Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Jeremiah 22:6
For thus saith the LORD unto the king’s house of Judah; Thou [art] Gilead unto me, [and] the head of Lebanon: [yet] surely I will make thee a wilderness, [and] cities [which] are not inhabited.
6. concerning ] if there is any preference, better as mg. unto.
Gilead unto me, and the head of Lebanon ] well-wooded regions. Cp. Isa 2:13; Isa 37:24; Zec 11:1 f.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
6 9. See introd. summary to section. We may take Jer 22:6-7 (which are in inah metre) to be in the main genuine, although (Co.) the statement that they concern the palace is somewhat inconsistent with the general tenor of the passage, which evidently refers to the city as a whole. Jer 22:8-9 are generally thought to be inserted by a later hand. They are almost identical with Deu 29:24 f. and are not in any distinct metre.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Omit and. Thou art a Gilead unto me, a summit of Lebanon.
Yet surely – literally, if not, the form of an oath with the imprecation omitted. For the full form see Num 14:23.
A wilderness, and cities – Omit and. The meaning is: If the house of David does not hear Gods words, though it be now grand as Lebanon, God will make it a wilderness, even uninhabited cities; the house of David being regarded as equivalent to the kingdom of Judah.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 6. Thou art Gilead unto me, and the head of Lebanon] Perhaps in allusion, says Dahler, to the oaks of Gilead, and the cedars of Mount Lebanon, of which the palace was constructed. Lebanon was the highest mountain in Israel, and Gilead the richest and most fertile part of the country; and were, therefore, proper emblems of the reigning family. Though thou art the richest and most powerful, I, who raised thee up, can bring thee down and make thee a wilderness.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Interpreters are not agreed in what sense God saith that
the kings house of Judah was unto him as
Gilead, or
the head of Lebanon. Gilead was a country fertile for pastures; upon which account the Reubenites and Gadites, being men whose estates lay in cattle, begged it of Moses for their portion, Num 32:2, and Moses gave it to the sons of Manasseh, Num 32:40. It was also famous for spicery, balm, and myrrh, Gen 37:25. It had in it a famous mountain. Lebanon also was a very pleasant place, famous for cedars, and indeed whatsoever could gratify, the senses; they both were in the lot of Gad and Manasseh. Some think God compareth the king of Judahs house to these places, in regard of the height and nobleness of the structure; others, for the pleasantness and delightfulness of it. Others consider Gilead as the principal part of the inheritance of the ten tribes, wasted by Tiglath-pileser, 2Ki 15:29; and that God telleth them, by this comparison, that he would certainly destroy them, and make them as Gilead, which was the head of Lebanon. Though Jerusalem were a noble and pleasant place, yet they might remember so was Gilead, which yet for their sins was wasted and brought to ruin. So also Jerusalem, formerly the garden of Judea, and joy of the whole earth, should be made a wilderness, and the cities of Judah should not be inhabited.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
6. Though thou art as beautifulas Gilead, and as majestic in Mine eyes (before Me) as the summit ofLebanon, yet surely (the Hebrew is a formula ofswearing to express certainly: “If I do not makethee . . . believe Me not ever hereafter”: so “as truly asI live,” Nu 14:28;”surely,” Nu 14:35).The mention of Gilead may allude not only to its past beauty, butcovertly also to its desolation by the judgment on Israel; a warningnow to Judah and the house of David. “Lebanon” isappropriately mentioned, as the king’s house was built of its noblecedars.
citiesnot othercities, but the different parts of the city ofJerusalem (2Sa 12:27; 2Ki 10:25)[MAURER].
