jews. They show concerning such— I. THAT AFFLICTION WALL NOT ALTER THEM . It is not always true that affliction will make the heart better. It serves this blessed end with some—cf. "Before I was afflicted I went," etc.—but not with all. Did not in this case, but though "often reproved," they only "hardened their neck." II. PRAYERS AND PROFESSION OF RELIGION DO NOT CONTROL THEM . They can go together.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 43:2

All the proud men. It would seem as if the "proud men" were distinguished from others. Jeremiah had called the whole people together ( Jeremiah 42:8 ); but a few domineering men assumed to represent the rest. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 43:2

Moral causes of unbelief. The causes of unbelief may be either intellectual or moral. It is not just to assume that they are of the latter character. There is an honest doubt, and many a brave soul has been forced to fight its way over a wild desert of difficulties before seeing the light of Divine revelation. Nevertheless, it is necessary for our own warning and in controversy with others to remember that there are moral causes for unbelief, and that in some cases these may be much more... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 43:3

Baruch the son of Neriah setteth thee on. A singular supposition—Jeremiah leaving the initiative to his secretary! It may be conjectured that Baruch had somehow made himself specially unpopular; he may have been a more practical man (comp. Jeremiah 45:5 ) than Jeremiah. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 43:3

The credulity of unbelief. I. UNBELIEF INVOLVES CREDULITY . Johanan and his companions here bring before us a striking instance of the credulity of unbelief. Refusing to admit that Jeremiah was divinely inspired, they asserted that he was instigated by Baruch the scribe. Now, we have seen Baruch acting solely as the amanuensis and spokesman of the prophet—indeed, effacing himself with genuine humility and wisdom to serve the prophet the more faithfully; could this man be the inspirer... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 43:1-3

These captains belonged to the party who had all along resisted Jeremiah’s counsels, and had led Zedekiah astray. Now however that events had proved that the prophet’s counsels had been wise and true, they cannot for shame find fault with him, but they affirm that he is under the influence of Baruch, a traitor who has sold himself to the Chaldaeans, and seeks only the hurt of the people.These captains belonged to the party who had all along resisted Jeremiah’s counsels, and had led Zedekiah... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 43:4

All the people - Many, nevertheless, would be unwilling agents, compelled to do what their unscrupulous leaders forced upon the community. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Jeremiah 43:2-3

Jeremiah 43:2-3. Then spake Azariah, the son of Hoshaiah Called Jazaniah, Jeremiah 42:1. We may observe many like instances in the books of Kings and Chronicles, of the same persons being called by two different names. And all the proud men They who refused to obey Almighty God when his commands crossed their own inclinations. Saying unto Jeremiah, The Lord hath not spoken by thee The constant method of hypocrites and infidels, who pretend they are not satisfied of the truth of divine... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Jeremiah 43:4-7

Jeremiah 43:4-7. So Johanan and all the captains, &c., obeyed not, &c. That is, they resolved not to obey the message God had sent them by Jeremiah; but took all the remnant of Judah that were returned, &c. The resolution which they had formed they presently put in practice. Though Jeremiah and Baruch, and probably many of the people, were not willing to go along with them, yet these rebellious captains forced them to go; so that the prophet and his pious friends were now a... read more

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