Matthew Henry Commentary Jeremiah 10:17-25

"Gather up thy wares out of the land, O thou that abidest in the siege. For thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this time, and will distress them, that they may feel [it]. Woe is me because of my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is [my] grief, and I must bear it. My tent is destroyed, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth from me, and they are not: there is none to spread my tent any more, and to set up my curtains. For the shepherds are become brutish, and have not inquired of Jehovah: therefore they have not prospered, and all their flocks are scattered. The voice of tidings, behold, it cometh, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah a desolation, a dwelling-place of jackals. O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O Jehovah, correct me, but in measure: not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. Pour out thy wrath upon the nations that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have devoured Jacob, yea, they have devoured him and consumed him, and have laid waste his habitation." — Jeremiah 10:17-25 (ASV)

The Jews who continued in their own land felt secure. But, sooner or later, sinners will find all things as the word of God has declared, and that its threats are not empty terrors. Submission will support the believer under every grief allotted to him; but what can make the load of Divine vengeance bearable for those who fall under it in sullen despair? Those cannot expect to prosper who do not, by faith and prayer, take God with them in all their ways.

The report of the enemy's approach was very dreadful. Yet the designs which men lay deep, and consider well-formed, are dashed to pieces in a moment. Events are often overruled, turning out quite contrary to what we intended and expected. If the Lord has directed our steps into the ways of peace and righteousness, let us entreat Him to enable us to walk in them.

Do not say, "Lord, do not correct me"; but, "Lord, do not correct me in anger." We may bear the pain of God's rod, but we cannot bear the weight of His wrath. Those who restrain prayer prove that they do not know God; for those who know Him will seek Him, and seek His favour. If even severe corrections lead sinners to be convinced of wholesome truths, they will have abundant cause for gratitude.

And they will then humble themselves before the Lord.