Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. If a man put away his wife] It was ever understood, by the law and practice of the country, that if a woman were divorced by her husband, and became the wife of another man, the first husband could never take her again. Now Israel had been married unto the Lord; joined in solemn covenant to him to worship and serve him only. Israel turned from following him, and became idolatrous. On this ground, considering idolatry as a spiritual whoredom, and the precept and practice of the law to illustrate this case, Israel could never more be restored to the Divine favour: but God, this first husband, in the plenitude of his mercy, is willing to receive this adulterous spouse, if she will abandon her idolatries and return unto him. And this and the following chapters are spent in affectionate remonstrances and loving exhortations addressed to these sinful people, to make them sensible of their own sin, and God's tender mercy in offering to receive them again into favour.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- God expostulates with his people. (Jer. 2:1-8) Their revolt beyon example. (Jer. 2:9-13) Guilt the cause of sufferings. (Jer. 2:14-19 The sins of Judah. (Jer. 2:20-28) Their false confidence. (Jer 2:29-37)
Jer. 2:1-8 Those who begin well, but do not persevere, will justly be upbraided with their hopeful and promising beginnings. Those who deser religion, commonly oppose it more than those who never knew it. For this they could have no excuse. God's spiritual Israel must own their obligations to him for safe conduct through the wilderness of thi world, so dangerous to the soul. Alas, that many, who once appeare devoted to the Lord, so live that their professions aggravate their crimes! Let us be careful that we do not lose in zeal and fervency, a we gain knowledge.
Jer. 2:9-13 Before God punishes sinners, he pleads with them, to brin them to repentance. He pleads with us, what we should plead with ourselves. Be afraid to think of the wrath and curse which will be the portion of those who throw themselves out of God's grace and favour Grace in Christ is compared to water from a fountain, it being coolin and refreshing, cleansing and making fruitful: to living water, becaus it quickens dead sinners, revives drooping saints, supports an maintains spiritual life, and issues in eternal life, and i ever-flowing. To forsake this Fountain is the first evil; this is don when the people of God neglect his word and ordinances. They hewed the out broken cisterns, that could hold no water. Such are the world, an the things in it; such are the inventions of men when followed an depended on. Let us, with purpose of heart, cleave to the Lord only whither else shall we go? How prone are we to forego the consolation of the Holy Spirit, for the worthless joys of the enthusiast an hypocrite!
Jer. 2:14-19 Is Israel a servant? No, they are the seed of Abraham. We may apply this spiritually: Is the soul of man a slave
? No, it is not but has sold its own