The Church's Encouragement in Times of Depression
R. Bond. Jeremiah 30:18-20 Thus said the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwelling places… I. A REPRESENTATION CF THE CHURCH IN A STATE OF GREAT DEPRESSION AND AFFLICTION. 1. Consternation and dismay are evinced. There is "the voice of trembling," and the agitation of "fear," at the apprehension of approaching calamities. "Every man" is represented "with his hands upon his loins," the symptoms of agonising pain; and "all faces are turned unto paleness," the effect of extreme alarm. 2. Desolation and ruin are also intimated. Their "bruise was incurable, and their wound was grievous"; for they were "wounded" by the hand of "an enemy, — with the chastisement of a cruel one." II. THE ENCOURAGING PROMISE HERE GIVEN TO THE CHURCH OF HER RESTORATION TO PEACE AND PROSPERITY. 1. Tranquillity and protection; or, "peace in all her borders" (ver. 10). 2. The renewal of her religious privileges (vers. 18, 22). 3. The increase of her converts (ver. 19). 4. The joy of her members is next promised; — and this follows as a matter of course. 5. The destruction of her enemies. (R. Bond.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof. WEB: Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will turn again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have compassion on his dwelling places; and the city shall be built on its own hill, and the palace shall be inhabited in its own way.