Jer 14:2, 23:10 | JFB | e4.org | 2. gates — The place of public concourse in each city looks sad, as being no longer frequented ( ). black —that is, they mourn (blackness being indicative of sorrow), ( ). unto the ground —bowing towards it. cry

‏ Jeremiah 14:2

2. gates—The place of public concourse in each city looks sad, as being no longer frequented (Isa 3:26; 24:4).

black—that is, they mourn (blackness being indicative of sorrow), (Jer 8:21).

unto the ground—bowing towards it.

cry—of distress (1Sa 5:12; Isa 24:11).

‏ Jeremiah 23:10

10. adulterers—spiritual, that is, forsakers of God, Israel's true Husband (Isa 54:5) for idols, at the instigation of the false "prophets" (Jer 23:9, 15). Literal adultery and fornication, the usual concomitants of idolatry, are also meant.

swearing—MAURER, &c., translate, "Because of the curse (of God on it), the land mourneth" (De 27:15-26; 28:15-68; Isa 24:6). More than usual notoriety had been given to the curses of the law, by the finding and reading of it in Josiah's time (2Ki 22:11, &c.). But Ho 4:2, 3, favors English Version (compare Jer 12:4). A drought was sent by God on the pastures ("pleasant places," oases) in the desert, on account of the "profaneness" of the priests, prophets, and people (Jer 23:11).

course . . . evil—They (both prophets and people) rush into wickedness (Jer 23:21; Isa 59:7).

force . . . not right—Their powers are used not on the side of rectitude, but on that of falsehood.