Jeremiah 16

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 16

In this chapter, I. The greatness of the calamity that was coming upon the Jewish nation is illustrated by prohibitions given to the prophet neither to set up a house of his own (Jer. 16:1-4) nor to go into the house of mourning (Jer. 16:5-7) nor into the house of feasting, Jer. 16:8, 9. II. God is justified in these severe proceedings against them by an account of their great wickedness, Jer. 16:10-13. III. An intimation is given of mercy in reserve, Jer. 16:14, 15. IV. Some hopes are given... read more

Matthew Henry

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 16:10-13

Here is, 1. An enquiry made into the reasons why God would bring those judgments upon them (Jer. 16:10): When thou shalt show this people all these words, the words of this curse, they will say unto thee, Wherefore has the Lord pronounced all this great evil against us? One would hope that there were some among them that asked this question with a humble penitent heart, desiring to know what was the sin for which God contended with them, that they might cast it away and prevent the judgment:... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 16:14-21

There is a mixture of mercy and judgment in these verses, and it is hard to know to which to apply some of the passages here?they are so interwoven, and some seem to look as far forward as the times of the gospel. I. God will certainly execute judgment upon them for their idolatries. Let them expect it, for the decree has gone forth. 1. God sees all their sins, though they commit them ever so secretly and palliate them ever so artfully (Jer. 16:17): My eyes are upon all their ways. They have... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 16

INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH 16 In this chapter the ruin and destruction of the Jews is set forth, and confirmed by the prophet's being forbid to be merry, or to go into the house of feasting or mourning, with the reasons thereof; also the sins of the people, the cause of it, are pointed at; and afterwards a promise of their restoration is made; and the chapter is concluded with a prayer of the prophet, pressing his faith in the divine protection, and in the calling of the Gentiles. After the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 16:1

The word of the Lord came unto me, saying. The Targum is, the word of prophecy from the Lord: whether this is a new prophecy, or the former continued, is not certain; the latter seems probable. This introduction is omitted in the Septuagint and Arabic versions. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 16:2

Thou shall not take thee a wife ,.... Not because it was unlawful; for it was lawful for prophets to marry, and they did; but because it was not advisable, on account of the calamities and distresses which were coming upon the nation; which would be more bearable by him alone, than if he had a wife, which would increase his care, concern, and sorrow. Neither shall thou have sons nor daughters in this place ; in Anathoth, says Kimchi; but it is most likely that Jerusalem in particular is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 16:3

For thus saith the Lord concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place ,..... This is a reason given why the prophet should not have, and why he should not be desirous to have, sons and daughters in such a place and country, devoted to destruction: and concerning their mothers that bare them, and concerning their fathers that begat them in this land : the land of Judea; which shows what is meant by the place before mentioned; both the one and the other,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 16:4

They shall die of grievous deaths ,.... Such as the sword, famine, and pestilence. The Targum particularly adds famine. It may be rendered, "deaths of diseases, or sicknesses" F21 ממותי תחלאים "mortibus aegrotationum", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, "aegritudium", Munster, Vatablus; "mortibus morborum", Schmidt. So Stockius, p. 340, 597, who restrains it to the death of individuals by the pestilence. ; such as are brought on by long sickness and lingering distempers; by which a man... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 16:5

For thus saith the Lord, enter not into the house of mourning ,.... On account of his dead relations or neighbours; since they were taken away from the evil to come, and therefore no occasion to mourn for them: moreover, this was to show the certainty of what is before and after said; that, at the time of the general calamity predicted, there would be no lamentation made for the dead. R. Joseph Kimchi says the word here used signifies, in the Arabic F23 "magna et vehementi voce... read more

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