SEV Biblia, Chapter 8:4
¶ Les dirás asimismo: Así dijo el SEÑOR: ¿Por ventura el que cae, nunca se levanta? ¿El que se aparta, nunca torna?
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 8:4
Verse 4. Moreover thou shalt say] Dr. Blayney very properly observes, "In that part of the prophecy which follows next, the difference of speakers requires to be attended to; the transition being quick and sudden, but full of life and energy. The prophet at first, in the name of God, reproves the people's incorrigibility; he charges their wise ones with folly, and threatens them with grievous calamities, ver. 4- 13. In the three next verses he seems to apostrophize his countrymen in his own person, and as one of the people that dwelt in the open towns, advising those that were in the like situation to retire with him into some of the fortified cities, and there wait the event with patience, since there was nothing but terror abroad, and the noise of the enemy, who had already begun to ravage the country, ver. 14-16. God speaks, ver. 17, and threatens to bring foes against them that should be irresistible. The prophet appears again in his own person, commiserating the daughter of his people, who is heard bewailing her forlorn case in a distant land; while the voice of God, like that of conscience, breaks in upon her complaints, and shows her that all this ruin is brought upon her by her own infidelities, ver. 18-20. The prophet once more resumes his discourse; he regrets that no remedy can be found to close up the wounds of his country, and pathetically weeps over the number of her slain, ver. 21, chap. ix. 1." Shall they fall, and not arise? shall he turn away, and not return?] That is, It is as possible for sinners to return from their sin to God, for his grace is ever at hand to assist, as it is for God, who is pouring out his judgments, to return to them on their return to him. But these held fast deceit, and refused to return; they would not be undeceived.
Matthew Henry Commentary
The remains of the dead exposed. (Jer. 8:1-3) The stupidity of the people, compared with the instinct of the brute creation. (Jer. 8:4-13 The alarm of the invasion, and lamentation. (Jer. 8:14-22) Jer. 8:1-3 Though no real hurt can be done to a dead body, yet disgrac to the remains of wicked persons may alarm those yet alive; and thi reminds us that the Divine justice and punishments extend beyond the grave. Whatever befalls us here, let us humble ourselves before God and seek his mercy.
Jer. 8:4-13 What brought this ruin? 1. The people would not attend to reason; they would not act in the affairs of their souls with commo prudence. Sin is backsliding; it is going back from the way that lead to life, to that which leads to destruction. 2. They would not atten to the warning of conscience. They did not take the first step toward repentance: true repentance begins in serious inquiry as to what we have done, from conviction that we have done amiss. 3. They would no attend to the ways of providence, nor understand the voice of God in them, Jer. 8:7. They know not how to improve the seasons of grace which God affords. Many boast of their religious knowledge, yet, unles taught by the Spirit of God, the instinct of brutes is a more sure guide than their supposed wisdom. 4. They would not attend to the written word. Many enjoy abundance of the means of grace, have Bible and ministers, but they have them in vain. They will soon be ashamed of their devices. The pretenders to wisdom were the priests and the fals prophets. They flattered people in sin, and so flattered them int destruction, silencing their fears and complaints with, All is well Selfish teachers may promise peace when there is no peace; and thus me encourage each other in committing evil; but in the day of visitatio they will have no refuge to flee unto.
Jer. 8:14-22 At length they begin to see the hand of God lifted up. An when God appears against us, every thing that is against us appear formidable. As salvation only can be found in the Lord, so the presen moment should be seized. Is there no medicine proper for a sick an dying kingdom? Is there no skilful, faithful hand to apply the medicine? Yes, God is able to help and to heal them. If sinners die of their wounds, their blood is upon their own heads. The blood of Chris is balm in Gilead, his Spirit is the Physician there, all-sufficient so that the people may be healed, but will not. Thus men die unpardone and unchanged, for they will not come to Christ to be saved __________________________________________________________________
Original Hebrew
ואמרת 559 אליהם 413 כה 3541 אמר 559 יהוה 3068 היפלו 5307 ולא 3808 יקומו 6965 אם 518 ישׁוב 7725 ולא 3808 ישׁוב׃ 7725
