Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. The sin of Judah] Idolatry.
Is written with a pen of iron] It is deeply and indelibly written in their heart, and shall be as indelibly written in their punishment. Writing with the point of a diamond must refer to glass, or some vitrified substance, as it is distinguished here from engraving with a steel burine, or graver. Their altars show what the deities are which they worship. There may be reference here to the different methods of recording events in those days: - 1. A pen or stile of iron, for engraving on lead or wood. 2. A point of a diamond, for writing on vitreous substances. 3. Writing on tables of brass or copper. 4. Writing on the horns of the altars the names of the deities worshipped there. This is probable.
In several parts of India, and all through Ceylon, an iron or steel pen is used universally; with these the natives form the letters by incisions on the outer rind of the palm leaf. Books written in this way are very durable.
This pen is broad at the top, has a very fine sharp point, and is sharp at one side as a knife, to shave and prepare the palm leaf. A pen of this description now lies before me.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- Prohibitions given to the prophet. (Jer. 16:1-9) The justice of God in these judgments. (Jer. 16:10-13) Future restoration of the Jews, an the conversion of the Gentiles. (Jer. 16:14-21)
Jer. 16:1-9 The prophet must conduct himself as one who expected to se his country ruined very shortly. In the prospect of sad times, he is to abstain from marriage, mourning for the dead, and pleasure. Those wh would convince others of the truths of God, must make it appear by their self-denial, that they believe it themselves. Peace, inward an outward, family and public, is wholly the work of God, and from his loving-kindness and mercy. When He takes his peace from any people distress must follow. There may be times when it is proper to avoi things otherwise our duty; and we should always sit loose to the pleasures and concerns of this life.
Jer. 16:10-13 Here seems to be the language of those who quarrel at the word of God, and instead of humbling and condemning themselves, justif themselves, as though God did them wrong. A plain and full answer ia given. They were more obstinate in sin than their fathers, walkin every one after the devices of his heart. Since they will not hearken they shall be hurried away into a far country, a land they know not. I they had God's favour, that would make even the land of their captivit pleasant.
Jer. 16:14-21 The restoration from the Babylonish captivity would be remembered in place of the deliverance from Egypt; it also typifie spiritual redemption, and the future deliverance of the church from antichristian oppression. But none of the sins of sinners can be hidde from God, or shall be overlooked by him. He will find out and raise u instruments of his wrath, that shall destroy the Jews, by fraud lik fishers, by force like hunters. The prophet, rejoicing at the hope of mercy to come, addressed the Lord as his strength and refuge. The deliverance out of captivity shall be a figure of the great salvatio to be wrought by the Messiah. The nations have often known the power of Jehovah in his wrath; but they shall know him as the strength of his people, and their refuge in time of trouble _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew חטאת2403 יהודה3063 כתובה3789 בעט5842 ברזל1270 בצפרן6856 שׁמיר8068 חרושׁה2790 על5921 לוח3871 לבם3820 ולקרנות7161 מזבחותיכם׃4196
