Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 45

Introduction

A.M. 3397. B.C. 607.

This chapter, though placed at a considerable distance from it, is evidently an appendage to chap. 36. Baruch, as we there learn, had been employed by Jeremiah, as his amanuensis, to write a collection of all those dreadful threatenings which God had denounced by his mouth. This seems to have affected his spirits, and to have alarmed his fears to such a degree, that God judged it proper to encourage and comfort him by letting him know that, although amidst the general calamities of his country he ought not to look for any great matters for himself, yet, in consideration of his services, his own life should be preserved to him by a special providence, in all places to which it might be his lot to go, Jeremiah 45:1-5 .

Verse 1

Jeremiah 45:1. The word that Jeremiah spake unto Baruch when he had written, &c. “This seems to indicate that the exact time of the uttering of this prophecy was between the writing and the publication of the roll. And, perhaps, if Baruch had not received such special assurances of protection, he might not have had resolution enough to have followed the prophet’s further directions, and to have read first before all the people, and afterward before the princes, what he had written.” Blaney.

Verses 3-5

Jeremiah 45:3-5. Thou didst say, Wo is me now, &c. “The sorrows which I felt for the threatenings denounced against my country and religion are increased by my own troubles, being sought after by the king’s command in order to be put to death:” see Jeremiah 36:26. The Lord saith, That which I have built will I break down, &c. The land and people which have so long flourished under the peculiar care of my providence I resolve now to give up to utter destruction: see Jeremiah 31:28. And seekest thou great things for thyself? Dost thou aspire to honour, dignity, and prosperity, or expect to be exempted from adversity and trouble in a time of great and common calamity? Seek them not Never think of any thing of the kind; for, behold, I bring evil on all flesh Upon the whole country where thou livest, and upon all orders and degrees of men therein. But thy life will I give unto thee for a prey Thy life shall be preserved, but under such circumstances that thou shalt have reason to look on thyself as peculiarly indebted to the divine providence for so singular and extraordinary a favour. See note on Jeremiah 21:9, where the same proverbial expression occurs, and is further explained.