The word that came to Jeremiah ,.... The Word of prophecy, as the Targum: from the Lord, saying ; this begins a new prophecy. This verse, and the beginning of the next, are wanting in the Septuagint version. read more
The word that came to Jeremiah - This prophecy is supposed to have been delivered in the first year of the reign of Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, who, far from following the example of his pious father, restored idolatry, maintained bad priests and worse prophets, and filled Jerusalem with abominations of all kinds. read more
Keeping the temple gate. It was probably not the outer gate, but one of the gates which led from the outer to the inner or upper court (cf. Jeremiah 19:14 ; Jeremiah 26:10 ; Jeremiah 36:10 ). "From this point the prophet could view the whole assembly of the people in the outer court, as well as the gates leading from without into it' (Lange). Christ seems to have stood thus at times. I. THE PREACHER OF TRUTH DOES WELL TO CHOOSE THE MOST IMPRESSIVE POSITIONS... read more
The Divine requirements and the corresponding promise. read more
Preaching repentance. I. THE OCCASION . It was in the gate of the temple, where the crowd of worshippers would pass, and at the time of their going up to worship. 1. In a public place , 2. At the entrance to the place of worship , because II. THE ACCUSATION . The Jews are not accused of Church sins, neglecting religious ordinances, etc. Their sins were against common morality. 1. Though men may be very observant of religious ordinances they may yet be... read more
The doom of the temple. I. THE MESSAGE TO THOSE CONCERNED CANNOT BE ESCAPED . The message is to men who make their boast and confidence in the temple. To be within temple reach seems to place them in a kind of fortress. Such must evidently be met on their own ground. And thus the prophet is sent to the temple gate. There, assuredly, all who took any deep interest in the temple would be found. Jeremiah himself belonged to the priests, and there is no saying but what, prophet... read more
The relations of righteousness and religion. This chapter, as indeed so much other of Jeremiah's prophecies, teaches not a little Concerning this great theme. In this chapter we note how it shows— I. THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS IS THE PRINCIPAL THING . 1. It is God's solemn demand (verse 2). 2. It is God's perpetual demand. See the whole chapter, the whole prophecy. "Amend your ways and your doings" (verse 3) is its constant appeal. 3. At first it was his only... read more
In Jer. 7–10 he addresses the people as they flocked into Jerusalem from the country, to attend the solemn services in the temple upon a fastday. Jehoiakim Jeremiah 26:0 had just ascended the throne, and was so incensed at this sermon that he would have put Jeremiah to death but for the influence of Ahikam. With the accession of Jehoiakim all hope of averting the ruin of the country had passed away. He represented the reverse of his father’s policy, and belonged to that faction, who placed... read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 7:1-15
These verses begin another sermon, which is continued in this and the two following chapters, much to the same effect with those before, to reason them to repentance. Observe, I. The orders given to the prophet to preach this sermon; for he had not only a general commission, but particular directions and instructions for every message he delivered. This was a word that came to him from the Lord, Jer. 7:1. We are not told when this sermon was to be preached; but are told, 1. Where it must be... read more