Commentary on Jeremiah (In Jeremiam)

1 Having set down the destruction of the city and the captivity of the people, he sets forth the safety of the remnant. And first the gathering of the people is set forth; second, the disturbance of the gathered people, chap. 41: and it came to pass in the seventh month. Concerning the first, two things. First the gathering is set forth; second, the revelation of certain plots which were disturbing the peace of the people, there, but Johanan the son of Caree. Concerning the first, three things. First the gathering of the people is set forth as to the prophet; second as to the leaders, there, and when all the leaders of the army (...) had heard, they came to Godolias; third as to the common people, there, but also all the Jews. Concerning the first, four things. First the foretelling of the liberation is set forth. The word that came to Jeremiah. Since no speech follows, this is understood: that what is afterward narrated as fulfilled in deed had first been revealed by this word. Psalm 68: he heard the poor, and did not despise his own that were bound. Second, the liberation of the prophet is set forth: the captain of the soldiery, therefore, taking Jeremiah. And he assigns the reason, namely the truthfulness of the prophet: the Lord your God has spoken, through you. Amos 3: there is no evil in the city which the Lord has not done. And he sets down the liberation: now therefore, behold, I loose you today from the chains. Psalm 106: he brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their chains. Third, an option is given to him, whether he should go into Babylon, or remain with Godolias, or go wherever he pleases: if it pleases you. Genesis 13: behold, the land is before you, et cetera. Proverbs 4: I will lead you by the paths of equity, which when you have entered, your steps shall not be straitened, and running you shall not have a stumbling block. And the provision made for him is set forth: the captain of the soldiery also gave him provisions. Judges 14: out of the eater came forth food, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. Fourth, the prophet's choice is set forth: but Jeremiah came to Godolias. Therefore he did not go into Chaldea, because they had Daniel and Ezechiel for their consolation. Isaiah 6: he sent me to proclaim to the meek, that I might heal the brokenhearted, and preach pardon to the captives, and to those shut up, opening; that I might preach the year acceptable to the Lord, and the day of vengeance to our God; that I might console all who mourn, and give consolation to those who mourn in Sion.

Here is set down the gathering of the captains: and first their gathering is set down: and when all the captains of the army had heard (...) they came to Gedaliah. Eccles. 10: a foolish king shall destroy his people, and cities shall be inhabited through the understanding of the prudent. Secondly, the assurance given to those gathered is set down: and Gedaliah swore to them (...) fear not. 2 Peter 2: be subject to your masters in all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the forward. Thirdly he shows the manner of this security, "behold, I"; as if to say: I will bear the whole burden, that you may be at peace. 1 Cor. 4: we are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. Isa. 53: surely he has borne our infirmities, and carried our sorrows. John 10: the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. But also all the Jews who were in Moab, etc. Here is set down the gathering of the people. Ps. 146: he gathered together the dispersed of Israel.

Here is set forth the contriving of the plot: and first, done by the princes in common: know that Baalis, who was still resisting the Chaldeans. And he did not believe, trusting the deceitful words of Ishmael. Prov. 14: The innocent believes every word; the shrewd man considers his steps. Second, done by one in particular, Johanan. And first, the scheme: I will go. Prov. 11: By the good things of the just the city will be exalted, and in the destruction of the wicked there will be praise. Second is set forth the refusal: And Godolias said. Above, 11: And I did not know that they devised plans against me, saying: Let us put wood into his bread, and let us root him out from the land of the living.