CONTENTS This seems to be but a continuation of the former Chapter; and a most blessed continuation it is! We have here, the Lord speaking most graciously to his people; and giving them exceeding great and precious promises in Christ, confirmed with all the sanction and authority of Jehovah. Jerem... [ Continue Reading ]
The sword probably hath an allusion to the sorrows of Egypt, from whence the Lord brought the people out, into the wilderness, and then brought them to rest in Canaan.... [ Continue Reading ]
I do not presume to determine, but I venture to observe, that I conceive the former part of this verse is the language of the Church; and the latter the words of Jehovah. The Church having heard the Lord say in the foregoing verse, how gracious the Lord was, in bringing his people out of Egypt, take... [ Continue Reading ]
All these blessings arise out of what went before. The Church was now partly in bondage, and the residue of the people were shortly to be sent thither. But the Lord looks beyond times of bondage, and comforts the people with these assurances. There shall be a day in Christ, when all these sweet effe... [ Continue Reading ]
I do not doubt, but that these verses had respect to the bringing back the people from Babylon. But, I still think, the Holy Ghost had yet a much greater object in view, in bringing back the Lord's heritage from worse than any earthly captivity, even from the captivity of sin and Satan. For what bli... [ Continue Reading ]
I do not detain the Reader with any comment here: for the words are too plain to need any, and too sweet to admit of any without injury. Let the Reader read the passage again and again, and then mark the gracious tendencies of the Lord to his people.... [ Continue Reading ]
The Evangelist hath made application of what is here said to the murder of the young children by Herod: and thereby hath very clearly shown, that the whole of this blessed chapter is of gospel signification. Rahel, or Rachel, is, probably, put for the whole of the afflicted Parents; meaning that all... [ Continue Reading ]
Perhaps there is not a more beautiful and interesting representation in the whole compass of the Old Testament scripture, than what is here drawn, of the melting heart of a sinner by grace; and of the Lord's bowels of mercies, yearning over a returning sinner on the occasion. Here is Ephraim falling... [ Continue Reading ]
I do not presume to decide upon this passage, but I venture to propose my views of it to the Reader. I do not object to the comment of those who suppose the return of the people from Babylon might be implied in it. But I cannot but think an infinitely higher object was intended from what is here sai... [ Continue Reading ]
I put this verse by itself from the singularity of its contents. And while I propose my views of it, I pray the Reader to look up to the Lord as his teacher, to lead him, and to guide him into all truth. Is not this verse (for I ask the question) a new subject, a new paragraph, and a different speak... [ Continue Reading ]
Perhaps, in allusion to the flourishing state of Christ's church, under the latter day dispensation, this prophesy had respect. But what I particularly desire the Reader to remark with me is, the different features which are here drawn between the Old Testament Church and the New, on this subject. T... [ Continue Reading ]
The Holy Ghost hath himself given the comment of this passage, in Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews, Chap. 8 which supersedes all that might be offered. I only beg to remind the Reader, while comparing both scriptures, and pondering well the subject, that he looks out for the fulfillment of it in himsel... [ Continue Reading ]
I pray the Reader not to overlook the abundant grace of God, in thus appealing to his covenant concerning his providences, made after the flood, and the confirmation of it in Jeremiah's days, as a token and pledge of his covenant concerning grace. And I pray the Reader not to forget the further conf... [ Continue Reading ]
If we accept this promise as in the smallest degree referring to the building of the second temple and the city, after the people's return from Babylon, we must still look further to gospel days, to observe the full accomplishment of it: for there we find holiness indeed unto the Lord, in Jesus the... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS PONDER well my soul, from the perusal of this most blessed Chapter that sacred source of all thy happiness, the everlasting love of God. See to it, that from thence it is, that Jesus Mediator with all his fulness comes, and God thy Father, becomes the God of all the families of Israel.... [ Continue Reading ]