Vere. 21-25.-Typical pent'tence. It is difficult if not impossible to fix any historic elate for the fulfilment of this prophecy. Not a few competent scholars maintain tliat it is yet unfulfilled. But in any case it is a picture of the future, and may bo accepted as a description of the penitence that is well-pleasing in the sight of God. All through it is spiritual, and the national circumstances involved are put thoroughly into tl1c background. I. Tm: UPSPRINGING OF GODLY SORROW FOR SIN. (Ver. 21.) It is not the expression of annoyance and pain at the consequences of sin. A deeper sentiment inspires the host of weeping supplicants. Sin itself is the grief. The cry is from men who feel they have lost their way, that there is no satisfaction in the foul and inconsequent rites of idolatry. The religion and the life that flows from it are felt to be profoundly and utterly false. Memories of past spiritual privileges and endearing ties overpower their hearts. They do not wait, but pour forth their sorrow on the very scene of trans- gression. Their sin is before them. God is the Being they have offended, and to him therefore do they cry, in heartfelt and unrest-rainable sorrow. II. THE DIVINE RESPONSE. (Ver. 22.) The fatherly heart of God cannot resist the "voice heard upon the high places." He waits not, but forthwith addressing them nlready as "children," encourages their approach. Their offence is declared, but equally is the promise given, "I will heal your backslidings [apostasies]." This expresses the objective and subjective influence of Divine forgiveness. It not only removes the sin so that forth with and henceforth it is as if it had never been, but it destroys the causes and tendencies of the evil. The source is cleansed, the disposition changed, and the 'IYay cleared for thorough reconciliation with God. lll. THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE DIVINE INVITATION. (Ver. 22.) God is taken at his word. No delay takes place. As the way of return has been shown, so they hasten to avail themselves of it. His authority and relation to them are acknowledged. They obey him. IV. THE ACCEPTED SINKER'S CONFESSION. (Vers. 23, 24.) The" vanity," waste, and ruin attendaJ?,t upon idolatry are declared. God is recognized as the only Saviour. Testimony like this has often proved more powerful in converting sinners than many sermons. It is due to God, and may be profitable to others. V. THE ACCOMP.U."'YING EMOTIONS. (Ver. 25.) Shame predominates. But it is not accompanied by despair. '!'here is a false shame which prevents the sinner coming to God; there is a true shame which coexists with acceptance of proffered mercy, and earnest effort to retrieve the past. We ought not too readily to forget "the wormwood and the gall."-M.
EXPOSITION. pcrformonce of this mission ho.ngs the weal CHAPTER IV. or woe of humanity. Hence Jehovah's Vere. 1, 2.-The form and structure of longing for I~rnel's repentance. If Israol the translation :tequire a change. Render, will but "return," and obey God's com- If thou wilt return, 0 lsrael, saith Jehovah, lDBndments, all nations will be nttra.ctecl to wilt return unto me; and if thou wilt put the true religion. The form of expression away, elc., and not wander; and •J:ilt swear, used for the lo.tter btBtement is borrowed As Jehovah liveth, with goodfailh,wilhjustice, probably from Gen. xxii. 18; xxvi. 4 (it and with righteousness; then shall the nations is less closely parallel with Gen. xii. 3; uless themselves by him, and in l:im s!,all xv iii. 18). To " bless by" nny one is to they glory. TJic clause, "and not wancler," use his name in the benediction formula. seems too short ; the Septuagint had a Seeing Israel so blessed through his allegi- choicer reading, "and put away, etc., from ance to Jehovah, all nBtions sbBII wish hio [thy] mouth, and not wander from before themselves a similar blessing (the revcrso me." It is the close of the prophecy which of the process in eh. xxix. 22; comp. Isa. we ha-re he1·e. The prophet subjoins a !xv. 16). To "swear, As Jehovnh li\'eth," promise which be has heard from Jehovah. meB11s to call Jehovah to witness to tho True, it docs not appeal to Israd's self-love trufh of 11, statement. This is to ho cloue (as Isa. xlviii. 18, 19; Pa. lxxxi. 13---16), "with good faith," etc., i.e. the object of hut to a nobler feeling of responsibility for tho oath must be cousistent with honesty the world's welfare. Israel has been en- nnd probity. Aba_minations j i.e. itl, 1<!, BB truEted with a mission, aml on the cluo often (sec 2 l{iugs uiii. 2!), 011. 1v, 1-31.] 'l'HE BOOK OF THE PROPHET JEllEMIAII.