Jeremiah:9

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* Verse 1-11 - Jeremiah wept much , yet wished he could weep more , that he might rouse the people to a due sense of the hand of God . But even the desert , without communion with God , through Christ Jesus , and the influences of the Holy Spirit , must be a place for temptation and evil ; while , with these blessings , we may live in holiness in crowded cities . The people accustomed their tongues to lies . So false were they , that a brother could not be trusted . In trading and bargaining they said any thing for their own advantage , though they knew it to be false . But God marked their sin . Where no knowledge of God is , what good can be expected ? He has many ways of turning a fruitful land into barrenness for the wickedness of those that dwell therein . * Verse 12-22 - In Zion the voice of joy and praise used to be heard , while the people kept close to God ; but sin has altered the sound , it is now the voice of lamentation . Unhumbled hearts lament their calamity , but not their sin , which is the cause of it . Let the doors be shut ever so fast , death steals upon us . It enters the palaces of princes and great men , though stately , strongly built , and guarded . Nor are those more safe that are abroad ; death cuts off even the children from without , and the young men from the streets . Hearken to the word of the Lord , and mourn with godly sorrow . This alone can bring true comfort ; and it can turn the heaviest afflictions into precious mercies . * Verse 23-26 - In this world of sin and sorrow , ending soon in death and judgement , how foolish for men to glory in their knowledge , health , strength , riches , or in any thing which leaves them under the dominion of sin and the wrath of God ! and of which an account must hereafter be rendered ; it will but increase their misery . Those are the true Israel who worship God in the Spirit , rejoice in Christ Jesus , and have no confidence in the flesh . Let us prize the distinction which comes from God , and will last for ever . Let us seek it diligently . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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