Jeremiah 9
Irwin2. Oh that I had in the wilderness, etc.! So detestable are their lives, that the most desolate lodging-place would be preferable to their company.
3 they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth. Rather, “and they are grown strong in the land, but not for truth” (R.V.).
7. How shall I do for the daughter of My people? How otherwise can I reclaim them?
8 an arrow shot out. Rather, as R.V., “a deadly arrow.”
And for the habitations of the wilderness. Rather, “And for the pastures of the wilderness a lamentation, because they are desolate,” etc.
11 drapons. Rather, “jackals” (R.V.); and so in x. 22.
12 for what the land perisheth, etc. Better as another question, “Wherefore is the land perished and burned up?” (R.V.)
14 imagination. Rather, “stubbornness,” as R.V.
17 cunning women. i.e., skilful in mourning; persons who had been taught to utter laments at funerals: see Eccles. xii. 5.
19 our dwellings have cast [us] out. Rather, “They (i.e., our enemies) have cast down our habitations”: cp. R.V.
21 death is come up into our windows. Death is personified as entering the house or raging in the streets to kill the people.
23. Let not the wise man glory, etc. By such awful judgements God teaches that nothing human or earthly can give security; and that true safety and honour can be gained only by knowing, obeying, and trusting Him. That the lessons here taught by God’s judgements may also be learned from His mercies is shown by the use of this passage in 1 Cor. i. 17-31.
25. I will punish, etc. Lit., “I will punish all them which are uncircumcised in [their] uncircumcision” (R.V.). They have the outward sign of the covenant, but are “uncircumcised in heart” (Rom. ii. 29).
26 all that are in the utmost corners. Rather, “all that are cut as to the corner [of the beard]”: cp. R.V. As this practice was forbidden to the Jews (see Lev. xix. 27; xxi. 5), this description would designate Gentiles. The Jew who forsakes God’s covenant shall be treated like the heathen, for he is like them “in heart.”