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Then I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish; for they don`t know the way of Yahweh, nor the law of their God:
Verse Takeaways
1
A Rhetorical Contrast
Commentators like John Calvin explain that Jeremiah isn't actually excusing the poor. He is using a powerful rhetorical device. By first suggesting that perhaps only the poor and uneducated are sinful, he sets the stage to reveal the shocking truth in the next verse: the wealthy and educated leaders were just as corrupt, proving the nation's sinfulness was complete from top to bottom.
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Book Overview
Jeremiah
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7
18th Century
Presbyterian
Therefore - More simply “and.”
They are foolish - Or, they act foolishly (), not having that knowledge which would enable them…
19th Century
Anglican
Therefore. —Literally, And. The prophet makes for the poor the half-pitying plea of ignorance. Looking upon the masses th…
Baptist
Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the Lord, nor the judgment of their God. I will get me …
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16th Century
Protestant
Some think that the Prophet here makes an excuse for the people and, as far as he could, extenuates their fault; but they are greatly mistaken. For…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
Then I said, surely these are poor, they are foolish The prophet, observing that reproofs and corrections in providence h…
None could be found who behaved as upright and godly men. But the Lord saw the true character of the people through all their disguises.
The…
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13th Century
Catholic
Here, he shows the malice of the rulers against the judgment of the prophet.
He discusses the ignorance of the people, as if makin…
