Jeremiah:7

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* Verse 1-16 - No observances , professions , or supposed revelations , will profit , if men do not amend their ways and their doings . None can claim an interest in free salvation , who allow themselves in the practice of known sin , or live in the neglect of known duty . They thought that the temple they profaned would be their protection . But all who continue in sin because grace has abounded , or that grace may abound , make Christ the minister of sin ; and the cross of Christ , rightly understood , forms the most effectual remedy to such poisonous sentiments . The Son of God gave himself for our transgressions , to show the excellence of the Divine law , and the evil of sin . Never let us think we may do wickedness without suffering for it . * Verse 17-20 - The Jews took pride in showing zeal for their idols . Let us learn to be earnest in the service of our God , even from this bad example . Let us think it an honour to be employed in any work for God . Let us be as diligent ourselves , and as careful to teach our children the truths of God , as many are to teach the mysteries of iniquity . The direct tendency of this sin is malice against God , but it will hurt themselves . And they shall find there is no escaping . God 's wrath is fire unquenchable . * Verse 21-28 - God shows that obedience was required of them . That which God commanded was , Hearken diligently to the voice of the Lord thy God . The promise is very encouraging . Let God 's will be your rule , and his favour shall be your happiness . God was displeased with disobedience . We understand the gospel as little as the Jews understood the law , if we think that even the sacrifice of Christ lessens our obligation to obey . * Verse 29-34 - In token both of sorrow and of slavery , Jerusalem must be degraded , and separated from God , as she had been separated to him . The heart is the place in which God has chosen to put his name ; but if sin has the innermost and uppermost place there , we pollute the temple of the Lord . The destruction of Jerusalem appears here very terrible . The slain shall be many ; they having made it the place of their sin . Evil pursues sinners , even after death . Those who will not , by the grace of God , be cured of vain mirth , shall , by the justice of God , be deprived of all mirth . How many ruin their health and property without complaining , when engaged in Satan 's service ! May we learn to relish holy joys , and to sit loose to all others though lawful . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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