Jeremiah:8

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* Verse 1-3 - Though no real hurt can be done to a dead body , yet disgrace to the remains of wicked persons may alarm those yet alive ; and this reminds us that the Divine justice and punishments extend beyond the grave . Whatever befalls us here , let us humble ourselves before God , and seek his mercy . * Verse 4-13 - What brought this ruin ? 1 . The people would not attend to reason ; they would not act in the affairs of their souls with common prudence . Sin is backsliding ; it is going back from the way that leads to life , to that which leads to destruction . 2 . They would not attend to the warning of conscience . They did not take the first step towards repentance : true repentance begins in serious inquiry as to what we have done , from conviction that we have done amiss . 3 . They would not attend to the ways of providence , nor understand the voice of God in them , ver .7 . They know not how to improve the seasons of grace , which God affords . Many boast of their religious knowledge , yet , unless taught by the Spirit of God , the instinct of brutes is a more sure guide than their supposed wisdom . 4 . They would not attend to the written word . Many enjoy abundance of the means of grace , have Bibles and ministers , but they have them in vain . They will soon be ashamed of their devices . The pretenders to wisdom were the priests and the false prophets . They flattered people in sin , and so flattered them into destruction , silencing their fears and complaints with , All is well . Selfish teachers may promise peace when there is no peace ; and thus men encourage each other in committing evil ; but in the day of visitation they will have no refuge to flee unto . * Verse 14-22 - At length they begin to see the hand of God lifted up . And when God appears against us , every thing that is against us appears formidable . As salvation only can be found in the Lord , so the present moment should be seized . Is there no medicine proper for a sick and dying kingdom ? Is there no skilful , faithful hand to apply the medicine ? Yes , God is able to help and to heal them . If sinners die of their wounds , their blood is upon their own heads . The blood of Christ is balm in Gilead , his Spirit is the Physician there , all-sufficient ; so that the people may be healed , but will not . Thus men die unpardoned and unchanged , for they will not come to Christ to be saved . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

---