The Pulpit Commentary — Jeremiah — Volume 1 — Section 518

III. ITS CORRECTION. The deceived of God's people, being distinguished from the deceivers, will undergo a kindlier discipline. The sherherd's care, as the symbol of royal responsibility, is intended as an ideal correctil"e. It teaches the principle that the king exists for the people, and not vice versa. It is under Christianity that populn.r liberties, national development, and social purity have become the aims of rulers. In modern times there have been many who have illustrated this ideal of royalty; but Christ alone is the Head of redeemed humanity-the good Shepherd that lays down his life for his flock. In him the throne of David is eternally restored. Not yet do we see all things put under him, but the time draws nigh when he shall reign from ~hore to shore, and from the river even unto the ends of the earth. Ancient Israel depended for its very existence upon spiritual obedience to God's Law. The Church of Christ in all its offices must respect bis authority and be actuated by love to him. Its character and influence must be purely spiritual, or its message will be neutralized and soon perl"erted to unholy ends.-M. Vcrs. 5, 6.-" The Lord ou,· Righteousness." I. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GoD WOULD nu LE IN TIIE MIDST OF ms PEOPLE. The question of the singular or plural interpretation of the word " scion" need not trouble us. To the prophet it was enough to declare that the offspring of David would yet reign in righteousness. All lesser fulfilments of this prophecy are thrown into insignificance by the great Son of David, who so grandly fulfilled the essential conditions of the prediction. 1. Righteousness would yet become the law of human life. 2. This would be achieved throu_qh a personal influence. The King of men will wield a spiritual sceptre, but bis influence will be the more renl. Righteousness will be manifested as a ',life and vindicated in sacrificial death. 3. The house of David would be restored in him as its offspring. II. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GoD WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO ms PEOPLE. "The Lord our Righteousness," be it the title of Prince or people, is sufficiently significant to ~xplain its own essential meaning. There would be a transfer of the righteous character of the Ruler to the ruled ; their spirit and aims would be identical with his ; and he would embody their ideal life and present it to God. Through him the Divine righteousness would be the possession of the least saint. This evidently could only be perfectly accomplished in Christ. Nothing less than a unity of spirit and life with Jesus Christ, through faith, could achieve such a result. ill. THE RIGHTEOUS1'"'ESS OF GOD THUS EMDODIED AND COMMUNICATED WILL SAVE ms PEOPLE. 1. The power of this righteousness. 2. Its desirability. 3. Its attainable- ness. The ideal future of Israel and the Church.-M. Vers. 16-18, 22.-" Trying the spirits." In ver. 18 read," For who bath stood in the counsel of Jehovah? Let him see and hear his word: who bath marked his word? Let him proclaim it." I. lliA.!lERB ARE TO DISOBlllINATE BETWEEN FALSE PROPHETS AND TRUE. A very serious perm1ss10n. But not for an occasion only : to be exercised whenever the witnesses conflict. The essential principle of Protestantism. The prophet is one who speaks in God's Name and reveals his will. The question, therefore, is of interest for all time; is exceedingly important, but not morally difficult. 1. The effect of false prophecy is disastrous. 2. Eai-nest and prayeiful discrimination is the best safeguard against religious indifference. IL A DISTINGUISHING TEST rs FURNISHED. It is a moral one. By their relation to the Law of Moses were the different prophets to be judged of. 1. The marks of the false prophet. His influence is an unrighteous one. He encourages evil-doers, either by directly unrighteous teaching or through the indirect influence which he exercises. 2. 'J.'he marks of the true prophet. He is as unmistakably in favour of morali~y and religion. He is distinguished: (1) By his reverence. "He who bath stood m the counsel of Jehovah." 'l'o sit in that counsel would be to pretend to be equal and advise; but the true prophet has no word from himself. His messages proceed from God, and in his Name he speaks. In e'l"cry age the messenger of God is one who has communion with him, is conscious of a living Presence and a revealing Spirit. "'£hat which I received or the Lord, delivered I unto you : " not "I think; I am of opinion;' etc. No pretence of infallibility. (2) By diligent and devout attention to God's revelations. err. x..xm. 1-4.0.J 'fHE BOOK OF 'fHE PROPHET JEREllUA.H. 525