King James Version
Ezekiel 14
23 verses with commentary
Idolaters Condemned
Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Elders came to inquire in this verse. Leaders seeking God while practicing idolatry, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **Certain of the elders of Israel.**—There is no distinction intended here between the elders of *Israel *and the elders of *Judah *mentioned in 8:1, and therefore there is no occasion to suppose a deputation sent to the prophet from Jerusalem. Israel is now becoming the ordinary name of the existing nation, except where it is used with some special mark of distinction. The object of their enq...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28. he was there when Jerusalem was taken--**These words are made the beginning of the thirty-ninth chapter by many; but the accents and sense support English Version.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 14
Threatenings against hypocrites. (Ezek 14:1-11) God's purpose to punish the guilty Jews, but a few should be saved. (Ezek 14:12-23)
**Verses 1-11** No outward form or reformation can be acceptable to God, so long as any idol possesses the heart; yet how many prefer their own devices and their own righteousness, to the way of salvation! Men's corruptions are idols in their hearts, ...
Read full commentary →And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Word of the LORD came in this verse. God exposes hypocrisy, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The passage illustrate...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 14
Threatenings against hypocrites. (Ezek 14:1-11) God's purpose to punish the guilty Jews, but a few should be saved. (Ezek 14:12-23)
**Verses 1-11** No outward form or reformation can be acceptable to God, so long as any idol possesses the heart; yet how many prefer their own devices and their own righteousness, to the way of salvation! Men's corruptions are idols in their hearts, ...
Read full commentary →Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God reveals the elders' hidden sin: 'Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?' The phrase 'idols in their heart' (gillulim ba-lebam, גִּלּוּלִים בְּלִבָּם) describes internal idolatry—even without physical images, the heart worships false gods. The 'stumblingblock of their i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Have set up their idols in their heart.**—It was not the open idolatry of Judæa which is reproved among these elders of the captivity; that had already passed away, but still their heart was not right. Like Lot’s wife, they longed for that which they dared not do. With such a disposition, they were in the greatest danger, putting “the stumbling-block of their iniquity,” the temptation to sin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 39 Jr 39:1-18. Jerusalem Taken. Zedekiah's Fate. Jeremiah Cared for. Ebed-melech Assured.
This chapter consists of two parts: the first describes the capture of Jerusalem, the removal of the people to Babylon, and the fate of Zedekiah, and that of Jeremiah. The second tells of the assurance of safety to Ebed-melech.
**1. ninth year ... tenth month--**and on the tenth day of it (Jr 52:4...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 14
Threatenings against hypocrites. (Ezek 14:1-11) God's purpose to punish the guilty Jews, but a few should be saved. (Ezek 14:12-23)
**Verses 1-11** No outward form or reformation can be acceptable to God, so long as any idol possesses the heart; yet how many prefer their own devices and their own righteousness, to the way of salvation! Men's corruptions are idols in their hearts, ...
Read full commentary →Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
"Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols." God refuses to answer prayers when idols occupy the heart. The phrase "idols in his...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Will answer him that cometh.**—The words *that cometh, *not being in the original, should be omitted. The verb *answer *in the original is in the passive, and has a reflexive sense=“I will show myself answering,” a softer form than the English. The principle that when man persists in going counter to God’s known will He will allow him to misunderstand that will, is abundantly established by ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 14
Threatenings against hypocrites. (Ezek 14:1-11) God's purpose to punish the guilty Jews, but a few should be saved. (Ezek 14:12-23)
**Verses 1-11** No outward form or reformation can be acceptable to God, so long as any idol possesses the heart; yet how many prefer their own devices and their own righteousness, to the way of salvation! Men's corruptions are idols in their hearts, ...
Read full commentary →That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Estranged through idols in this verse. Idolatry separates from God, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The passage il...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. sat--**expressing military occupation or encampment.
**middle gate--**the gate from the upper city (comprehending Mount Zion) to the lower city (north of the former and much lower); it was into the latter (the north side) that the Chaldeans forced an entry and took up their position opposite the gate of the "middle" wall, between the lower and upper city. Zedekiah fled in the opposite, that...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 14
Threatenings against hypocrites. (Ezek 14:1-11) God's purpose to punish the guilty Jews, but a few should be saved. (Ezek 14:12-23)
**Verses 1-11** No outward form or reformation can be acceptable to God, so long as any idol possesses the heart; yet how many prefer their own devices and their own righteousness, to the way of salvation! Men's corruptions are idols in their hearts, ...
