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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 17:12-18

Here, as often before, we have the prophet retired for private meditation, and alone with God. Those ministers that would have comfort in their work must be much so. In his converse here with God and his own heart he takes the liberty which devout souls sometimes use in their soliloquies, to pass from one thing to another, without tying themselves too strictly to the laws of method and coherence. I. He acknowledges the great favour of God to his people in setting up a revealed religion among... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 17:16

As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee ,.... Though he had met with so much ill usage, and was hated by the people for bringing such messages to them, and was jeered and scoffed at because his prophecies were not accomplished; yet he had not been hasty, and solicitous, and importunate with the Lord to dismiss him from his service; but was willing to continue in his office as a pastor or prophet, and to follow the Lord fully, and faithfully perform the work he had... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 17:16

I have not hastened from being a pastor - Dr. Blayney translates thus: "But I have not been in haste to outrun thy guidance." I was obliged to utter thy prediction; but I have not hastened the evil day. For the credit of my prophecy I have not desired the calamity to come speedily; I have rather pleaded for respite. I have followed thy steps, and proclaimed thy truth. I did not desire to be a prophet; but thou hast commanded, and I obeyed. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 17:16

Verse 16 The Prophet here implores God as his defender, having found his own nation so refractory, that they could in no way be brought to a right mind. There is yet no doubt but he intended to double their fear in thus testifying that he brought nothing of his own, but faithfully executed the command of God, that he did not presumptuously undertake the office of a teacher, but obeyed the call of God, as though he had said, that they (as we shall find in another place) did not resist a mortal... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 17:14-18

A prayer of the prophet in this his hour of need. He who makes his boast of Jehovah may reckon upon his help. This is Jeremiah's principle. He prays for healing, Heal me … and I shall be —rather, that I may be — healed . He is one of those "broken in heart," whom Jehovah alone can "heal" ( Psalms 147:3 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 17:14-18

Divine prophecy and human impatience. I. THE CREDIT OF THE PROPHET IS BOUND UP WITH HIS MESSAGE . He is conscious that this is the case. It is the test laid down by the Law ( Deuteronomy 18:21 , Deuteronomy 18:22 ), and that it should be so is beneficial. This is the universal law for all who declare the will of God. It is tried by human experience, by spiritual results. The prophet is expected to "heal." II. MEN TRY HIM BY CHALLENGING A SPEEDY ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 17:16

I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee ; i.e. I have not eagerly withdrawn from following thee as a shepherd (or prophet). The prophet does not follow his own vague inclinations; he is but an under-shepherd, and waits on the will of his superior. He is, as Hosea calls him ( Hosea 9:7 , Hebrew), "the man of the Spirit." If God leads any one, whether people or individuals, it is through the agency of the Spirit ( Isaiah 63:11 , Isaiah 63:12 ); and it is the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 17:16-18

The prophet's consciousness of integrity. We may take it that this one question, "Where is the word of Jehovah?" stands for a great deal in the way of taunt, The appeal to God, with which the prophet follows up the mention of this question, shows how much he felt the attacks made upon him. It would be too much to say that he did not expostulate with his enemies upon their injustice; but evidently his great resort was to the God who had sent him. If men perversely attributed to him daring... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 17:5-18

In the rest of the prophecy Jeremiah dwells upon the moral faults which had led to Judah’s ruin.Jeremiah 17:6Like the heath - Or, “like a destitute man” Psalms 102:17. The verbs “he shall see” (or fear) and “shall inhabit” plainly show that a man is here meant and not a plant.Jeremiah 17:8The river - Or, “water-course” Isaiah 30:25, made for purposes of irrigation.Shall not see - Or, “shall not fear Jeremiah 17:6.” God’s people feel trouble as much as other people, but they do not fear it... read more

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