Wesley Corpus

Chapter IV An invitation to true repentance, by promises, ver. 1 - 4. And judgments coming on them by the Babylonians, contrary to the predictions of their false prophets, for their sins, ver. 5 - 18. A grievous lamentation for the miseries of Judah, ver. 19 - 31. If - If thou wilt return, return; make no longer delay. Remove - Thou shalt not go out of thine own land into exile. Swear - This is put here for the whole worship of God, acknowledging an& owning God as the only God; which is strongly exprest by this act. In truth - That the matter and substance of it be true. In judgment - Deliberately, advisedly, and reverently. In righteousness - That none be injured by it, that the things we engage be both lawful and possible, and that we look to the performance. The nations - This shall be a means to work upon the Heathen nations, to come into the same way of worship. They shall think themselves happy to be incorporated with thee, that it may be with them according to that promise, Gen 12:3. Glory - Whereas before they gloried in their idols, they shall glory in God alone. For - The Lord turns now his speech from Israel to Judah. Break up - Prepare your hearts by making them soft, tender, and pliable, fit to embrace my word. A metaphor taken from plow - men. Thorns - Rid your hearts and hands of what may hinder you of embracing my word. Circumcise - Put away your corruptions. Heart - Let it be inward, not outward in the flesh only. The trumpet - The Lord being now about to bring enemies upon them, speaks in martial language, warning them of the nature of their approaching judgment. Retire - Make haste away. The lion - Nebuchadnezzar, so called from his fierceness and strength. The heart - They shall have no heart to do any thing, they shall not be able to help their people, either by their counsel or arms. Prophets - False prophets that had nothing but visions of peace for them. Deceived - Hast suffered them to be deceived by their false prophets. Whereas - To persuade them it should be well with them, when the sword is at the door, not only ready to take away the comforts of life, but even life itself.