Jer. 44:20-30 Whatever evil comes upon us, it is because we have sinned against the Lord; we
should therefore stand in awe, and sin not. Since they were determined to persist in their idolatry,
God would go on to punish them. What little remains of religion were among them, would be lost.
The creature-comforts and confidences from which we promise ourselves most, may fail as soon
as those from which we promise ourselves least; and all are what God makes them, not what we
fancy them to be. Well-grounded hopes of our having a part in the Divine mercy, are always united
with repentance and obedience.
Chapter 45
An encouragement sent to Baruch.Baruch was employed in writing Jeremiah's prophecies, and reading them, see Jer. 36, and was
threatened for it by the king. Young beginners in religion are apt to be discouraged with little
difficulties, which they commonly meet with at first in the service of God. These complaints and
fears came from his corruptions. Baruch had raised his expectations too high in this world, and that
made the distress and trouble he was in harder to be borne. The frowns of the world would not
disquiet us, if we did not foolishly flatter ourselves with the hopes of its smiles, and court and covet
them. What a folly is it then to seek great things for ourselves here, where every thing is little, and
nothing certain! The Lord knows the real cause of our fretfulness and despondency better than we
do, and we should beg of him to examine our hearts, and to repress every wrong desire in us.
Chapter 46
The defeat of the Egyptians. (Jer. 46:1-12) Their overthrow after the siege of Tyre. (Jer. 46:13-26)
A promise of comfort to the Jews. (Jer. 46:27,28)
Jer. 46:1-12 The whole word of God is against those who obey not the gospel of Christ; but it
is for those, even of the Gentiles, who turn to Him. The prophecy begins with Egypt. Let them
strengthen themselves with all the art and interest they have, yet it shall be all in vain. The wounds
God inflicts on his enemies, cannot be healed by medicines. Power and prosperity soon pass from
one to another in this changing world.
Jer. 46:13-28 Those who encroached on others, shall now be themselves encroached on. Egypt
is now like a very fair heifer, not accustomed to the yoke of subjection; but destruction comes out
of the north: the Chaldeans shall come. Comfort and peace are spoken to the Israel of God, designed
to encourage them when the judgments of God were abroad among the nations. He will be with