Verses 1-6: Once the voice of joy and thanksgiving had been heard in Jerusalem, but now on every side there was bloodshed, and the patriotprophet could only weep incessantly over the slain. A lodge in the wilderness seemed preferable to the most luxurious mansion in the city. Solitude would be better than association with the ungodly perpetrators of such crimes. Yet we must not go out of the fray so long as our Captain wants us to remain in it, in dependence upon him. Verses 7-16: What a magnificent description of the effect of God’s judgments on the land! No bird, no beast, no lowing of cattle, but jackals gamboling over the ruins of Jerusalem. However fast we shut our doors and windows, death enters our homes. Neither palace nor cottage is exempted. There is no escape for young or old from the judgments of God, except in penitence and faith. The secret of national decay and overthrow is the same in all ages. The tree is rotten at the core before it falls beneath the hurricane. Let us turn to 1 Corinthians 1:18, which belongs to this chapter, and learn how little the wisdom and might of the world can avail us in the dread hour of universal desolation. Stand with the Crucified and glory in his Cross; be content to bear his reproach and shame, that you may become a son of the Resurrection, and be accounted worthy to escape those things that must come to pass, and at last stand before him.

Jeremiah 10: 1-10; 19-25. Verses 1-10: We are here introduced into an idol-factory. Contrasted with the manufactured idols is the majesty of our God. There is none like him. His name is great in might, he is the King of the nations, the true and living God, and the everlasting King! Christian, fear not or be dismayed when enemies plot against you. It is a vain device that they frame. To hide in God is a sure defence from all that man can do for our hurt. O thou true and living

Saviour, m thy wounds harried and faithful souls become strong and brave again. Verses 19-25: The prophet now bids the people prepare for their captivity. Their city would be as when a shepherd removed his slight and insubstantial tent, leaving no trace. But Jeremiah’s soul is lacerated and torn with the message he must needs announce. Are we called to be shepherds? Let us see to it that we seek the Lord; so only shall our flocks not be scattered, v. 21. Are we in perplexity as to our path in life? It is not for us to direct ourselves, but to look up for God’s sure guidance, which will be given to the soul that waits for Tis v. 23. Are we being corrected? Let us be patient; it is only when we endure without complaining that our trial works out the highest good, and God will not give us more than we can bear, v. 24.