‏ Jeremiah 41

* Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (1-10) Johanan recovers the

captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (11-18)

1-10 Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the

appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As

death often meets men where they least expect it, we should

continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of

mind, as we would wish to be found in when called to appear

before our Judge. Sometimes the ransom of a man's life is his

riches. But those who think to bribe death, saying, Slay us not,

for we have treasures in the field, will find themselves

wretchedly deceived. This melancholy history warns us, never to

be secure in this world. We never can be sure of peace on this

side heaven. 11-18 The success of villany must be short, and none can

prosper who harden their hearts against God. And those justly

lose comfort in real fears, who excuse themselves in sin by

pretended fears. The removal of a prudent and peaceable ruler,

and the succession of another who is rash and ambitious, affects

the welfare of many. Only those are happy and steady who fear

the Lord and walk in his ways.