Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. Broad places] Market-places, and those where there was most public resort.
If ye can find a man] A certain philosopher went through the streets of Athens with a lighted lamp in his hand; and being asked what he sought, answered, "I am seeking to find a MAN." So in Jerusalem none was found, on the most diligent search, who acted worthy the character of a rational being.
I will pardon it.] I will spare the city for the sake of one righteous person. So at the intercession of Abraham, God would have spared Sodom if there had been ten righteous persons found in it; Gen. xviii. 26.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- Exhortations and promises. (Jer. 4:1-2) Judah exhorted to repentance (Jer. 4:3-4) Judgements denounced. (Jer. 4:5-18) The approaching rui of Judah. (Jer. 4:19-31)
Jer. 4:1,2 The first two verses should be read with the last chapter Sin must be put away out of the heart, else it is not put away out of God's sight, for the heart is open before him.
Jer. 4:3,4 An unhumbled heart is like ground untilled. It is groun which may be improved; it is our ground let out to us; but it is fallow; it is over-grown with thorns and weeds, the natural product of the corrupt heart. Let us entreat the Lord to create in us a clea heart, and to renew a right spirit within us; for except a man be bor again, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Jer. 4:5-18 The fierce conqueror of the neighbouring nations was to make Judah desolate. The prophet was afflicted to see the people lulle into security by false prophets. The approach of the enemy i described. Some attention was paid in Jerusalem to outward reformation but it was necessary that their hearts should be washed, in the exercise of true repentance and faith, from the love and pollution of sin. When lesser calamities do not rouse sinners and reform nations sentence will be given against them. The Lord's voice declares tha misery is approaching, especially against wicked professors of the gospel; when it overtakes them, it will be plainly seen that the frui of wickedness is bitter, and the end is fatal.
Jer. 4:19-31 The prophet had no pleasure in delivering messages of wrath. He is shown in a vision the whole land in confusion. Compare with what it was, every thing is out of order; but the ruin of the Jewish nation would not be final. Every end of our comforts is not full end. Though the Lord may correct his people very severely, yet he will not cast them off. Ornaments and false colouring would be of n avail. No outward privileges or profession, no contrivances woul prevent destruction. How wretched the state of those who are lik foolish children in the concerns of their souls! Whatever we ar ignorant of, may the Lord make of good understanding in the ways of godliness. As sin will find out the sinner, so sorrow will, sooner of later, find out the secure _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew שׁוטטו7751 בחוצות2351 ירושׁלם3389 וראו7200 נא4994 ודעו3045 ובקשׁו1245 ברחובותיה7339 אם518 תמצאו4672 אישׁ376 אם518 ישׁ3426 עשׂה6213 משׁפט4941 מבקשׁ1245 אמונה530 ואסלח׃5545
