shedding innocent blood. Covetousness, which is the root of all evil, was at the bottom of all. The
children who despise their parents' old fashions, commonly come short of their real excellences.
Jehoiakim knew that his father found the way of duty to be the way of comfort, yet he would not
tread in his steps. He shall die unlamented, hateful for oppression and cruelty.
Jer. 22:20-30 The Jewish state is described under a threefold character. Very haughty in a day
of peace and safety. Very fearful on alarm of trouble. Very much cast down under pressure of
trouble. Many never are ashamed of their sins till brought by them to the last extremity. The king
shall close his days in bondage. Those that think themselves as signets on God's right hand, must
not be secure, but fear lest they should be plucked thence. The Jewish king and his family shall be
carried to Babylon. We know where we were born, but where we shall die we know not; it is enough
that our God knows. Let it be our care that we die in Christ, then it will be well with us wherever
we die, thought it may be in a far country. The Jewish king shall be despised. Time was when he
was delighted in; but all those in whom God has no pleasure, some time or other, will be so lowered,
that men will have no pleasure in them. Whoever are childless, it is the Lord that writes them so;
and those who take no care to do good in their days, cannot expect to prosper. How little is earthly
grandeur to be depended upon, or flourishing families to be rejoiced in! But those who hear the
voice of Christ, and follow him, have eternal life, and shall never perish, neither shall any enemy
pluck them out of his almighty hands.
Chapter 23
The restoration of the Jews to their own land. (Jer. 23:1-8) The wickedness of the priests and
prophets of Judah, The people exhorted not to listen to false promises. (Jer. 23:9-22) The pretenders
to inspiration threatened. (Jer. 23:23-32) Also the scoffers at true prophecy. (Jer. 23:33-40)
Jer. 23:1-8 Woe be to those who are set to feed God's people, but take no concern to do them
good! Here is a word of comfort to the neglected sheep. Though only a remnant of God's flock is
left, he will find them out, and they shall be brought to their former habitations. Christ is spoken
of as a branch from David's family. He is righteous himself, and through him all his people are
made righteous. Christ shall break the usurped power of Satan. All the spiritual seed of believing
Abraham and praying Jacob shall be protected, and shall be saved from the guilt and dominion of
sin. In the days of Christ's government in the soul, the soul dwells at ease. He is here spoken of as
"the Lord our Righteousness." He is so our Righteousness as no creature could be. His obedience
unto death is the justifying righteousness of believers, and their title to heavenly happiness. And
their sanctification, as the source of all their personal obedience is the effect of their union with
him, and of the supply of this Spirit. By this name every true believer shall call him, and call upon
him. We have nothing to plead but this, Christ has died, yea, rather is risen again; and we have
taken him for our Lord. This righteousness which he has wrought out to the satisfaction of law and
justice, becomes ours; being a free gift given to us, through the Spirit of God, who puts it upon us,
clothes us with it, enables us to lay hold upon it, and claim an interest in it. "The Lord our