Commentary on Jeremiah (In Jeremiam)

Here he convicts them of transgression, by the example of certain obedient men. And first is set down the trial of obedience; second is set down the condemnation of the disobedient, there, "And the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah." Concerning the first, three things. First is set down the command to test, from the Lord to the prophet: "Go to the house of the Rechabites," who were devoted to the study of Scripture, and therefore abstained from wine, concerning whom 1 Paral. 2: "the kindreds of the scribes dwelling in Jabes, singing and resounding, and dwelling in tents. These are the Kenites who came from the heat of the father of the house of Rechab." "Exedra," as it were a chamber outside the main building. "Thou shalt give," proving their obedience. Above 6: "I have given thee for a strong tester among my people, and thou shalt know, and shalt prove their ways." "And I took (...) and led them into the house of the Lord, to the gazophylacium," in which the riches of the temple were kept. "Gaza," riches; "phylaxa," preservation, is said in Greek. "Of Maasias," who had received this ministry in the time of David: 1 Paralip. 24. "Of the vestibule," "of the court." For because the house before the chamber of the princes, where garments are kept, is called the vestibule, the usage grew that every court should be called a vestibule. "Cups," for water. "Drink ye wine," that he might take a trial of the mysteries. Proverb. 9: "Eat my bread, and drink the wine which I have mingled for you." Thirdly is set down the profession of obedience, "who answered." And first is introduced the paternal command about not drinking wine, "ye shall not drink." Eccl. 2: "I thought to withdraw my flesh from wine, that I might transfer my mind to wisdom." And concerning poverty, lest by care for temporal things they should interrupt the study of wisdom. "And ye shall not build a house." 2 Corinth. 6: "As having nothing, and possessing all things." Secondly is set down the fulfillment: "We have obeyed therefore." Prov. 3: "My son, forget not my law, and let thy heart keep my precepts." "In tents." Wisdom 11: "In desert places they made huts." Thirdly the necessary transgression is excused: "But when Nabuchodonosor had come up," etc.

Here the condemnation of the disobedient is set forth. And first, diverse merits are compared; where the wonder at their disobedience is set forth: Will you not receive discipline? Even by scourges, and by examples. Above 2: In vain I struck your sons; they did not receive discipline. The reason for the wonder is also given, they have prevailed; as if he were to say: the words of a fleshly father had greater effect than those of a spiritual father. Hebr. 12: We indeed have had the fathers of our flesh for instructors, and we reverenced them; shall we not much more obey the Father of spirits, and live? And the proof of the comparison: because while those obeyed, these did not obey: but I have spoken to you. Above 7: I have spoken to you, rising up early and speaking, and you have not heard; I called you, and you did not answer me. Secondly, diverse rewards are promised. And first he promises punishment to the disobedient: therefore thus says the Lord. Proverbs 1: because I called and you refused; I stretched out my hand, and there was none that regarded; you have despised all my counsel, and neglected my reprehensions; I also will laugh in your destruction, and will mock, when that which you feared comes upon you, etc. Secondly, mercy to those who obey: but to the house of the Rechabites Jeremiah said. 1 Reg. 15: obedience is better than sacrifices, and to hearken rather than to offer the fat of rams.