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
For thus saith the Lord unto the king’s house of Judah,…. That is, to the family of the king of Judah; though it may be rendered, “concerning the house of the king of Judah” z; and so refer to his palace as before:
thou [art] Gilead unto me, [and] the head of Lebanon; or, though like to Gilead (which was a very fruitful country) for wealth, riches, and all kind of valuable things; and like to the top of Mount Lebanon a, being set with tall cedars, for stateliness. So the Targum is,
“although thou art beloved before me more than the sanctuary, which is high upon the top of the mountains:”
or thou shall be as Gilead, and Mount Lebanon, which belonged to the ten tribes of Israel, and are put for the whole kingdom of Israel, which was wasted by the king of Assyria; and in like condition should the royal palace at Jerusalem be, notwithstanding all its riches and grandeur, and so the city and temple likewise; as follows:
[yet] surely I will make thee a wilderness, [and] cities [which] are not inhabited; though as fruitful as Gilead, yet shall become like a barren desert; and though full of children, courtiers, princes, and nobles, yet shall be like cities quite depopulated: or, “if I do not make thee” b, c. it is in the form of an oath, as Kimchi and Ben Melech observe and to be supplied thus, if I do not do as I have said, let me never be believed; let me be reckoned a liar, or not thought to be God, and the like. It shows the certain accomplishment of these things.
z “de domo regis”, Cocceius, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. a “velut Gilead, ut caput Libani”, Junius & Tremellius. b “si non posuero te”, Vatablus, Pagninus, Montanus, Schmidt.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
He confirms the preceding declaration, and explains more at large what had been stated sufficiently clear; for the false boasting of the Jews could hardly be restrained, as they still thought that the kingdom in the family of David would be permanent and exempt from any danger of a change.
But interpreters differ as to the meaning of the words. I will not repeat their views, nor is it necessary: I will only state what seems to me to be the real meaning. All others indeed give a different explanation; but the Prophet, I doubt not, means the same thing as we have observed in Jer 7:12; where he says,
“
Go to Shiloh, and see what is the state of that place, for the ark of the covenant had a long time dwelt there.”
Though, then, they thought that place sacred, yet it was reduced to desolation; and thus it must have become a dreadful spectacle to the whole people. For the same reason now, as it seems to me, the Prophet compares Lebanon to Mount Gilead; for what some say, that Gilead was the chief city of the ten tribes, has nothing in it. But we must remember the state of things at that time; the kingdom of Israel was wholly demolished when our Prophet spoke these words. Judea had indeed been much reduced by many calamities; but still some kind of a kingdom remained. Then by Mount Gilead the Prophet doubtless meant, by stating a part for the whole, the kingdom of Israel, but for a purpose different from that assigned by interpreters, even because the whole land of Israel was then laid waste; for all the inhabitants had been led into exile, and all the spoils had been removed, and nothing had escaped the rapacity and cruelty of their enemies.
Since, then, the land of Israel had been reduced unto desolation, God says now, that Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah would not be of greater value in his sight than the whole country of the ten tribes had been, which was doubtless larger in extent and in wealth. And this meaning may be easily gathered from the words of the passage; he does not say, “Thou art like Gilead the head of Lebanon;” but, Gilead to me art thou the head of Lebanon And he calls Jerusalem Lebanon, because it was, as it were, the queen of that land; for by Mount Lebanon he designated whatever was precious in that country, for the reason we mentioned yesterday. As to Gilead, I do not consider that the Prophet refers especially to the city, but by stating a part for the whole, he includes the whole country, and for this reason, because Mount Gilead was full of many fruitful trees, and particularly of the balsam and the rosin tree, and of many odoriferous herbs and aromatics, which at this day are from thence brought to different parts of the world. And hence we found it asked in Jer 8:22,
“
Is there no rosin in Gilead? is there no medicine found there to heal the Church?”
Why was mention made then of Mount Gilead? even because there grew the best aromatics, and especially the balsam tree, and also many odoriferous trees and most precious fruits.
