Ver. 1. At the same time,] i.e., In the beginning of Zedekiah’s reign, as before, was this word uttered. Or rather, in those latter times forementioned, (Jeremiah 30:24) after the return from Babylon, but especially in the days of the Messiah. The modern Jews vainly apply it to the coming of their Messiah, quem tantis etiamnum ululatibus exposcunt, whom they yet expect, but to no purpose.
Ver. 2. The people that were left of the sword.] Of Pharaoh’s sword, who pursued them; and though he smote them not, because the Lord kept him off, yet he is said to have done it: like as Balak afterwards “arose and fought against Israel,” (Joshua 24:9) he had a mind so to have done, but that he was overawed: he did not indeed, because he dared not. When I went to bring him to rest,] i.e., To the land of Canaan, after so long trouble and travel. I effected that then, though it were held improbable or impossible: so will I do this promised reduction of my people from Babylon. Fieri dicitur quod tentatur aut intenditur.
Ver. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me.] This seemeth to be the people’s objection. You tell us what was done of old; but these are ancient things, and little pertaining to us, who are now under a heavy captivity; iam refrixit et obsoleta videtur Dei beneficentia. Hereunto is answered, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love.] I am one and the same. I am Jehovah that change not, whatever thou mayest think of me, because I seem angry at thy misdoings. Therefore with lovingkinduess have I drawn thee.] Or, Therefore will I draw out lovingkindness towards thee. [as Psalms 36:10] [See Trapp on “Ps 36:10”] Iudaeorum quiritantium verba. -Zeged.
Ver. 4. Again I will build thee.] See Jeremiah 34:18. Thou shalt be adorned with thy tabrets.] All shall be hail and merry with thee as heretofore: yea, thou shalt have spiritual joy, which is res severa, severe and solid, such as doth not only smoothe the brow, but fill the breast.
Ver. 5. Thou shalt yet plant vines.] Profunda pax erit: nemo te perterrefaciet. Thou shalt have plenty, peace, and security. The planters shall plant them, and shall eat them as common things,] i.e., Shall have God’s good leave and liking so to do. Heb., Shall profane them, i.e., not abuse them, but use them freely, even to an honest affluence. See Leviticus 19:23. [See Trapp on “Le 19:23”]
Ver. 6. The watchmen upon the mount Ephraim.] Such as are set to keep those vineyards. (Jeremiah 31:5) Shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion.] As the ten tribes first made defection, so shall they be forwardest in the reformation. England was the like alate.
Ver. 7. Shout among the chief of the nations.] Heb., Neigh unto the heads of the nations, ut illa vobis adhinniant et pariter in Christi fide iubilent, that they may join joys with you, and help to make up the choir. Publish ye, and praise ye, and say, O Lord, save.] The saints have never so much matter of praise, but that they may at the same time find cause enough to pray for more mercy. (Psalms 18:3)
Ver. 8. Behold, I will bring them.] Here is a present answer to such a prayer; and this promise hath its performance chiefly in the kingdom of Christ, who will not suffer the least or the weakest of his to miscarry. See Isaiah 35:5,6.
Ver. 9. They shall come with weeping.] Prae gaudio, inquit, flebunt, before happiness, it is said, they were weeping, they shall weep for joy, having first soaked themselves in godly sorrow by the spirit of grace and of supplications or deprecations poured upon them, (Zechariah 12:10) being solicitous about their salvation. And I will make them to walk by the rivers of waters.] Heb., To the brooks of waters, i.e., to the holy ordinances. [as Psalms 23:3] For I am a Father to Israel.] I do all of free grace. Ephraim is my firstborn.] And therefore higher than the kings of the earth. (Psalms 89:27)
Ver. 10. Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations.] Hear and bear witness of the gracious promises that I make to my people; for I would have them noted and noticed.
Ver. 11. For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob.] Redemption is a voluminous mercy, an accumulative blessing. From the hand of him that was stronger than he,] scil., The Chaldean, but especially from Satan. (Matthew 12:29 John 12:31)
Ver. 12. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion,] i.e., In the temple shall they celebrate that singular mercy, in the congregation of the faithful. And shall flow together,] i.e., Flock together by troops and caravans; flock thither by shoals. To the goodness of the Lord.] Or, To the goods of the Lord, such as here instanced, wheat, wine, and oil; whereby also better things are figured. A confluence of inward and outward mercies is here assured the saints. And their soul shall be as a watered garden.] Where every good thing comes forward amain mens faecundata est rore coelesti. See Isaiah 58:11. And they shall not sorrow any more at all.] As those do who have not this contented godliness, but serve various lusts, to their great vexation.