Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. The word that came to Jeremiah] This and the four following chapters contain a particular account of what passed in the land of Judea from the taking of the city to the retreat of the people into Egypt, and the prophecies of Jeremiah concerning them there.
Had let him go from Ramah] This has embarrassed most of the commentators. Dr. Blayney has thrown much light upon it by his translation and note:- "The word that came to Jeremiah from Jehovah, after that Nebu-Zaradan captain of the guards had taken him, and let him go from Ramah: for he had been bound with chains among all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah, who were carried away captive to Babylon."HAD TAKEN HIM, AND LET HIM GO. - Most interpreters have understood wta wtjqb bekachto otho of Nebuchadnezzar's having first taken Jeremiah as a captive unto Ramah. But if the order of the sentence be well observed, as well as the more common use of the verb jql lakach, it will, I think, rather appear that those words relate to his taking or having him brought to him, in order to give him his discharge."
Matthew Henry Commentary
- The taking of Jerusalem. (Jer. 39:1-10) Jeremiah used well. (Jer 39:11-14) Promises of safety to Ebed-melech. (Jer. 39:15-18)
Jer. 39:1-10 Jerusalem was so strong, that the inhabitants believed the enemy could never enter it. But sin provoked God to withdraw his protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah had his eyes put out; so he was condemned to darkness who had shut his eye against the clear light of God's word. Those who will not believe God' words, will be convinced by the event. Observe the wonderful changes of Providence, how uncertain are earthly possessions; and see the jus dealings of Providence: but whether the Lord makes men poor or rich nothing will profit them while they cleave to their sins.
Jer. 39:11-14 The servants of God alone are prepared for all events and they are delivered and comforted, while the wicked suffer. The often meet with more kindness from the profane, than from hypocritica professors of godliness. The Lord will raise them up friends, do the good, and perform all his promises.
Jer. 39:15-18 Here is a message to assure Ebed-melech of a recompenc for his great kindness to Jeremiah. Because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. God recompenses men's services according to their principles. Those who trust God in the way of duty, as this good ma did, will find that their hope shall not fail in times of the greates danger _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew הדבר1697 אשׁר834 היה1961 אל413 ירמיהו3414 מאת853 יהוה3068 אחר310 שׁלח7971 אתו853 נבוזראדן5018 רב7227 טבחים2876 מן4480 הרמה7414 בקחתו3947 אתו853 והוא1931 אסור631 באזקים246 בתוך8432 כל3605 גלות1546 ירושׁלם3389 ויהודה3063 המגלים1540 בבלה׃894
