Jeremiah 18:12 And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart. I. A DESPERATE CONCLUSION. I. In reference to themselves: despair as to their own amendment or reformation. There are people desperate in this regard because of — (1) An absolute indisposition and averseness to all kind of good (Job 21:11). This proceeds from — a neglect of religious duties and exercises; a persisting in some loose course of life; a walking contrary to light; worldliness and too deep an implunging into secular affairs. (2) An absolute thraldom and subjection to all kinds of evil. Spiritual laziness, unbelief of God's promises, carnal confidence, indifference to the thing itself. 2. In reference to Jeremiah and his ministry; despair as to the value of preaching God's messages amongst them. There are fortifications to this purpose, which men raise to themselves to hold out against the workings of the ministry. (1) Pride and self-conceit. (2) Cavillings and wranglings against the Word of the ministry. (3) Prosperity and outward welfare. 3. In reference to God Himself. They despair of the grace of God, and call it in question. (1) From the suggestions of Satan. (2) From the infidelity which is in their hearts. (3) From a measuring of God by themselves. II. A PEREMPTORY RESOLUTION. 1. Simply and absolutely they declare that they will walk after their own devices. (1) There is implied here that the nature of man is very prone and subject to evil devices. (2) There is expressed here that there is in men an affection towards these devices. Their obstinacy and perverseness. Grounded upon security and presumption. Proceeding from the power which Satan has over them. They are not persuaded of the truth of God's Word. Their conspiracy and combination. Their wilful transgression and sin against knowledge. 2. Reflexively and derivatively, they said this. (1) Expressly in so many words. (2) Practically in that which they did. (T. Horton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart. |
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