The meaning then is, “What dost thou think thyself to be? or, for what reason dost thou trust so much in thyself? I did not spare Mount Gilead and that extensive country which was much superior to thee; what means then this foolish presumption, that thou persuadest thyself that all danger is far off? Thou shalt be to me as Gilead. Think of my judgment on Mount Gilead, and of the dreadful desolation of the land of Israel; the same which you may now see there shall happen to thee.” We now perceive in what sense the Prophet says, that before God the head of Lebanon, that is, Jerusalem itself, which ruled over Lebanon, would become like Gilead (40)
He then adds, If I make thee not a desert God again makes an oath; for it is, we know, an elliptical mode of expression, when the particle אם, am, is only used, for an imprecation is to be understood, — “Let me not be thought a God;” or, “Let my power be deemed nothing;” or, “Let me not be hereafter counted true and faithful.” However this may be, God makes an oath, that the city would become a desert, as those cities which are not inhabited Thus the whole context appears consistent, — that Jerusalem would be at length like the land of Israel, for he would no more spare Lebanon than Mount Gilead. It afterwards follows:
(40) That “the top (or head) of Lebanon,” means Jerusalem, or the city of David, the residence of the royal family, is evident from the seventh verse, “they shall cast down thy choice cedars.” This point being settled, there can be hardly a doubt respecting the correctness of Calvin’s view. All the Versions give this rendering, “Gilead, thou art to me the head of Lebanon;” the meaning of which does not appear. The Targum is a paraphrase not more intelligible. It would be better to use the future tense, as that is used at the end of the verse, —
Gilead shalt thou be to me, O top of Lebanon! Surely I will make thee a wilderness, Like cities not inhabited.
It was to be dealt with by him as Gilead had been, which was now wholly depopulated. — Ed
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(6) Thou art Gilead unto me, and the head of Lebanon.The conjunction, which is not found in the Hebrew, is better omitted. Even in his utterance of woes the prophets mind is still that of a poet. The chief point of the comparison in both cases is to be found in the forests that crowned the heights of both ranges of mountains. The oaks of Bashan, in the Gilead district (Isa. 2:13; Zec. 11:2), were as famous as the cedars of Lebanon, and both were alike the fit symbol of the glory of sovereignty (Isa. 37:24; Eze. 17:3). There may be a reference to the group of cedar-buildings, which of old gave to one of the palaces the name of the house of the forest of Lebanon (2Sa. 7:2; 2Sa. 7:7; 1Ki. 7:2; 1Ki. 10:21).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
6. Thou art Gilead unto me, and the head of Lebanon Beautiful as Gilead, majestic as Lebanon. This language is used in respect of the commanding position and magnificence of the royal palace. Gilead was doubtless then, as now, the most beautiful forest tract in the vicinity of the Holy Land; and Lebanon everywhere stands as the symbol of stateliness and magnificence. Its perpetual snows, its firs and cedars, its wealth of springs, and its noble forests, are all prominent in the scenery of the Old Testament. To these localities this splendid palace, with its cluster of associated buildings, is beautifully and expressively compared. But God’s displeasure will change all this splendour and magnificence into a treeless steppe: wilderness cities not inhabited.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Jer 22:6. Thou art Gilead, &c. Thou art to me as Gilead; thou art as the head of Lebanon; yet surely, &c. That is, “though thou art most precious in my sight, though as valuable for riches and plenty as the fat pastures of Gilead, and thy buildings as stately as the tall cedars of Lebanon; yet, unless thy princes and people reform, they shall become nothing but ruin and desolation.” See the two next verses, and Houbigant.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Nothing can be more tender and endearing on the part of God, to show his reluctancy to punish. Comparing his city, and his people, to Gilead and Lebanon, are striking expressions. Gilead and Lebanon were very lovely and flourishing: but the most lovely places, if brought under God’s displeasure, soon become a wilderness. Reader! think what a Gilead and Lebanon was our nature before sin marred it. Oh! what a desolation by sin! The world, the Lord saith, shall look with astonishment, on the change wrought on his people and City: is this Zion whom no man regardeth? Precious Lord Jesus, what an eternal state of ruin to our nature must have taken place, hadst thou not interposed for our recovery, by the sacrifice of thyself! Reader! who would believe the possibility of Israel changing their glory, had not scripture declared it, and for the love and reverence of Jehovah, have given their affection to dunghill idols?
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Jer 22:6 For thus saith the LORD unto the king’s house of Judah; Thou [art] Gilead unto me, [and] the head of Lebanon: [yet] surely I will make thee a wilderness, [and] cities [which] are not inhabited.
Ver. 6. For thus saith the Lord concerning the king’s house,] i.e., Concerning the whole kingdom of Judah, saith Junius.
