Jeremiah 16:7

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 16:1-9

The prophet is here for a sign to the people. They would not regard what he said; let it be tried whether they will regard what he does. In general, he must conduct himself so, in every thing, as became one that expected to see his country in ruins very shortly. This he foretold, but few regarded the prediction; therefore he is to show that he is himself fully satisfied in the truth of it. Others go on in their usual course, but he, in the prospect of these sad times, is forbidden and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 16:7

Neither shall men tear themselves ,.... Either their flesh, or their clothes: or, "stretch out" F25 ולא יפרסו "et non expandent, sub. manus suas", Vatablus, Montanus; "extendent", Pagninus, Calvin. So Kimchi and Ben Melech. ; that is, their hands, and clap them together, and wring them, as persons in great distress do: or "divide", or "break", or "deal unto them" F26 "Non divident", Tigurine version; "neque impertientur, sub. cibum", Junius & Tremellius; "partientur... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 16:7

Verse 7 With regard to the seventh verse, (161) we may learn from it what I have already referred to, — that the Jews made funeral feasts, that children and widows might receive some relief to their sorrow; for the Prophet calls it the cup of consolations, when friends kindly attended; they had also some ridiculous gesticulations; for no doubt laughter was often excited by mourners among the Jews. But we see that men vied with one another in lamenting for the dead; for it was deemed a shame not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 16:1-9

Commands countermanded. There are three such in this section. I. THE COMMAND TO MARRY . 1. In every way whereby the will of God can be expressed—by his Word, his providence, his laws, written, moral, social, physical, God has commanded that "a man shall leave his father and mother," etc. "A good wife is from the Lord," her companionship is the most blessed in the world. All artificial hindrances to marriage are, therefore, to be condemned. The same enemy that destroys such... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 16:1-21

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 16:5-9

The house of mourning and the house of feasting alike forbidden. It is made plain upon the surface of this command that the house of mourning and the house of feasting are not forbidden in themselves. The man on whom the injunction is laid is a special man, and he is spoken to in special circumstances. All others may cross the threshold of such houses; the prophet alone must remain outside. This peculiar conduct was meant to emphasize his predictions. Every time there is a funeral or a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 16:7

Tear themselves for them . The verb is used in Isaiah 58:7 of breaking bread (the accusative is there expressed), and there is no doubt that this is the meaning here. The only question is whether lahem , for them, should not rather be lekhem , bread. St. Jerome sees here an allusion to the funeral feasts (comp. the parentalia ), and surely he is right. The Jews had a conception of the nature of the life of the other world only less distinct than that of their Egyptian neighbors.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 16:7

Tear themselves - Better as in the margin; “break broad for them.” It was customary upon the death of a relative to fast, and for the friends and neighbors after a decent delay to come and comfort the mourner, and urge food upon him 2 Samuel 12:17; food was also distributed at funerals to the mourners, and to the poor.Cup of consolation - Marginal reference note. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Jeremiah 16:7

Jeremiah 16:7. Neither shall men tear themselves for them According to this translation the phrase alludes to another expression of immoderate grief, which consisted in tearing their flesh with their nails. But according to the marginal reading, the sense is, Neither shall men break bread for them; alluding to the mourning-feast, mentioned Jeremiah 16:5. So the LXX., ου μη κλασθη αρτος εν πενθει αυτων εις παρακλησιν επι τεθνηκοτι , “bread shall by no means be broken in their mourning, for... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 16:1-21

Symbolic actions (16:1-21)Again God instructs his prophet concerning certain courses of action designed to attract the people’s attention. Jeremiah is to be a living reminder to the Judeans of what will happen to them if they do not repent. Firstly, he is not to marry or have children, as a grim warning to people that those with families will have greater distress when the final slaughter comes (16:1-4). Secondly, he is not to attend any funeral, as a warning that when Judah falls there will be... read more

Group of Brands