Commentary on Jeremiah (In Jeremiam)

Here begins the instruction of the gathered people. And it is divided into two parts. First is set out the general instruction of the people; second, the specific instruction to Baruch, ch. 45: "The word that Jeremiah spoke to Baruch."

Concerning the first, two things. First is set out the prophet's instruction; second, the people's contradiction, there (ch. 43): "And it came to pass, when Jeremiah had finished speaking to the people."

Concerning the first, two things. First is set out the petition for instruction; second, the instruction is set out, there: "And when ten days were completed."

Concerning the first, two things. First they ask for the support of prayer: where the petition is set out: "Let our prayer fall in your sight"; as if to say: let it have a place with you. Ecclesiasticus 35: "The prayer of him who humbles himself will pierce the clouds, and until it draws near it will not be comforted, and it will not depart until the Most High looks upon it." In this they seek to win his goodwill. And "pray for us"; where they ask for a favor. Isaiah 37: "Lift up, therefore, a prayer for the remnant that is found." "We who are left, few": in this they bend him toward mercy. Deuteronomy 28: "You will remain few in number, who before were as the stars of heaven for multitude." And "may he declare": in this the fruit of prayer is sought. "The Lord." Isaiah 8: "Shall not a people seek from their God a vision for the living and the dead?" "The way," because they had not decided to go into Egypt. Above, 10: "The way of man is not his own; nor does it belong to man, as he walks, to direct his steps." 2 Paralipomenon 20: "Since we do not know what we ought to do, this only we have left: that we direct our eyes to you."

The prophet's promise is also set out, there: "he says." He promises prayers: "Behold, I." 1 Kings 12: "Far be this sin from me before the Lord, that I should cease to pray for you." And a declaration: "Whatever word he answers me, I will tell you." Acts 20: "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God."

Second, they promise obedience, which nevertheless they were not going to keep: "and they said." Similarly, Exodus 19: "All that the Lord has spoken to us, we will do."

Here the instruction is set forth: and concerning this, three things. First he brings forward the authority of the one revealing: Thus says the Lord — as it were a mediator between you and God, carrying your prayers to God and his response to you. Deut. 5: I was the go-between, and stood in the middle between God and you at that time, that I might announce to you his words. Second, he exhorts to quiet in two ways. By excluding the evils of divine punishment, setting down the promise: I will build — by conferring good things; I will plant — by confirming. And excluding the impediment: for now I am appeased. Exod. 32: and the Lord was appeased, that he would not do evil against his people. Psal. 102: he will not be angry forever, nor will he threaten unto eternity. And he excludes the fear of hostile persecution, producing security: do not fear. Isa. 51: who are you, that you should fear a mortal man, and a son of man, who will wither like grass? And he promises the aid of help: for I am with you. Above, 20: the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior. Therefore those who persecute me will fall, and will be weak, and will be greatly confounded: because they have not understood the everlasting reproach, which will never be blotted out. Isa. 50: the Lord God is my helper, and therefore I am not confounded.