Read full commentary →Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. yourselves: or, others
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Repent and turn in this verse. Call to genuine conversion, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The passage illustrates...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) R**epent and turn.**—The announcements of the previous verses form the basis for the earnest call to a true repentance. There can be no hope for Israel in any merely outward reformation; they have *to *do with the Searcher of hearts, and the only repentance acceptable to Him is that which has its seat in the affections of the heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. the king's garden--**The "gate" to it from the upper, city above was appropriated to the kings alone; stairs" led down from Mount Zion and the palace to the king's garden below (Ne 3:15).
**two walls--**Zedekiah might have held the upper city longer, but want of provisions drove him to flee by the double wall south of Zion, towards the plains of Jericho (Jr 39:5), in order to escape beyond ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 14
Threatenings against hypocrites. (Ezek 14:1-11) God's purpose to punish the guilty Jews, but a few should be saved. (Ezek 14:12-23)
**Verses 1-11** No outward form or reformation can be acceptable to God, so long as any idol possesses the heart; yet how many prefer their own devices and their own righteousness, to the way of salvation! Men's corruptions are idols in their hearts, ...
Read full commentary →For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer him by myself:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Stranger that separates in this verse. Even foreigners accountable, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The passage il...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Or of the stranger.**—Under the Mosaic legislation, “the stranger” living among the Israelites was bound to observe a certain outward deference to the law of the land, just as a foreigner in any country now is bound to respect in certain things the law of the country in which he lives. Israel being a theocracy, its fundamental law against idol-worship could not be violated with impunity by t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. Riblah--**north of Palestine (see Jr 1:14; Nu 34:11). Hamath is identified by commentators with Antioch, in Syria, on the Orontes, called Epiphania, from Antiochus Epiphanes.
**gave judgment upon him--**literally, "spake judgments with him," that is, brought him to trial as a common criminal, not as a king. He had violated his oath (Eze 17:13-19; 2Ch 36:13).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 14
Threatenings against hypocrites. (Ezek 14:1-11) God's purpose to punish the guilty Jews, but a few should be saved. (Ezek 14:12-23)
**Verses 1-11** No outward form or reformation can be acceptable to God, so long as any idol possesses the heart; yet how many prefer their own devices and their own righteousness, to the way of salvation! Men's corruptions are idols in their hearts, ...
Read full commentary →And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Set my face against in this verse. Divine opposition to unrepentant, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The passage i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Will make him a sign.**—The text of the Hebrew is here preferable to its margin, which has been followed by our translators, as well as by the ancient versions. There is a similar threat in Deuteronomy 28:37; and the clause should be rendered, “will make him desolate (or destroy him) for a sign and a proverb.” The English almost loses the idea of the wonder which will be occasioned by the se...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. slew ... sons ... before his eyes--**previous to his eyes being "put out" (Jr 39:7); literally, "dug out." The Assyrian sculptures depict the delight with which the kings struck out, often with their own hands, the eyes of captive princes. This passage reconciles Jr 32:4, "his eyes shall behold his eyes"; with Eze 12:13, "he shall not see Babylon, though he shall die there."
**slew all ... ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 14
Threatenings against hypocrites. (Ezek 14:1-11) God's purpose to punish the guilty Jews, but a few should be saved. (Ezek 14:12-23)
**Verses 1-11** No outward form or reformation can be acceptable to God, so long as any idol possesses the heart; yet how many prefer their own devices and their own righteousness, to the way of salvation! Men's corruptions are idols in their hearts, ...
