Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jer. 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire
to Egypt. (Jer. 41:11-18)
Jer. 41:1-10 Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that
they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should
continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we would wish to be found
in when called to appear before our Judge. Sometimes the ransom of a man's life is his riches. But
those who think to bribe death, saying, Slay us not, for we have treasures in the field, will find
themselves wretchedly deceived. This melancholy history warns us, never to be secure in this world.
We never can be sure of peace on this side heaven.
Jer. 41:11-18 The success of villany must be short, and none can prosper who harden their
hearts against God. And those justly lose comfort in real fears, who excuse themselves in sin by
pretended fears. The removal of a prudent and peaceable ruler, and the succession of another who
is rash and ambitious, affects the welfare of many. Only those are happy and steady who fear the
Lord and walk in his ways.
Chapter 42
Johanan desires Jeremiah to ask counsel of God. (Jer. 42:1-6) They are assured of safety in
Judea, but of destruction in Egypt. (Jer. 42:7-22)
Jer. 42:1-6 To serve a turn, Jeremiah is sought out, and the captains ask for his assistance. In
every difficult, doubtful case, we must look to God for direction; and we may still, in faith, pray
to be guided by a spirit of wisdom in our hearts, and the leadings of Providence. We do not truly
desire to know the mind of God, if we do not fully resolve to comply with it when we know it.
Many promise to do what the Lord requires, while they hope to have their pride flattered, and their
favourite lusts spared. Yet something betrays the state of their hearts.
Jer. 42:7-22 If we would know the mind of the Lord in doubtful cases, we must wait as well
as pray. God is ever ready to return in mercy to those he has afflicted; and he never rejects any who
rely on his promises. He has declared enough to silence even the causeless fears of his people,
which discourge them in the way of duty. Whatever loss or suffering we may fear from obedience,
is provided against in God's word; and he will protect and deliver all who trust in him and serve
him. It is folly to quit our place, especially to quit a holy land, because we meet with trouble in it.
And the evils we think to escape by sin, we certainly bring upon ourselves. We may apply this to
the common troubles of life; and those who think to avoid them by changing their place, will find
that the grievances common to men will meet them wherever they go. Sinners who dissemble with
God in solemn professions especially should be rebuked with sharpness; for their actions speak
more plainly than words. We know not what is good for ourselves; and what we are most fond of,
and have our hearts most set upon, often proves hurtful, and sometimes fatal.