Jeremiah 45 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
CHAPTER 45 Jr 45:1-5 . Jeremiah Comforts Baruch. After the completion of the prophecies and histories appertaining to the Jewish people and kings, Jeremiah subjoins one referring to an individual, Baruch; even as there are subjoined to the epistles of Paul addressed to churches, epistles to individuals, some of which were prior in date to the former. Afterwards follow the prophecies referring to other nations, closing the book [Grotius]. The date of the events here told is eighteen years before the taking of the city; this chapter in point of time follows the thirty-sixth chapter. Baruch seems to have been regularly employed by Jeremiah to commit his prophecies to writing ( Jr 36:1 , 4, 32). 1. these words-- his prophecies from the thirteenth year of Josiah to the fourth of Jehoiakim.
3. Thou didst say, &c.-- Jeremiah does not spare his disciple, but unveils his fault, namely, fear for his life by reason of the suspicions which he incurred in the eyes of his countrymen (compare Jr 36:17 ), as if he was in sympathy with the Chaldeans ( Jr 43:3 ), and instigator of Jeremiah; also ingratitude in speaking of his "grief," &c., whereas he ought to deem himself highly blessed in being employed by God to record Jeremiah's prophecies. added-- rescued from the peril of my first writing ( Jr 36:26 ). I am again involved in a similar peril. He upbraids God as dealing harshly with him. I fainted-- rather, "I am weary." no rest-- no quiet resting-place.
4. that which I have built ... planted I will pluck up-- ( Is 5:5 ). This whole nation (the Jews) which I founded and planted with such extraordinary care and favor, I will overthrow.