Jeremiah 43

3. Baruch the son of Neriah, etc. Jeremiah is charged with mistaking the counsel of a designing friend for a Divine oracle.

9 in the clay. Rather, “in mortar.”

in the brickkiln. Or, “in brickwork,” as R.V. The stones to be hidden, or laid, in mortar, signified the foundation of Nebuchadrezzar’s throne.

12 he shall burn them. He shall burn the temples, and carry off the idols.

as a shepherd putteth on his garment. He shall get possession of it as easily “as a shepherd throws his cloak around him when going forth to watch his flock by night” (Dean Payne-Smith).

13 the images. Perhaps obelisks, with which the approaches to the temples were adorned: cp. 2 Chron. xxxiv. 4. There is one now remaining at Matariyeh, near the site of the ancient Heliopolis, which is formed of a block of red granite from sixty to seventy feet high, covered with hieroglyphics. Its twin obelisk, “Cleopatra’s Needle,” is on the Thames Embankment. They both stood in front of the Temple of the Sun.