Read full commentary →And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Prophet deceived in this verse. Even prophets face judgment for error, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The passage...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **And if the prophet be deceived.**—The exact sense of the original is, “If a prophet be persuaded and speak a word, I the LORD have persuaded that prophet.” The thought is thus in close connection with what precedes; in Ezekiel 14:3-4; Ezekiel 14:7, the Lord has refused to allow an answer through the prophet to the hypocritical enquirer; but if the prophet, by giving the desired answer, allow...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 14
Threatenings against hypocrites. (Ezek 14:1-11) God's purpose to punish the guilty Jews, but a few should be saved. (Ezek 14:12-23)
**Verses 1-11** No outward form or reformation can be acceptable to God, so long as any idol possesses the heart; yet how many prefer their own devices and their own righteousness, to the way of salvation! Men's corruptions are idols in their hearts, ...
Read full commentary →And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him;
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Bear their iniquity in this verse. Shared guilt of deceiver and deceived, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The pass...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. burned ... the houses--**(Jr 52:12, 13). Not immediately after the taking of the city, but in the month after, namely, the fifth month (compare Jr 39:2). The delay was probably caused by the princes having to send to Riblah to know the king's pleasure as to the city.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 14
Threatenings against hypocrites. (Ezek 14:1-11) God's purpose to punish the guilty Jews, but a few should be saved. (Ezek 14:12-23)
**Verses 1-11** No outward form or reformation can be acceptable to God, so long as any idol possesses the heart; yet how many prefer their own devices and their own righteousness, to the way of salvation! Men's corruptions are idols in their hearts, ...
Read full commentary →That the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I may be their God, saith the Lord GOD.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses No more go astray in this verse. Purpose of judgment is restoration, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The passage i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **May go no more astray.**—Here is given the object of all the previous severity of judgment—that Israel may be brought to a true repentance and be reunited in communion with God.
The prophet is now directed, in a distinct communication, to meet the thought which was evidently in the minds of the people, that Jerusalem would yet be spared for the sake of the righteous dwelling therein, as had...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. remnant--**excepting the poorest (Jr 39:10), who caused Nebuchadnezzar no apprehensions.
**those ... that fell to him--**the deserters were distrusted; or they may have been removed at their own request, lest the people should vent their rage on them as traitors, after the departure of the Chaldeans.
**rest ... that remained--**distinct from the previous "remnant"; there he means the remn...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 14
Threatenings against hypocrites. (Ezek 14:1-11) God's purpose to punish the guilty Jews, but a few should be saved. (Ezek 14:12-23)
**Verses 1-11** No outward form or reformation can be acceptable to God, so long as any idol possesses the heart; yet how many prefer their own devices and their own righteousness, to the way of salvation! Men's corruptions are idols in their hearts, ...
Read full commentary →The word of the LORD came again to me, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Word of the LORD in this verse. Divine word pronouncing judgment, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The passage illu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. left ... the poor ... which had nothing--**The poor have least to lose; one of the providential compensations of their lot. They who before had been stripped of their possessions by the wealthier Jews obtain, not only their own, but those of others.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23** National sins bring national judgments. Though sinners escape one judgment, another is waiting for them. When God's professing people rebel against him, they may justly expect all his judgments. The faith, obedience, and prayers of Noah prevailed to the saving of his house, but not of the old world. Job's sacrifice and prayer in behalf of his friends were accepted, and Daniel had ...
Read full commentary →Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Land sins against me in this verse. Corporate guilt brings corporate judgment, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **When the land sinneth.**—The definite article is not in the Hebrew, and should be omitted, as the proposition is a general one. Also the future tenses throughout the verse should be rendered as present, in accordance with this character of a general statement: “When a land sinneth . . . and I stretch out** . . .** and break the staff** . . .** and send famine** . . .** and cut off.” The par...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11. Jeremiah's prophecies were known to Nebuchadnezzar through deserters (Jr 39:9; Jr 38:19), also through the Jews carried to Babylon with Jeconiah (compare Jr 40:2). Hence the king's kindness to him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23** National sins bring national judgments. Though sinners escape one judgment, another is waiting for them. When God's professing people rebel against him, they may justly expect all his judgments. The faith, obedience, and prayers of Noah prevailed to the saving of his house, but not of the old world. Job's sacrifice and prayer in behalf of his friends were accepted, and Daniel had ...
