"This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Like these good figs, so I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chaldeans. Sermons
I. THE MYSTERY OF THE DIVINE ELECTION. From comparatively similar circumstances to evolve distinct types of character and destiny. Out of the same clay to mold the saint and the sinner. It is the old lesson of the potter in another form. There is nothing in a man himself to account for God's favor. He chooseth whom he will and rejecteth whom he will. Yet is it true that he willeth not the death of a sinner, but rather that all should come unto him and live. II. THE MANNER IN WHICH ELECTIVE GRACE MANIFESTS ITSELF. 1. Recalling. (Ver. 6.) How unlikely under the circumstances! Yet rendered credible by the remarkable individuality of the Jewish people from age to age. Reconstituting. (Ver. 6.) The figure is twofold - building and life-growth (cf. Ephesians 2:21, 22). Spiritually recreating. (Ver. 7.) The aim of the previous discipline; but the beginning of great national glory and blessedness. For connection of these processes, cf. Romans 8:28-30. 2. Circumstances are made to subserve a merciful purpose. The immediate condition of the Chaldean exiles might appear a harder one than that of their compatriots at home; but in the end this would turn to their salvation. Not only will God overrule all things for the good of his people, but he will use them for their spiritual education. The influence of circumstances is thus shown to depend for the most part upon the spiritual state of those who are surrounded by them. 3. Circumstances are appointed for the destruction of the obstinately impenitent. Moral reprobation and political annihilation were to come upon these. There would be no swerving or slackening in the execution of their sentence. This is agreeable with the character of him who hates sin with an eternal hatred. The climax of misery here indicated is but a faint suggestion of that which will follow upon rejection of the gospel. And yet how simple are the elements of such a punishment! God has but to withdraw his grace, and the inner depravity of nature will work unchecked its fearful consequences, accelerating and directing the external circumstances of life. And all this has another aspect, which is full of comfort to those who are spiritually inclined. The faintest dawn of repentance is the opening of the "door of hope;" and when the heart is changed the tendency of untoward circumstance at once is altered, and the positive blessings of God again return. - M.
Whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good. The Lord says He will send His people into captivity "for their good." How marvellous is the action of love! The parent sends away the child he cannot live without for the child's good; men undertake long and perilous and costly journeys that they may accomplish a purpose that is good. Jesus Christ Himself said to His wondering disciples, "It is expedient for you that I go away." Who can understand this action of love? It would seem to us to be otherwise: that it would be best for Jesus to remain until the very last wanderer is home. Are we not sent away? have we not lost fortune, station, standing? have we not been punished in a thousand different ways-chastised, humiliated, afflicted? have we not been suddenly surrounded with clouds in which there was no light — yea, and clouds in which there was no rain, simply darkness, sevenfold night? Yet it was for our good; it was that our vanity might be rebuked, that the centre of dependence might be found, that the throne of righteousness might be seen and approached. Let us look upon our afflictions, distresses, and losses in that light.(J. Parker, D. D.) (A. R. Fausset, M. A.) People Babylonians, Jeconiah, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, ZedekiahPlaces Babylon, Egypt, JerusalemTopics Acknowledge, Babylonians, Captive, Captives, Carried, Chaldaeans, Chaldeans, Chalde'ans, Exiles, Figs, Judah, Prisoners, Regard, Removed, Says, ThusOutline 1. Under the type of good and bad figs,4. he foreshows the restoration of those who were in captivity; 8. and the desolation of Zedekiah and the rest. Dictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 24:1-10 5029 knowledge, of God Library The Worst Things Work for Good to the GodlyDO not mistake me, I do not say that of their own nature the worst things are good, for they are a fruit of the curse; but though they are naturally evil, yet the wise overruling hand of God disposing and sanctifying them, they are morally good. As the elements, though of contrary qualities, yet God has so tempered them, that they all work in a harmonious manner for the good of the universe. Or as in a watch, the wheels seem to move contrary one to another, but all carry on the motions of the watch: … Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial The New Covenant Entering the Covenant: with all the Heart Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. Manner of Covenanting. Jeremiah Links Jeremiah 24:5 NIVJeremiah 24:5 NLT Jeremiah 24:5 ESV Jeremiah 24:5 NASB Jeremiah 24:5 KJV Jeremiah 24:5 Bible Apps Jeremiah 24:5 Parallel Jeremiah 24:5 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 24:5 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 24:5 French Bible Jeremiah 24:5 German Bible Jeremiah 24:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |