Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. They shall bring out the bones] This and the two following verses are a continuation of the preceding prophecy, and should not have been separated from the foregoing chapter.
In order to pour the utmost contempt upon the land, the victorious enemies dragged out of their graves, caves, and sepulchers, the bones of kings, princes, prophets, priests, and the principal inhabitants, and exposed them in the open air; so that they became, in the order of God's judgments, a reproach to them in the vain confidence they had in the sun, moon, and the host of heaven-all the planets and stars, whose worship they had set up in opposition to that of Jehovah. This custom of raising the bodies of the dead, and scattering their bones about, seems to have been general. It was the highest expression of hatred and contempt. Horace refers to it:- Barbarus, heu, cineres insistet victor, et urbem Eques sonante verberabit ungula: Quaeque carent ventis et solibus ossa Quirini (Nefas videre) dissipabit insolens. Epod. xvi. 11.
"Barbarians fell shall wanton with success, Scatter the city's flaming ruins wide; Or through her streets in vengeful triumph ride, And her great founder's hallowed ashes spurn, That slept uninjured in the sacred urn." FRANCIS. See this judgment referred to, Baruch ii. 24, 25.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- Confidence in the temple is vain. (Jer. 7:1-16) The provocation by persisting in idolatry. (Jer. 7:17-20) God justifies his dealings with them. (Jer. 7:21-28) And threatens vengeance. (Jer. 7:29-34)
Jer. 7:1-16 No observances, professions, or supposed revelations, wil profit, if men do not amend their ways and their doings. None can claim an interest in free salvation, who allow themselves in the practice of known sin, or live in the neglect of known duty. They thought that the temple they profaned would be their protection. But all who continue i sin because grace has abounded, or that grace may abound, make Chris the minister of sin; and the cross of Christ, rightly understood, form the most effectual remedy to such poisonous sentiments. The Son of God gave himself for our transgressions, to show the excellence of the Divine law, and the evil of sin. Never let us think we may d wickedness without suffering for it.
Jer. 7:17-20 The Jews took pride in showing zeal for their idols. Le us learn to be earnest in the service of our God, even from this ba example. Let us think it an honour to be employed in any work for God Let us be as diligent ourselves, and as careful to teach our children the truths of God, as many are to teach the mysteries of iniquity. The direct tendency of this sin is malice against God, but it will hur themselves. And they shall find there is no escaping. God's wrath i fire unquenchable.
Jer. 7:21-28 God shows that obedience was required of them. That whic God commanded was, Hearken diligently to the voice of the Lord thy God The promise is very encouraging. Let God's will be your rule, and his favour shall be your happiness. God was displeased with disobedience We understand the gospel as little as the Jews understood the law, i we think that even the sacrifice of Christ lessens our obligation to obey.
Jer. 7:29-34 In token both of sorrow and of slavery, Jerusalem must be degraded, and separated from God, as she had been separated to him. The heart is the place in which God has chosen to put his name; but if sin has the innermost and uppermost place there, we pollute the temple of the Lord. The destruction of Jerusalem appears here very terrible. The slain shall be many; they having made it the place of their sin. Evi pursues sinners, even after death. Those who will not, by the grace of God, be cured of vain mirth, shall, by the justice of God, be deprive of all mirth. How many ruin their health and property withou complaining, when engaged in Satan's service! May we learn to relis holy joys, and to sit loose to all others though lawful _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew בעת6256 ההיא1931 נאם5002 יהוה3068 ויציאו3318 את853 עצמות6106 מלכי4428 יהודה3063 ואת853 עצמות6106 שׂריו8269 ואת853 עצמות6106 הכהנים3548 ואת853 עצמות6106 הנביאים5030 ואת853 עצמות6106 יושׁבי3427 ירושׁלם3389 מקבריהם׃6913