Read full commentary →Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Noah, Daniel, Job in this verse. Even the righteous can't save others, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The passage...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Noah, Daniel, and Job.**—These three are selected, doubtless, not only as examples of eminent holiness themselves, but as men who had been allowed to be the means of saving others. For Noah’s sake his whole family had been spared (Genesis 6:18); Daniel was the means of saving his companions (Daniel 2:17-18); and Job’s friends had been spared in consequence of his intercession (Job 42:7-8). ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. look well to him--**Hebrew, "set thine eyes upon him"; provide for his well-being.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23** National sins bring national judgments. Though sinners escape one judgment, another is waiting for them. When God's professing people rebel against him, they may justly expect all his judgments. The faith, obedience, and prayers of Noah prevailed to the saving of his house, but not of the old world. Job's sacrifice and prayer in behalf of his friends were accepted, and Daniel had ...
Read full commentary →If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it, so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts: spoil: or, bereave
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Evil beasts through land in this verse. Wild animals as judgment, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The passage illu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15-20) In these verses the same declaration is repeated, for the sake of emphasis, with each one of three other instruments of punishment, with only such variations of phraseology as are required for rhetorical reasons. The phrase “their own souls*” *is here also simply equivalent to “themselves.” The judgments mentioned are all taken from the warnings in Leviticus 26, the famine from Leviticus 2...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. Nebuzara-dan ... sent--**He was then at Ramah (Jr 40:1).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23** National sins bring national judgments. Though sinners escape one judgment, another is waiting for them. When God's professing people rebel against him, they may justly expect all his judgments. The faith, obedience, and prayers of Noah prevailed to the saving of his house, but not of the old world. Job's sacrifice and prayer in behalf of his friends were accepted, and Daniel had ...
Read full commentary →Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate. in it: Heb. in the midst of it
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Deliver neither sons in this verse. Personal righteousness insufficient for others, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><b...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. Gedaliah--**son of Ahikam, the former supporter of Jeremiah (Jr 26:24). Gedaliah was the chief of the deserters to the Chaldeans, and was set over the remnant in Judea as one likely to remain faithful to Nebuchadnezzar. His residence was at Mizpah (Jr 40:5).
**home--**the house of Gedaliah, wherein Jeremiah might remain as in a safe asylum. As in Jr 40:1 Jeremiah is represented as "bound i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23** National sins bring national judgments. Though sinners escape one judgment, another is waiting for them. When God's professing people rebel against him, they may justly expect all his judgments. The faith, obedience, and prayers of Noah prevailed to the saving of his house, but not of the old world. Job's sacrifice and prayer in behalf of his friends were accepted, and Daniel had ...
Read full commentary →Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Bring a sword in this verse. Military judgment ordained, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The passage illustrates t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15-18. Belonging to the time when the city was not yet taken, and when Jeremiah was still in the court of the prison (Jr 38:13). This passage is inserted here because it was now that Ebed-melech's good act (Jr 38:7-12; Mt 25:43) was to be rewarded in his deliverance.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23** National sins bring national judgments. Though sinners escape one judgment, another is waiting for them. When God's professing people rebel against him, they may justly expect all his judgments. The faith, obedience, and prayers of Noah prevailed to the saving of his house, but not of the old world. Job's sacrifice and prayer in behalf of his friends were accepted, and Daniel had ...
Read full commentary →Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, but they only shall be delivered themselves.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters.</strong> This verse concludes a divine decree about the limits of intercessory righteousness. The "three men" referenced in context (v. 14) are Noah, Daniel (likely the ancient Daniel of Ugaritic legend, predating the biblical prophet), and Job—exemplars of righteousness from di...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15-18. Belonging to the time when the city was not yet taken, and when Jeremiah was still in the court of the prison (Jr 38:13). This passage is inserted here because it was now that Ebed-melech's good act (Jr 38:7-12; Mt 25:43) was to be rewarded in his deliverance.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23** National sins bring national judgments. Though sinners escape one judgment, another is waiting for them. When God's professing people rebel against him, they may justly expect all his judgments. The faith, obedience, and prayers of Noah prevailed to the saving of his house, but not of the old world. Job's sacrifice and prayer in behalf of his friends were accepted, and Daniel had ...
