Jer 27 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-11 Jeremiah is to prepare a sign that all the neighbouring countries would be made subject to the king of Babylon. God asserts his right to dispose of kingdoms as he pleases. Whatever any have of the good things of this world, it is what God sees fit to give; we should therefore be content. The things of this world are not the best things, for the Lord often gives the largest share to bad men. Dominion is not founded in grace. Those who will not serve the God who made them, shall justly be made to serve their enemies that seek to ruin them. Jeremiah urges them to prevent their destruction, by submission. A meek spirit, by quiet submission to the hardest turns of providence, makes the best of what is bad. Many persons may escape destroying providences, by submitting to humbling providences. It is better to take up a light cross in our way, than to pull a heavier on our own heads. The poor in spirit, the meek and humble, enjoy comfort, and avoid many miseries to which the high-spirited are exposed. It must, in all cases, be our interest to obey God's will.

‏ Jeremiah 27

* The neighbouring nations to be subdued. (1-11) Zedekiah is

warned to yield. (12-18) The vessels of the temple to be carried

to Babylon, but afterwards to be restored. (19-22)

1-11 Jeremiah is to prepare a sign that all the neighbouring

countries would be made subject to the king of Babylon. God

asserts his right to dispose of kingdoms as he pleases. Whatever

any have of the good things of this world, it is what God sees

fit to give; we should therefore be content. The things of this

world are not the best things, for the Lord often gives the

largest share to bad men. Dominion is not founded in grace.

Those who will not serve the God who made them, shall justly be

made to serve their enemies that seek to ruin them. Jeremiah

urges them to prevent their destruction, by submission. A meek

spirit, by quiet submission to the hardest turns of providence,

makes the best of what is bad. Many persons may escape

destroying providences, by submitting to humbling providences.

It is better to take up a light cross in our way, than to pull a

heavier on our own heads. The poor in spirit, the meek and

humble, enjoy comfort, and avoid many miseries to which the

high-spirited are exposed. It must, in all cases, be our

interest to obey God's will. 12-18 Jeremiah persuades the king of Judah to surrender to the

king of Babylon. Is it their wisdom to submit to the heavy iron

yoke of a cruel tyrant, that they may secure their lives; and is

it not much more our wisdom to submit to the pleasant and easy

yoke of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, that we may secure

our souls? It were well if sinners would be afraid of the

destruction threatened against all who will not have Christ to

reign over them. Why should they die the second death,

infinitely worse than that by sword and famine, when they may

submit and live? And those who encourage sinners to go on in

sinful ways, will perish with them. 19-22 Jeremiah assures them that the brazen vessels should go

after the golden ones. All shall be carried to Babylon. But he

concludes with a gracious promise, that the time would come when

they should be brought back. Though the return of the prosperity

of the church does not come in our time, we must not despair,

for it will come in God's time.