kingdoms, are represented by the consequences of excessive drinking. This may make us loathe
the sin of drunkenness, that the consequences of it are used to set forth such a woful condition.
Drunkenness deprives men of the use of their reason, makes men as mad. It takes from them the
valuable blessing, health; and is a sin which is its own punishment. This may also make us dread
the judgments of war. It soon fills a nation with confusion. They will refuse to take the cup at thy
hand. They will not believe Jeremiah; but he must tell them it is the word of the Lord of hosts, and
it is in vain for them to struggle against Almighty power. And if God's judgments begin with
backsliding professors, let not the wicked expect to escape.
Jer. 25:30-38 The Lord has just ground of controversy with every nation and every person;
and he will execute judgment on all the wicked. Who can avoid trembling when God speaks in
displeasure? The days are fully come; the time fixed in the Divine counsels, which will make the
nations wholly desolate. The tender and delicate shall share the common calamity. Even those who
used to live in peace, and did nothing to provoke, shall not escape. Blessed be God, there is a
peaceable habitation above, for all the sons of peace. The Lord will preserve his church and all
believers in all changes; for nothing can separate them from his love.
Chapter 26
The destruction of the temple and city foretold. (Jer. 26:1-6) Jeremiah's life is threatened. (Jer.
26:7-15) He is defended by the elders. (Jer. 26:16-24)
Jer. 26:1-6 God's ambassadors must not seek to please men, or to save themselves from harm.
See how God waits to be gracious. If they persisted in disobedience, it would ruin their city and
temple. Can any thing else be expected? Those who will not be subject to the commands of God,
make themselves subject to the curse of God.
Jer. 26:7-15 The priests and prophets charged Jeremiah as deserving death, and bore false
witness against him. The elders of Israel came to inquire into this matter. Jeremiah declares that
the Lord sent him to prophesy thus. As long as ministers keep close to the word they have from
God, they need not fear. And those are very unjust who complain of ministers for preaching of hell
and damnation; for it is from a desire to bring them to heaven and salvation. Jeremiah warns them
of their danger if they go on against him. All men may know, that to hurt, or put to death, or to
show hatred to their faithful reprovers, will hasten and increase their own punishment.
Jer. 26:16-24 When secure sinners are threatened with taking away the Spirit of God, and the
kingdom of God, it is what is warranted from the word of God. Hezekiah who protected Micah,
prospered. Did Jehoiakim, who slew Urijah, prosper? The examples of bad men, and the bad
consequences of their sins, should deter from what is evil. Urijah was faithful in delivering his
message, but faulty in leaving his work. And the Lord was pleased to permit him to lose his life,
while Jeremiah was protected in danger. Those are safest who most simply trust in the Lord, whatever