‏ Jeremiah 30

* Troubles which shall be before the restoration of Israel.

(1-11) Encouragement to trust Divine promises. (12-17) The

blessings under Christ, and the wrath on the wicked. (18-24)

1-11 Jeremiah is to write what God had spoken to him. The very

words are such as the Holy Ghost teaches. These are the words

God ordered to be written; and promises written by his order,

are truly his word. He must write a description of the trouble

the people were now in, and were likely to be in. A happy end

should be put to these calamities. Though the afflictions of the

church may last long, they shall not last always. The Jews shall

be restored again. They shall obey, or hearken to the Messiah,

the Christ, the Son of David, their King. The deliverance of the

Jews from Babylon, is pointed out in the prophecy, but the

restoration and happy state of Israel and Judah, when converted

to Christ their King, are foretold; also the miseries of the

nations before the coming of Christ. All men must honour the Son

as they honour the Father, and come into the service and worship

of God by him. Our gracious Lord pardons the sins of the

believer, and breaks off the yoke of sin and Satan, that he may

serve God without fear, in righteousness and true holiness

before him all the remainder of his days, as the redeemed

subject of Christ our King. 12-17 When God is against a people, who will be for them? Who

can be for them, so as to do them any kindness? Incurable griefs

are owing to incurable lusts. Yet, though the captives suffered

justly, and could not help themselves, the Lord intended to

appear for them, and to punish their oppressors; and he will

still do so. But every effort to heal ourselves must prove

fruitless, so long as we neglect the heavenly Advocate and

sanctifying Spirit. The dealings of His grace with every true

convert, and every returning backslider, are the same in effect

as his proceedings to the Jews. 18-24 We have here further intimations of the favour of God for

them after the days of their calamity have expired. The proper

work and office of Christ, as Mediator, is to draw near unto

God, for us, as the High Priest of our profession. His own

undertaking, in compliance with his Father's will, and in

compassion to fallen man, engaged him. Jesus Christ was, in all

this, truly wonderful. They shall be taken again into covenant

with the Lord, according to the covenant made with their

fathers. "I will be your God:" it is his good-will to us, which

is the summary of that part of the covenant. The wrath of God

against the wicked is very terrible, like a whirlwind. The

purposes of his wrath, as well as the purposes of his love, will

all be fulfilled. God will comfort all that turn to him; but

those who approach him must have their hearts engaged to do it

with reverence, devotion, and faith. How will they escape who

neglect so great salvation?