Matthew Henry on Jeremiah 16:1-9
The prophet is here for a sign to the people. They would not regard what he said; let it be tried whether they will regard what he does. In general, he must conduct himself so, in every thing, as became one that expected to see his country in ruins very shortly. This he foretold, but few regarded the prediction; therefore he is to show that he is himself fully satisfied in the truth of it. Others go on in their usual course, but he, in the prospect of these sad times, is forbidden and therefore forbears marriage, mourning for the dead, and mirth. Note, Those that would convince others of and affect them with the word of God must make it appear, even in the most self-denying instances, that t…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 16:8
house of feasting--joyous: as distinguished from mourning-feasts. Have no more to do with this people whether in mourning or joyous feasts.
John Gill on Jeremiah 16:8
Thou shall not also go into the house of feasting,.... Which it was lawful to do, and which the prophet doubtless had done at other times; but now a time of calamity coming on, it was not proper he should; and the rather he was to abstain from such places, and from pleasant conversation with his friends, to assure them that such a time was coming, and this his conduct was a sign of it; for which reason he is forbid to attend any entertainment of his friends, on account of marriage, or any other circumstance of life, for which feasts were used:
to sit with them to eat and to drink: which not only expresses the position at table, but continuance there; for at feasts men not only eat and drink…
Read the whole note in the consoleJohn Calvin on Jeremiah 16:8
Jeremiah 16:8
8. Thou shalt not also go into the house of feasting, to sit with them to eat and to drink.
8. Et domum convivii ne ingrediaris, ut sedeas cum ipsis ad edendum et ad bibendum.
Here the Prophet refers to other feasts, where hilarity prevailed. The meaning then is, -- that the people were given up to destruction, so that nothing was better than to depart from them as far as possible. So Jeremiah is prohibited from going at all to them, so that he might not be their associate either in joy or in sorrow; as though he had said, -- Have no more anything to do with this people; if they lament their dead, leave them, for they are unworthy of any act of kindness; and if they make joy…
