Jeremiah:16

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* Verse 1-9 - The prophet must conduct himself as one who expected to see his country ruined very shortly . In the prospect of sad times , he is to abstain from marriage , mourning for the dead , and pleasure . Those who would convince others of the truths of God , must make it appear by their self-denial , that they believe it themselves . Peace , inward and outward , family and public , is wholly the work of God , and from his loving-kindness and mercy . When He takes his peace from any people , distress must follow . There may be times when it is proper to avoid things otherwise our duty ; and we should always sit loose to the pleasures and concerns of this life . * Verse 10-13 - Here seems to be the language of those who quarrel at the word of God , and instead of humbling and condemning themselves , justify themselves , as though God did them wrong . A plain and full answer is given . They were more obstinate in sin than their fathers , walking every one after the devices of his heart . Since they will not hearken , they shall be hurried away into a far country , a land they know not . If they had God 's favour , that would make even the land of their captivity pleasant . * Verse 14-21 - The restoration from the Babylonish captivity would be remembered in place of the deliverance from Egypt ; it also typified spiritual redemption , and the future deliverance of the church from antichristian oppression . But none of the sins of sinners can be hidden from God , or shall be overlooked by him . He will find out and raise up instruments of his wrath , that shall destroy the Jews , by fraud like fishers , by force like hunters . The prophet , rejoicing at the hope of mercy to come , addressed the Lord as his strength and refuge . The deliverance out of captivity shall be a figure of the great salvation to be wrought by the Messiah . The nations have often known the power of Jehovah in his wrath ; but they shall know him as the strength of his people , and their refuge in time of trouble . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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