Jeremiah 42:5-44:30

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 42:1-6

We have reason to wonder how Jeremiah the prophet escaped the sword of Ishmael; it seems he did escape, and it was not the first time that the Lord hid him. It is strange also that in these violent turns he was not consulted before now, and his advice asked and taken. But it should seem as if they knew not that a prophet was among them. Though this people were as brands plucked out of the fire, yet have they not returned to the Lord. This people has a revolting and a rebellious heart; and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 42:5

Then they said to Jeremiah, the Lord be a true and faithful witness between us ,.... Which is the form of an oath; a solemn appeal to God, as a witness to what they were about to say, and to the sincerity of their hearts in it; who is true to his word, and faithful to his promises and threatenings; and who bears a true and faithful testimony, and will do what is just and right; and yet these people never intended to perform what they promised; which is a most shocking piece of atheism in a... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 42:5

The Lord be a true and faithful Witness - The Lord is such; and as ye have bound yourselves to obey his voice, he will register the covenant, and bless or curse according as ye shall conduct yourselves in this matter. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 42:5

Verse 5 It hence appears that the people understood for what purpose Jeremiah, before he consulted God, assured them of his faithfulness and sincerity; for it was not without reason that they promised to be obedient to God; but as they saw that they were suspected as being not sincere by Jeremiah, and as he had promised to be a true and faithful teacher, they on the other hand declared that they would be sincere disciples, and would receive whatever God might command them. But they soon... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 42:1-6

Taking counsel with God. I. TROUBLE DRIVES MEN TO PRAYER . In their trouble "all the people, from the least even unto the greatest," sought help from God through the prayers of Jeremiah. In deep distress there are common wants of humanity, which touch alike the prince and the peasant. Then one common cry will burst from all lips to the God of all flesh. The beggar and the king in their agony utter the same moan, "My God!" There was but "a remnant" of the Jews left in the land.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 42:1-6

Inquiring of God is great crises. I. THE RIGHT AND DUTY OF IT . 1 . Because of his claim to respect and obedience. It was a traditional custom in Israel. Jehovah was their national God. He had delivered them, created them into a nation, and laid them under eternal obligations. 2 . Because of helplessness and danger. The petitioners were "left but a few of many." They knew that it was through their own folly for the most part that they had been brought to such a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 42:1-6

Waiting on the Divine ordinance I. THE REQUEST OF THE PEOPLE 1 . The apparent unanimity of it. All the people come, from the least to the greatest. Certainly there were not very many of them. They were but a remnant to begin with, and now still further reduced. But such as they were, an outward unity obtained among them. Outward unity is often obtained with comparative ease, but it must not be forgotten that it may cloak indifference, discord, opposition, and may be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 42:1-22

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 42:5

A true and faithful witness between us; rather, against us. If they broke their promise, Jehovah was to "witness against" them by punishing them. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 42:5-6

Implicit obedience. The people swear to obey the voice of God before they know what injunctions it will lay upon them, They contemplate the possibility of receiving unpleasant commands; but they leave the decision in the hands of God, undertaking to follow it, whatever form it may take. Thus they bind themselves to implicit obedience. Let us consider the obligation and the limitation of implicit obedience. I. THE OBLIGATION OF IMPLICIT OBEDIENCE . This requires us to obey the... read more

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