The Pulpit Commentary — Jeremiah — Volume 1 — Section 560

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vcrs. l-3.-God's mercy sliown in Ms messages. I. ill THEIR BEING REPEATED. It we.s substantially the same message as had been delivered before and been rejected. The question was not finally closed. Jeboiakirn might show a disposition to repent and alter the policy of his father's government. In any case a new chance is afforded him and his people. God is slow to anger (Rom. x. 21). The invitations of his love are still extended to us, notwithstanding the sins of the fathers and our own repeated vio- lations of his Law (Heb. iv. 6-9). Even the backslider is adrlressed with frequent warnings and appeals-a proceeding which would have no meaning apart from God's reserved purpose of grace. II. IN THEIR TIMELINESS. It was not only at the middle or end of Jehoiakim's reign, when he might have thought himself involved too deeply to retrace his steps, but at the very beginning. With a new kiug a fresh opportunity is offered for the nation also to return to its allegiance. Similarly does he stand at the threshold of every life aud the opening of every career. He bas "risen up early" and anticipated the trans- gressor in his evil way, or guided his faithful child into the paths of peace (cf. John i. 9). III. IN THEIR FAITHFULNESS. "Stand in the court of the Lord's house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah; ... diminish not a word." To declare "aH the words of this life " is the commission of Christ's servants, and to do thid "in season and out of season." The exact situation of men, and the relation into which sin has brought them with respect to God, must be plainly stated ; there is no room for flattery. It is absurd to suppose that such a policy is due to vindictiveness. It can only be explained on the hypothesis of an earnest and thorough-going scheme of salvation. Sinners require to be faithfully dealt with, in order to awaken their conscience and constrain them to take advantage-of the means provided for their deliverance. IV. IN TREIB REVELATION OF HIS WILLINGNESS TO SAVE. It might almost appear weakness, yet is not Jehovah ashamed of this long-suffering. 'l'he attribute of mercy docs not detract from the dignity or authority of Divine character; rather is it its glory. '!'his forbearance and hesitation to inflict punishment can be attributed to no base motives. It is in harmony with his behaviour at all times. How important fa it that the repentant sinner should know the merciful disposition of him with whom he has to do! It is essential in every preaching of the gospel that this impression should be produced. The failure of one generation, again, is no reason for another being con- demned before probation. God is "not willing that any should perish" (2 Pet, iii.9).-M. Vers. 1-17, 24.-The prophet of God arraigned by the nation. Jeremiah's position, as that of all prophets, was necessarily a public one; to every man is he sent with the message. It is inadmissible for him to soften or lessen what he has to speak, which is uothing else than an indictment of the entire people (vers. 4-6). In default of tbeir repentance his arraignment by them is, therefore, all but inevitable. Indifference could not well be ft:igned ; words like his were certain to produce an effect. L His RECEPTION. It is tumultuous and threatening. He is treated as a criminal, 'lne people, under the influence of his enemies, the priests and tho prophets, said, CH. xxvr. 1-24,] TRE BOOK OF TTIE PROPHET JEREMIAH. 6G!J