Chapter 21
The only way of deliverance is to be surrendering to the Babylonians. (Jer. 21:1-10) The
wickedness of the king and his household. (Jer. 21:11-14)
Jer. 21:1-10 When the siege had begun, Zedekiah sent to ask of Jeremiah respecting the event.
In times of distress and danger, men often seek those to counsel and pray for them, whom, at other
times, they despise and oppose; but they only seek deliverance from punishment. When professors
continue in disobedience, presuming upon outward privileges, let them be told that the Lord will
prosper his open enemies against them. As the king and his princes would not surrender, the people
are exhorted to do so. No sinner on earth is left without a Refuge, who really desires one; but the
way of life is humbling, it requires self-denial, and exposes to difficulties.
Jer. 21:11-14 The wickedness of the king and his family was the worse because of their relation
to David. They were urged to act with justice, at once, lest the Lord's anger should be unquenchable.
If God be for us, who can be against us? But if he be against us, who can do any thing for us?
Chapter 22
Justice is recommended, and destruction threatened in case of disobedience. (Jer. 22:1-9) The
captivity of Jehoiakim, and the end of Jeconiah. (Jer. 22:10-19) The doom of the royal family. (Jer.
22:20-30)
Jer. 22:1-9 The king of Judah is spoken to, as sitting upon the throne of David, the man after
God's own heart. Let him follow his example, that he may have the benefit of the promises made
to him. The way to preserve a government, is to do the duty of it. But sin will be the ruin of the
houses of princes, as well as of meaner men. And who can contend with destroyers of God's
preparing? God destroys neither persons, cities, nor nations, except for sin; even in this world he
often makes it plain for what crimes he sends punishment; and it will be clear at the day of judgement.
Jer. 22:10-19 Here is a sentence of death upon two kings, the wicked sons of a very pious
father. Josiah was prevented from seeing the evil to come in this world, and removed to see the
good to come in the other world; therefore, weep not for him, but for his son Shallum, who is likely
to live and die a wretched captive. Dying saints may be justly envied, while living sinners are justly
pitied. Here also is the doom of Jehoiakim. No doubt it is lawful for princes and great men to build,
beautify, and furnish houses; but those who enlarge their houses, and make them sumptuous, need
carefully to watch against the workings of vain-glory. He built his houses by unrighteousness, with
money gotten unjustly. And he defrauded his workmen of their wages. God notices the wrong done
by the greatest to poor servants and labourers, and will repay those in justice, who will not, in
justice, pay those whom they employ. The greatest of men must look upon the meanest as their
neighbours, and be just to them accordingly. Jehoiakim was unjust, and made no conscience of