Notes, Critical and Explanatory, on the Holy Scriptures

Set thee apart for the prophetic office. Eccl. 40 : 0; Rom. 1:1; Gal. 1 : 15. St Angus tin thinks that the prophet 'was sanctified by the gift of grace before his birth ; bnt the phrase does not necessarily imply it, since St Paul says of himself that God set him apart from his mother's womb, which in his regard can imply no actual sanctification at that time. The language of Ecclesiasticus, that " he was sanctified a prophet in the womb," is, however, very emphatic.

To the nations around. In this respect Jeremiah was a type of Christ, whose Gospel was designed for the Gentiles especially, although His own mission was to the Jews.

" No doubt," says St. Jerome, " many nations and their kings, who were subject to the king of Baby- lon, when Jerusalem was besieged, placed their thrones and tents around, and at the entrance of the gates, that the besieged might not escape."

P. " Lest I confound thee before them." The prophet is commanded not to fear that he will be humbled before them. It is an assurance of support, rather than a threat.)