This chapter summary highlights Jeremiah's profound sorrow and identification with his people's sin and suffering, earning him the title "Weeping Prophet." It discusses the devastating consequences of their departure from God, contrasting fleeting worldly glories with the true glory of knowing God's character. The text concludes by noting the impending judgment for Israel, who, uncircumcised in heart, will face consequences similar to the idolatrous nations they emulated.
Ironside's Notes on Selected Books Ironside's Notes
"Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!" (Jeremiah 9:1)
Well has Jeremiah been called the "Weeping Prophet."
His was not the pharisaic spirit that could build its own reputation for holiness on the ruined testimony of others. Israel was his people. He would not be viewed as other than a part of the desolate nation - he identifies himself fully with it. True, he longs to flee from them to a wayfarer's lodge in the wilderness, as did David in Psalms 55:6-8; but he is one with them still.
Their ways grieve him to the soul, as they must one in fellowship with GOD about them; but for themselves he has tenderest love and compassion. Sad that it should ever be otherwise with any of GOD's people now. Yet, alas, a hard, judging spirit often accompanies outward separation from evil. How easy to forget that we are all part of a ruined Church, and all share in the responsibility of that ruin. With Jeremiah, we see that while he is obliged to make known to his people their deep, deep sin and departure from GOD, he does so with breaking heart, as one who longs after them all and is full of heaviness on their account.
How graphic is the language of Jeremiah 9:21, descriptive of the decimating plague following the horrors of war:
"Death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without and the young men from the streets."
In such a world as this, how strange that a man should glory in the fleeting things of time and sense! Yet how needful to our souls ever to keep in mind the verses following:
"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might; let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exerciseth lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord" (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
In the close of the chapter, Israel uncircumcised in heart is put on a level with the uncircumcised nations about them. They must be judged with the idolatrous nations whose ways they had followed.
Judgment, unsparing, will fall on the heathen; chastisement, leading eventually to restoration, must be meted out to His own.
~ end of chapter 4 ~