Read full commentary →Or if I send a pestilence into that land, and pour out my fury upon it in blood, to cut off from it man and beast:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Send pestilence in this verse. Disease as divine judgment, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The passage illustrates...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15-18. Belonging to the time when the city was not yet taken, and when Jeremiah was still in the court of the prison (Jr 38:13). This passage is inserted here because it was now that Ebed-melech's good act (Jr 38:7-12; Mt 25:43) was to be rewarded in his deliverance.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23** National sins bring national judgments. Though sinners escape one judgment, another is waiting for them. When God's professing people rebel against him, they may justly expect all his judgments. The faith, obedience, and prayers of Noah prevailed to the saving of his house, but not of the old world. Job's sacrifice and prayer in behalf of his friends were accepted, and Daniel had ...
Read full commentary →Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God declares: 'Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.' This stark declaration emphasizes that individual righteousness cannot save others when corporate judgment comes. The three named men represent exceptional piety—Noah (Genesis 6-9), Daniel (contemporary ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15-18. Belonging to the time when the city was not yet taken, and when Jeremiah was still in the court of the prison (Jr 38:13). This passage is inserted here because it was now that Ebed-melech's good act (Jr 38:7-12; Mt 25:43) was to be rewarded in his deliverance.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23** National sins bring national judgments. Though sinners escape one judgment, another is waiting for them. When God's professing people rebel against him, they may justly expect all his judgments. The faith, obedience, and prayers of Noah prevailed to the saving of his house, but not of the old world. Job's sacrifice and prayer in behalf of his friends were accepted, and Daniel had ...
Read full commentary →For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast? How: or, Also when
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Four sore judgments in this verse. Comprehensive divine wrath, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The passage illustr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **My four sore judgments.**—The teaching of the preceding eight verses is here gathered up into its climax. In the case of any one of the four punishments mentioned in succession, the presence of the holiest of men should be of no avail to avert it; how much more then, when all these are combined in the judgment upon Jerusalem, will it be impossible to stay its doom.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23** National sins bring national judgments. Though sinners escape one judgment, another is waiting for them. When God's professing people rebel against him, they may justly expect all his judgments. The faith, obedience, and prayers of Noah prevailed to the saving of his house, but not of the old world. Job's sacrifice and prayer in behalf of his friends were accepted, and Daniel had ...
Read full commentary →Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought upon it.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Remnant brought forth in this verse. Survivors bear witness, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The passage illustrat...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Ye shall be comforted concerning the evil.**—In this and the following verse it is promised that a remnant shall be brought from Jerusalem; and it is clearly implied that they shall come to Babylonia. There the present exiles shall see them, and thus be comforted. But in what sense comforted? The connection absolutely decides this: “when ye see their ways and their doings, ye shall know tha...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 40 Jr 40:1-16. Jeremiah Is Set Free at Ramah, and Goes to Gedaliah, to Whom the Remnant of Jews Repair. Johanan Warns Gedaliah of Ishmael's Conspiracy in Vain.
**1. word that came--**the heading of a new part of the book (the forty-first through forty-fourth chapters), namely, the prophecies to the Jews in Judea and Egypt after the taking of the city, blended with history. The prophecy do...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23** National sins bring national judgments. Though sinners escape one judgment, another is waiting for them. When God's professing people rebel against him, they may justly expect all his judgments. The faith, obedience, and prayers of Noah prevailed to the saving of his house, but not of the old world. Job's sacrifice and prayer in behalf of his friends were accepted, and Daniel had ...
Read full commentary →And they shall comfort you, when ye see their ways and their doings: and ye shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, saith the Lord GOD.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God addresses Ye shall be comforted in this verse. Understanding judgment brings acceptance, demonstrating that God sees hearts and motives, not just external religious practices. The scenario reveals the futility of seeking God while maintaining idolatry—true inquiry requires undivided allegiance. Attempting to consult God while harboring idols represents the divided heart God rejects.<br><br>The...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. The Babylonians were in some measure aware, through Jeremiah's prophecies (Jr 39:11), that they were the instruments of God's wrath on His people.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-23** National sins bring national judgments. Though sinners escape one judgment, another is waiting for them. When God's professing people rebel against him, they may justly expect all his judgments. The faith, obedience, and prayers of Noah prevailed to the saving of his house, but not of the old world. Job's sacrifice and prayer in behalf of his friends were accepted, and Daniel had ...
Read full commentary →