Thou art Gilead unto me, and the head of Lebanon,
Yet surely I will make thee a wilderness.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
house of Judah. See note on Jer 3:18.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
unto: Jer 22:24, Jer 21:11, Gen 37:25, Deu 3:25, Son 5:15
Thou: Gilead was the most fertile part of the country, and renowned for its rich pastures; and Lebanon was the highest mountain in Israel, celebrated for its stately cedars; and both were, therefore, proper emblems of the reigning family. “But though thou art the richest and most powerful, I, who raised thee up, can bring thee down, and make thee a wilderness.”
surely: Jer 4:20, Jer 7:34, Jer 9:11, Jer 19:7, Jer 19:8, Jer 21:14, Jer 25:9, Jer 25:10, Jer 26:6-9, Jer 26:18, Psa 107:34, Isa 6:11, Isa 24:1-6, Isa 27:10, Eze 33:27, Eze 33:28
Reciprocal: Jer 22:23 – Lebanon Hos 2:3 – as Zec 10:10 – into Zec 11:1 – O Lebanon Rom 4:6 – imputeth
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Jer 22:6. A man often discards a possession because it had never been valued highly anyway. But (hat was not the case with Judah for God compared her to Gilead and Lebanon, two very desirable districts in Palestine. Notwithstanding this estimate of the land of Judah, God determined to cast it off for its sins against Him and to cause its cities to become depopulated.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Jer 22:6-9. For thus saith the Lord unto, or, concerning, the kings house: Thou art Gilead unto me, &c.; yet surely, &c. Though thou wert never so precious in my sight, as valuable for riches and plenty as the fat pastures of Gilead, and thy buildings as beautiful for their stateliness as the tall cedars of Lebanon, yet unless thy princes and people reform, thou shalt become nothing but ruin and desolation. Thus Lowth. But Blaney translates the verse, Gilead art thou through me, O summit of Lebanon; surely I will make thee a desert, cities not inhabited. Which he interprets as follows, Lebanon was the highest mountain in Israel, and was therefore an apt emblem of the reigning family advanced to the highest rank of dignity in the state. Gilead was the richest and most fertile part of the country. The meaning then is plainly this, By my providence thou art not only supreme in rank, but hast been rendered exceedingly wealthy and flourishing. But the same power that raised will likewise be exerted in reducing thee to the lowest state of indigence and distress. And I will prepare Hebrew, , I will sanctify destroyers against thee That is, I will solemnly appoint and set them apart for the work of destroying thee. And they shall cut down thy choice cedars Having compared the kings palace, or the city of Jerusalem, to Lebanon, Jer 22:6, pursuing the metaphor, he threatens to destroy them and their most beautiful edifices by the Chaldean army. And many nations Persons of many nations; shall pass by this city, &c. Namely, when on their travels; and they shall say, Wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this great city They who have heard that this had been a very strong, rich, and populous city, and that it had been called the city of God, and the place of his especial residence, would be astonished to find it, through his judgments, a scene of ruin and desolation, and would require how such an effect came to be produced. Thus was fulfilled that threatening of Moses, Deu 28:37, that God would make the Jews an astonishment to other nations. See likewise 1Ki 9:8. Then shall they answer Some shall answer, or they shall answer one another. The reason is so obvious that it shall be ready in every mans mouth. Because they have forsaken the covenant of Jehovah their God; have revolted from their allegiance to him, and from the duty which they had solemnly covenanted to perform, and worshipped other gods and served them In contempt of him; and therefore he gave them up to this destruction.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
22:6 For thus saith the LORD to the king’s house of Judah; Thou [art] {c} Gilead to me, [and] the head of Lebanon: [yet] surely I will make thee a wilderness, [and] cities [which] are not inhabited.
(c) He compares Jerusalem to Gilead which was beyond Jordan and the beauty of Judea to Lebanon.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The Lord regarded the Davidic palace as a most pleasant and glorious thing, like Gilead and Mount Hermon, areas both famous for their forests and mountains. Again, the House of the Forest of Lebanon may be particularly in view (cf. Jer 21:14). Yet He would turn the king’s residence into a desolation, like a wilderness or an uninhabited town, if the rulers disobeyed.