Jeremiah 20

1. Pashur. Another person of the same name is mentioned, xxi. 1. “Chief governor,” should rather be “chief officer,” as R.V.

2 smote. Inflicted stripes.

and put him in the stocks. The strokes and the torture which Pashur inflicted show his extreme malignity against Jeremiah. The “stocks” were an instrument of torture, in which the neck, hands and feet of the prisoner were so fastened as to hold the body in a painfully distorted position. Cp. Acts xvi. 24.

the high gate of Benjamin. The gate of the Temple corresponding to the Gate of Benjamin in the north wall of the city.

3. Pashur. “Pashur” is supposed to mean prosperity (or safety) around. “Magor-missabib” means terror on every side. The latter word occurs ver. 10, and vi. 25; xlvi. 5; xlix. 29 (Psa. xxxi. 13).

5 the labours thereof. That is, all the possessions gained by labour.

6 thou, Pashur, etc. Another priest appears in Pashur’s place (xxix. 25). It appears that in the days of the Captivity the descendants of Pashur became numerous (Ezra ii. 38).

7 deceived. Rather, “allured,” as in Hos. ii. 14; or, “persuaded,” as in Prov. xxv. 15: see R.V. marg. The following words should also be in the past tense: “Thou wast stronger than I, and didst prevail.” Thy representations and urgent commands overcame my reluctance to undertake this office; see i. 4-10.

8 daily. Rather, “all the day,” as R.V.

9 [His word] was in mine heart, etc. Rather, There was in mine heart as it were a burning fire, etc. (see R.V.).

I could not [stay]. I was tempted to renounce an office so unthankful and perilous; but then an inward impulse would not let me rest, and I was constrained to persevere.

10. Report [say they], and we will report it. Or, “Denounce, and we will denounce him.” Only you begin, and we will support the charge. This was the language of the prophet’s “familiar friends” to one another (see R.V.).

11 for they shall not prosper, etc. Rather, as R.V., “because they have not dealt wisely.”

14. Cursed be the day, etc. Vers. 14-18 have been thought to be out of place immediately after an ascription of praise to God, and to come in better after ver. 7. But in violent emotion the transitions of feeling are often great and sudden, particularly when personal interest appears to be in conflict with the urgent claims of duty. It should be remembered that the feelings here expressed are not justified (cp. Job iii., and note on ver. 1): but this record of them shows the prophet’s lively sensibility, whilst denouncing the most awful punishments.