Jeremiah:4

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* Verse 1 ,2 - The first two verses should be read with the last chapter . Sin must be put away out of the heart , else it is not put away out of God 's sight , for the heart is open before him . mhcc @Jeremiah:4:3 ,4 @ Verse 3 ,4 - An unhumbled heart is like ground untilled . It is ground which may be improved ; it is our ground let out to us ; but it is fallow ; it is over-grown with thorns and weeds , the natural product of the corrupt heart . Let us entreat the Lord to create in us a clean heart , and to renew a right spirit within us ; for except a man be born again , he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven . * Verse 5-18 - The fierce conqueror of the neighbouring nations was to make Judah desolate . The prophet was afflicted to see the people lulled into security by false prophets . The approach of the enemy is described . Some attention was paid in Jerusalem to outward reformation ; but it was necessary that their hearts should be washed , in the exercise of true repentance and faith , from the love and pollution of sin . When lesser calamities do not rouse sinners and reform nations , sentence will be given against them . The Lord 's voice declares that misery is approaching , especially against wicked professors of the gospel ; when it overtakes them , it will be plainly seen that the fruit of wickedness is bitter , and the end is fatal . * Verse 19-31 - The prophet had no pleasure in delivering messages of wrath . He is shown in a vision the whole land in confusion . Compared with what it was , every thing is out of order ; but the ruin of the Jewish nation would not be final . Every end of our comforts is not a full end . Though the Lord may correct his people very severely , yet he will not cast them off . Ornaments and false colouring would be of no avail . No outward privileges or profession , no contrivances would prevent destruction . How wretched the state of those who are like foolish children in the concerns of their souls ! Whatever we are ignorant of , may the Lord make of good understanding in the ways of godliness . As sin will find out the sinner , so sorrow will , sooner or later , find out the secure . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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