Jeremiah 39:9-10 - Homilies By A.f. Muir

The poor better off than the rich.

I. IN WHAT SENSE THEY WERE SO .

1 . They were spared because of their insignificance.

2 . Pitied because of their helplessness and privations.

3 . Their condition could hardly be altered otherwise than for the better.

II. OF WHAT THESE WERE THE TYPE .

1 . They represent the meek who inherit the earth, and the poor in spirit whose is the kingdom of heaven. Christ the Conqueror will enrich them.

2 . Their fortune represented the law of reversal in the kingdom of God. The first shall be last, and the last first; but not universally. "Many that are first," etc. Christ's servants will be most numerous amongst the poor and the despised. They will be recognized and honoured by him, when others are put to shame. But it will not be their poverty, but the virtues of their poverty, which shall be rewarded. They who know themselves poor will receive all things at his hands (cf. Revelation 3:17 , Revelation 3:18 ).—M.