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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 18:18-23

The prophet here, as sometimes before, brings in his own affairs, but very much for instruction to us. I. See here what are the common methods of the persecutors. We may see this in Jeremiah's enemies, Jer. 18:18. 1. They laid their heads together to consult what they should do against him, both to be revenged on him for what he had said and to stop his mouth for the future: They said, Come and let us devise devices against Jeremiah. The enemies of God's people and ministers have been often... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 18:20

Shall evil be recompensed for good ?.... For all the good that I have done them, shall this be all the recompence I shall have, to be evilly treated by them, to have my good name, and even life, taken away by them? shall this be suffered to be done? and, if it is, shall it go unpunished? the prophet taxes the people with ingratitude, which he afterwards instances in, and proves: for they have digged a pit for my soul ; or "life"; they lay in wait to take it away; or they had formed a... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 18:20

They have digged a pit for my soul - For my life; this they wish to take away. Stood before thee to speak good for them - I was their continual intercessor. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 18:20

Verse 20 The Prophet in this verse exaggerates the sin of his enemies, for they not only were ferocious against God, but also forgot everything humane, and wickedly assailed the Prophet himself. Impiety is indeed more detestable than inhumanity, inasmuch as God is far above all mortals; but inhumanity has in it more basenes, for it is, so to speak, more gross and more evident. The ungodly often hide their perfidy; but when they come to act towards men, then it appears immediately what they are.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:18-23

A fresh conspiracy (comp. Jeremiah 11:18 ), called forth by the preceding discourse; Jeremiah's prayer. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:18-23

Persecution. The cruel sufferings of God's prophet which here and in other parts of his prophecy are recorded throw not a little light on all like persecution. For, though its rough and brutal forms have for the most part disappeared, still in others it yet lingers, and is the source of much distress. Note, then— I. ITS CAUSES . They are ever the same—hatred to the faithful Word which the persecuted one persists in preaching. Persecution, therefore, is inevitable where a faithful... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:18-23

Jeremiah's enemies and his prayer against them. I. THE CAUSE OF HIS SUPPLICATION . His enemies have entered into a plot against him, and he has heard of the plot. He has to do, we may imagine, not only with the open threats of passionate men, face to face, but also with secret wiles. The language of intense provocation in which he speaks must be remembered in trying to estimate the extent, depth, and bitterness of the hostility against him. Who were they that thus proposed to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:19-20

Them that contend with me. Shall evil , etc.? Compare the phraseology of Psalms 35:1-12 (either Jeremiah imitated this psalm or vice versa ); and for another point of contact with this psalm, see on Jeremiah 23:12 . They have digged a pit, etc. Comp. Psalms 57:6 . To speak good for them. See Jeremiah's intercessions in Jeremiah 14:7-9 , Jeremiah 14:19-22 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:19-23

The prophet's prayer for vengeance on his enemies. (Cf. homily on "Imprecatory prayers," Jeremiah 40:1-16 :20-43.) read more

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