Jeremiah:1

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* Verse 1-10 - Jeremiah 's early call to the work and office of a prophet is stated . He was to be a prophet , not to the Jews only , but to the neighbouring nations . He is still a prophet to the whole world , and it would be well if they would attend to these warnings . The Lord who formed us , knows for what particular services and purposes he intended us . But unless he sanctify us by his new-creating Spirit , we shall neither be fit for his holy service on earth , nor his holy happiness in heaven . It becomes us to have low thoughts of ourselves . Those who are young , should consider that they are so , and not venture beyond their powers . But though a sense of our own weakness and insufficiency should make us go humbly about our work , it should not make us draw back when God calls us . Those who have messages to deliver from God , must not fear the face of man . The Lord , by a sign , gave Jeremiah such a gift as was necessary . God 's message should be delivered in his own words . Whatever wordly wise men or politicians may think , the safety of kingdoms is decided according to the purpose and word of God . * Verse 11-19 - God gave Jeremiah a view of the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem by the Chaldeans . The almond-tree , which is more forward in the spring than any other , represented the speedy approach of judgments . God also showed whence the intended ruin should arise . Jeremiah saw a seething-pot boiling , representing Jerusalem and Judah in great commotion . The mouth or face of the furnace or hearth , was toward the north ; from whence the fire and fuel were to come . The northern powers shall unite . The cause of these judgments was the sin of Judah . The whole counsel of God must be declared . The fear of God is the best remedy against the fear of man . Better to have all men our enemies than God our enemy ; those who are sure they have God with them , need not , ought not to fear , whoever is against them . Let us pray that we may be willing to give up personal interests , and that nothing may move us from our duty . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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