Jer 1:8, 17-19 | JFB | STEP | 4-10. Jeremiah's call to the prophetical office. unto me-- other manuscripts read "to him"; but English Version probably represents the true Hebrew text; this inscription was doubtless made by Jeremiah himself.

‏ Jeremiah 1:8

4-10. Jeremiah's call to the prophetical office.

unto me--other manuscripts read "to him"; but English Version probably represents the true Hebrew text; this inscription was doubtless made by Jeremiah himself.

‏ Jeremiah 1:17-19

17. gird ... loins--resolutely prepare for thy appointed task. Metaphor from the flowing robes worn in the East, which have to be girt up with a girdle, so as not to incommode one, when undertaking any active work (Job 38:3; Lu 12:35; 1Pe 1:13).

dismayed ... confound--the same Hebrew word; literally, "to break." Be not dismayed at their faces (before them), lest I make thee dismayed before their faces (before them), that is, "lest I should permit thee to be overcome by them" (compare Jr 49:37).

18. defenced city, &c.--that is, I will give thee strength which no power of thine enemies shall overcome (Jr 6:27; 15:20; Is 50:7; 54:17; Lu 21:15; Ac 6:10).

walls--plural, to express the abundant strength to be given him. De Rossi's'S manuscripts read singular, "wall."

people of the land--the general masses, as distinguished from the princes and priests.