Jeremiah 42

Jeremiah 42:2

Pray; consult, ver. 4., and chap. xxxvii. 3. (Haydock) — Few; comparatively, though there was a great number, chap. xliii. 5.

Jeremiah 42:5

Witness. Jeremias knew their fickle temper. They will obey, only if God comply with their desires. (Calmet) — They began with piety, but soon refused to obey the directions given, chap. xliii. 2. (Worthington)

Jeremiah 42:6

Good or evil. That is, agreeable or disagreeable. (Challoner) — It would have been well for them if they had been sincere, (ver. 10.; Haydock) and determined to comply whether the prophet announced prosperity or the reverse. (Worthington)

Jeremiah 42:7

Days. The Spirit breathes where he will, and the prophets must wait his good time. Jeremias prayed for ten days in that place. He now resumes his discourse, chap. xl 1.

Jeremiah 42:10

Appeased. Hebrew, “comforted.” Septuagint, “at rest.” I forget (Calmet) or pardon (Haydock) the past.

Jeremiah 42:12

And will. Hebrew, “and he will.” The king will take pity on you. — Dwell. Septuagint, “return;” which is less correct.

Jeremiah 42:15

Faces; obstinately, ver. 17., and chap. xliv. 12.

Jeremiah 42:17

CHAPTER XLII.

Jeremiah 42:18

Kindled. Hebrew, “hath dropped,” 2 Paralipomenon xii. 7. — Curse. People can wish no greater misery to their enemies. (Calmet) — They shall be execrated, Isaias lxv. 15. (Worthington)

Jeremiah 42:20

Deceived. Septuagint, “done ill in your souls.” Your intention was bad. You thought that I should speak conformably to your wishes. (Calmet) — He saw by the prophetic light, or by their deportment, that they were bent on going. (Haydock) — They were doubly guilty in neither observing their promise nor obeying God’s decree. (Worthington)