The
day of Jacob's trouble: promised deliverance and sure
judgment
Some details of the
circumstances that accompany its exercise deserve our
attention, as well as the character which God displays in
it, and the extent of its effects. In chapter 30 God
commands Jeremiah to write in a book all the words of the
judgment which he had heard, for God would restore the
people. Now this deliverance found Israel at the height
of the distress. This is the first thing presented to the
prophet. No day could be compared to this day of Jacob's
trouble. It is the day spoken of in Matthew 24 and Mark
13. But in this extremity God comes to the help of His
people, who shall be delivered. And now, God having
executed His judgment and acted according to His own
counsels in grace, this deliverance shall in consequence
be full and complete. Israel shall serve Jehovah their
God and David their king. The ruin (v. 12) was complete,
incurable: no remedy could heal it. It is God who had
smitten His people for the multitude of their sins.
Nevertheless He was with them to save them; and
consequently all the nations who had availed themselves
of God's anger to devour Israel should be themselves
devoured. Zion should be rebuilt on her own foundation,
joy and peace should be in her dwellings, the governors
of the people should be of her children. Israel should be
the people of Jehovah, and Jehovah should be their God.
Finally a principle which we have seen clearly explained
is here announced, namely, that judgment should fall upon
the wicked; that this judgment went forth to smite the
people of God first, because they were wicked and must
bear the consequence. But wherever the wicked might be,
this judgment should reach them. Wheresoever the carcase
might be, there should the eagles be gathered together.
Jeremiah 30 Bible Commentary
John Darby’s Synopsis
Some details of the circumstances that accompany its exercise deserve our attention, as well as the character which God displays in it, and the extent of its effects. In chapter 30 God commands Jeremiah to write in a book all the words of the judgment which he had heard, for God would restore the people. Now this deliverance found Israel at the height of the distress. This is the first thing presented to the prophet. No day could be compared to this day of Jacob's trouble. It is the day spoken of in Matthew 24 and Mark 13. But in this extremity God comes to the help of His people, who shall be delivered. And now, God having executed His judgment and acted according to His own counsels in grace, this deliverance shall in consequence be full and complete. Israel shall serve Jehovah their God and David their king. The ruin (v. 12) was complete, incurable: no remedy could heal it. It is God who had smitten His people for the multitude of their sins. Nevertheless He was with them to save them; and consequently all the nations who had availed themselves of God's anger to devour Israel should be themselves devoured. Zion should be rebuilt on her own foundation, joy and peace should be in her dwellings, the governors of the people should be of her children. Israel should be the people of Jehovah, and Jehovah should be their God. Finally a principle which we have seen clearly explained is here announced, namely, that judgment should fall upon the wicked; that this judgment went forth to smite the people of God first, because they were wicked and must bear the consequence. But wherever the wicked might be, this judgment should reach them. Wheresoever the carcase might be, there should the eagles be gathered together.