Jeremiah 1:17-19

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 1:11-19

Here, I. God gives Jeremiah, in vision, a view of the principal errand he was to go upon, which was to foretel the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, for their sins, especially their idolatry. This was at first represented to him in away proper to make an impression upon him, that he might have it upon his heart in all his dealings with this people. 1. He intimates to him that the people were ripening apace for ruin and that ruin was hastening apace towards them. God, having... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 1:17

Thou therefore gird up thy loins ,.... The loins both of his mind and body. The allusion is to the custom of the eastern countries in wearing long garments, who, when they went about business, girt them about them for quicker dispatch; and here it designs haste and expedition in doing the Lord's work, as well as courage and resolution of mind: and arise ; and go from Anathoth to Jerusalem: and speak unto them all that I command thee ; See Gill on Jeremiah 1:7 , be not dismayed... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 1:18

For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city ,.... Or, "as" one; so read the Targum, Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions; which is inexpungible, and cannot be taken: and an iron pillar ; which cannot be removed out of its place: and brasen walls ; which cannot be broken down. All these metaphors show the safety and security of the prophet, being surrounded by the power of God; his constancy, immovableness, and invincibleness in the work of the Lord, having such a spirit... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 1:19

And they shall fight against thee ,.... The Targum adds, "that they may hide the words of thy prophecy;' hinder him from prophesying, stop his mouth, and even take away his life: but they shall not prevail against thee ; as to do either: for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee ; as he did; he hid him when they sought for him, and delivered him out of the dungeon and bonds into which he was cast by them; See Gill on Jeremiah 1:8 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 1:17

Gird up thy loins - Take courage and be ready, lest I confound thee; take courage and be resolute, פן pen , lest by their opposition thou be terrified and confounded. God is often represented as doing or causing to be done, what he only permits or suffers to be done. Or, do not fear them, I will not suffer thee to be confounded. So Dahler, Ne crains pas que je te confonde a leurs yeux , "Do not fear that I shall confound thee before them." It is well known that the phrase, gird up thy... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 1:18

I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and, brazen walls - Though thou shalt be exposed to persecutions and various indignities, they shall not prevail against thee. To their attacks thou shalt be as an impregnable city; as unshaken as an iron pillar; and as imperishable as a wall of brass. None, therefore, can have less cause to apprehend danger than thou hast. The issue proved the truth of this promise: he outlived all their insults; and saw Jerusalem destroyed, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 1:19

They shall not prevail against thee - Because I am determined to defend and support thee against all thy enemies. One of the ancients has said, Θεου θελοντος, και επι ῥιπος πλεῃ Σωζῃ· Thestius, apud Theophil. ad Autolyc. lib. 2: "God protecting thee, though thou wert at sea upon a twig, thou shouldst be safe." read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 1:17

Verse 17 God first bids his Prophet to be the herald of the dreadful judgment, which we have already noticed: for it was not his purpose to speak only as it were in a corner, or secretly, to Jeremiah, but he committed to him what he intended should be proclaimed audibly to the whole people. It hence follows, And thou, etc. We therefore see that the Prophet had been taught by the Lord, that he might confidently and boldly declare what we shall hereafter see. These things should then be... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 1:18

Verse 18 God supplies here his servant with confidence; for courage was necessary in that state of trembling which we have observed. Jeremiah thought himself unfit to undertake a work so onerous; he had also to do and to contend with refractory men, and not a few in number; for the whole people had already, through their ungodly and wicked obstinacy, hardened themselves in the contempt of God. As, then, there was no more any care for religion, and no regard manifested by the people for heavenly... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 1:19

Verse 19 God in this verse briefly reminds his servant, that though he would be supplied with invincible power, yet he would have great trials, so that his office would not be, according to a common saying, a mere play. He then shews for what purpose he would be made like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a brazen wall, even that he might manfully fight, and not for the purpose of keeping away all dangers, and all fightings, and everything hard and grievous to the flesh. We, in short, see... read more

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