Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 6. Thou art Gilead unto me, and the head of Lebanon] Perhaps in allusion, says Dahler, to the oaks of Gilead, and the cedars of Mount Lebanon, of which the palace was constructed. Lebanon was the highest mountain in Israel, and Gilead the richest and most fertile part of the country; and were, therefore, proper emblems of the reigning family.
Though thou art the richest and most powerful, I, who raised thee up, can bring thee down and make thee a wilderness.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- The only way of deliverance is to be surrendering to the Babylonians (Jer. 21:1-10) The wickedness of the king and his household. (Jer 21:11-14)
Jer. 21:1-10 When the siege had begun, Zedekiah sent to ask of Jeremia respecting the event. In times of distress and danger, men often see those to counsel and pray for them, whom, at other times, they despis and oppose; but they only seek deliverance from punishment. When professors continue in disobedience, presuming upon outward privileges let them be told that the Lord will prosper his open enemies agains them. As the king and his princes would not surrender, the people ar exhorted to do so. No sinner on earth is left without a Refuge, wh really desires one; but the way of life is humbling, it require self-denial, and exposes to difficulties.
Jer. 21:11-14 The wickedness of the king and his family was the wors because of their relation to David. They were urged to act with justice, at once, lest the Lord's anger should be unquenchable. If God be for us, who can be against us? But if he be against us, who can d any thing for us _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew כי3588 כה3541 אמר559 יהוה3068 על5921 בית1004 מלך4428 יהודה3063 גלעד1568 אתה859 לי ראשׁ7218 הלבנון3844 אם518 לא3808 אשׁיתך7896 מדבר4057 ערים5892 לא3808 נושׁבה׃3427
