Jeremiah:29

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* Verse 1-7 - The written word of God is as truly given by inspiration of God as his spoken word . The zealous servant of the Lord will use every means to profit those who are far off , as well as those who are near him . The art of writing is very profitable for this end ; and by the art of printing it is rendered most beneficial for circulating the knowledge of the word of God . God 's sending to the captives by this letter would show that he had not forsaken them , though he was displeased , and corrected them . If they live in the fear of God , they may live comfortably in Babylon . In all conditions of life , it is our wisdom and duty not to throw away the comfort of what we may have , because we have not all we would have . They are directed to seek the good of the country where they were captives . While the king of Babylon protected them , they must live quiet and peaceable lives under him , in all godliness and honesty ; patiently leaving it to God to work deliverance for them in due time . * Verse 8-19 - Let men beware how they call those prophets whom they choose after their own fancies , and how they consider their fancies and dreams to be revelations from God . False prophets flatter people in their sins , because they love to be flattered ; and they speak smoothly to their prophets , that their prophets may speak smoothly to them . God promises that they should return after seventy years were accomplished . By this it appears , that the seventy years of the captivity are not to be reckoned from the last captivity , but the first . It will be the bringing to pass of God 's good word to them . This shall form God 's purposes . We often do not know our own minds , but the Lord is never at an uncertainty . We are sometimes ready to fear that God 's designs are all against us ; but as to his own people , even that which seems evil , is for good . He will give them , not the expectations of their fears , or the expectations of their fancies , but the expectations of their faith ; the end he has promised , which will be the best for them . When the Lord pours out an especial spirit of prayer , it is a good sign that he is coming toward us in mercy . Promises are given to quicken and encourage prayer . He never said , Seek ye me in vain . Those who remained at Jerusalem would be utterly destroyed , notwithstanding what the false prophets said to the contrary . The reason has often been given , and it justifies the eternal ruin of impenitent sinners ; Because they have not hearkened to my words ; I called , but they refused . * Verse 20-32 - Jeremiah foretells judgments upon the false prophets , who deceived the Jews in Babylon . Lying was bad ; lying to the people of the Lord , to delude them into a false hope , was worse ; but pretending to rest their own lies upon the God of truth , was worst of all . They flattered others in their sins , because they could not reprove them without condemning themselves . The most secret sins are known to God ; and there is a day coming when he will bring to light all the hidden works of darkness . Shemaiah urges the priests to persecute Jeremiah . Their hearts are wretchedly hardened who justify doing mischief by having power to do it . They were in a miserable thraldom for mocking the messengers of the Lord , and misusing his prophets ; yet in their distress they trespass still more against the Lord . Afflictions will not of themselves cure men of their sins , unless the grace of God works with them . Those who slight the blessings , deserve to lose the benefit of God 's word , like Shemaiah . The accusations against many active Christians in all ages , amount to no more than this , that they earnestly counsel men to attend to their true interest and duties , and to wait for the performance of God 's promises in his appointed way . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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