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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 42:7-22

We have here the answer which Jeremiah was sent to deliver to those who employed him to ask counsel of God. I. It did not come immediately, not till ten days after, Jer. 42:7. They were thus long held in suspense, perhaps, to punish them for their hypocrisy or to show that Jeremiah did not speak of himself, nor what he would, for he could not speak when he would, but must wait for instructions. However, it teaches us to continue waiting upon God for direction in our way. The vision is for an... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 42:10

If ye will still abide in this land ,.... In the land of Judea, their native country, where they had always lived, and where they continued when their brethren were carried captive; and yet they thought of going out of it, which the Lord knew; and therefore to encourage them to abide in it, and not think of departing into Egypt; that if they would take up their residence in it, and determine to continue there, he thus promises them: then will I build you, and not pull you down: and I... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 42:10

For I repent me of the evil - The meaning is, As I have punished you only because you continued to be rebellious, I will arrest this punishment as soon as you become obedient to my word. You need not fear the king of Babylon if you have me for your helper; and I will so show mercy to you that he shall see it, and cease from afflicting you, as he shall see that I am on your side. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 42:10

Verse 10 He now adds, If remaining ye will remain in this land, I will build you up and plant you, I will not pull you down nor root you up Here the Prophet testifies that the counsel he gave them in God’s name would be for their good; and what is good or useful is deemed by men, when they theorize, as they say, to be of great value. The simple authority of God ought, indeed, to be sufficient; and had God only commanded them in one word to remain, they ought to have acquiesced. But God here... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 42:7-12

Divine comforts for those in doubt and fear. I. THE MEANING OF THE INTERVAL . There are ten days to wait between the prayer of Jeremiah and the answer of Jehovah. Why this waiting? It must have been in some way for the sake of the people. They had said very emphatically they would be obedient; would they be obedient to begin with, to the extent of waiting ten days for God's answer? It had also to be seen whether they would continue in the spirit of obedience at all; and would... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 42:7-18

Man's utter dependence upon God. These verses plainly show this much forgotten but never failing truth. They tell how the land of Judah, desolate, unprotected, and oppressed, could be and should be made a happy land for them. Whilst Egypt, the land they hoped so much from, should bring on them all the sorrows which they thought by going there to escape. Thus we are taught that it is according to God's favour our lives are blessed or unblessed, bright or dark. Mere circumstances are unable... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 42:9-12

The blessedness of patient endurance. In answer to the appeal of the people for guidance, Jeremiah has to tell them that good will attend them so long as they stay in their land, but curses if they flee to Egypt. Hardships crowd upon them at present, and dangers threaten for the future. But if they will but endure these patiently, God will save and prosper them. I. WHY THE PEOPLE WERE REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THEIR LAND . 1 . It was the will of God. When we know... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 42:10

Build you, and not pull you down, etc. Some of Jeremiah's favourite phrases (see on Jeremiah 24:6 ). I repent me. And yet in 1 Samuel 15:29 we read that "Israel's Trust … is not a man that he should repent." The key to the discrepancy may be found in Psalms 18:25 , Psalms 18:26 , "With the pious thou showest thyself pious … and with the froward thou showest thyself froward." There is no change in the nature or purpose of God, but only in his conduct towards man. The term "repent"... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 42:10

I repent me - As punishment had been inflicted, the divine justice was satisfied. read more

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