Jeremiah 40

Jeremiah 40:1

Word. This happened to Jeremias; (Raban) or the prophet rather interrupts what he was about to say, to let the reader know the state of affairs, when he was consulted about the journey into Egypt, chap. xlii. 9. — Rama; probably in Benjamin, near Bethel, Judges xix. 12. (Calmet) — In this last part, Jeremias foretells what would befall the Jews in Egypt, and other nations. (Worthington)

Jeremiah 40:3

You, people of Juda. (Haydock) — This pagan acknowledges that God had punished his people, (chap. xviii. 16.; Calmet) as Titus did at the last siege. (Josephus) (Haydock) — He acknowledges the justice of God. (Worthington)

Jeremiah 40:4

Eyes, with all kindness, chap. xxxix. 12. (Haydock) — Before thee. Thou hast liberty to choose, Genesis xiii. 9., and xx. 15., and xxiv. 51.

Jeremiah 40:5

And. Hebrew, “And as he (the people, or Godolias) will not return, dwell;” or, “He had not yet answered, when the general said: Return to Godolias.” He perceived that the prophet was not desirous of going to Babylon; and he insinuated that such a step would not be for his advantage, as the captives would not return. — Presents. He had been plundered like the rest.

Jeremiah 40:6

Masphath; because it was near Jerusalem, and an ancient place of devotion. (Calmet)

Jeremiah 40:7

Captains, who had fled from Sedecias, and effected their escape. (Josephus, Antiquities x. 11.)

Jeremiah 40:9

With you. They might naturally suspect Godolias, and think that the Chaldeans would seize them as soon as they should know of their escape.

Jeremiah 40:10

Answer. Hebrew, “stand before,” as minister (Haydock) for the Chaldeans. You need not be jealous of my power; and I can answer that they will not hurt you, provided you continue quiet. (Calmet) — He promises to act in behalf of the people, as a governor ought to do. (Worthington)

Jeremiah 40:11

Countries. They had fled to avoid the taxes, &c., but found no redress, Lamentations i. 3.

Jeremiah 40:13

Came, having discovered the design of Ismahel, whose ambition prompted him to murder the governor, that he might reign: as he was of the royal family, chap. xli. 1. (Calmet)

Jeremiah 40:14

Baalis. Queen. (Grotius) — The Ammonites sought the entire ruin of the Jews.

Jeremiah 40:16

Do not. He did right in forbidding this assassination, which could never be authorized, even to prevent a similar crime. Godolias should have taken precautions: but he was too open, (Calmet) like Eumenes. (Grotius)

Jeremiah 40:18

CHAPTER XL.