Jeremiah 37

Jeremiah 37:1

Sedecias. He was less impious than his two predecessors; but too weak to do good.

Jeremiah 37:3

Pray, or consult. He wished to know whether the Chaldeans would return. (Calmet) — He feared, yet ill-treated the prophet, as Herod did John the Baptist. (Worthington)

Jeremiah 37:6

Return, routed, chap. xlvi. 15. His army was small, Ezechiel xvii. 17., and xxx. 21. This king Ephree, (chap. xliv. 30.) or Apries, had succeeded Psammis, after an interregnum of ten years’ continuance. (Herodotus ii. 161.) — He foresaw that his own dominions would be invaded, after Jerusalem, the key, was taken. The other allies of Juda perfidiously sat still, or joined the Chaldeans. (Calmet)

Jeremiah 37:8

Away. They departed indeed, but for a short time.

Jeremiah 37:9

Tent. So easy it is for God to destroy by few as well as by many! (Haydock)

Jeremiah 37:11

Possession, lately purchased, chap. xxxii. (Lyranus) — Yet some think this had not yet taken place. (Calmet) — Septuagint, “to buy provisions among.” Hebrew, “to slip away thence in the midst of the people.” (Haydock) — He wished to escape the fury of his enemies at Jerusalem. (Calmet) — It is an old device of persecutors to lay false charges on the innocent, as Julian and the Arians did. (Hist. Tripart. vi. 27.) (Worthington)

Jeremiah 37:14

Beat him, as a traitor and fugitive. — Prison, very deep, ver. 19. (Calmet)

Jeremiah 37:15

Prison. Literally, “lake or pit,” (Haydock) such as was used to keep wine. Thus God tries his chosen friends, according to their strength!

Jeremiah 37:18

Prophets. He insults over these impostors, and speaks boldly. The Chaldeans were now returned, chap. xxxviii.

Jeremiah 37:19

Be. Hebrew, “fall prostrate,” chap. xxxvi. 7.

Jeremiah 37:20

Entry, where he had been already, chap. xxxii. 1., and xxxiv. 1, 7. — Piece. Roll, sufficient for a day’s maintenance. (Calmet) — Protestants, “a piece of bread (Septuagint, a loaf) out of the baker’s street.” (Haydock)

Jeremiah 37:32

CHAPTER XXXVII.