Jeremiah 8:19 - Exposition

Because of them that dwell in , etc. The Hebrew simply has "from them," etc. The prophet is transported in imam-nation to the time of the fulfillment of his prophecies. He hears the lamentation of his countrymen, who are languishing in captivity. Is not the Lord in Zion , etc.? is the burden of their sad complaints; "king" is a familiar synonym for "God" (comp. Isaiah 8:21 ; Isaiah 33:22 ; but not Psalms 89:18 , which is certainly mistranslated in Authorized Version). But why" in Zion?" "Zion" was properly the name of the eastward hill at Jerusalem, where lay the oldest part of the city (called "the city of David"), and the highest portion of which was crowned by the temple. Why have they provoked me to anger , etc.? is the reply of Jehovah, pointing out that their sufferings were but an exact retribution for their infidelity (comp. Jeremiah 5:19 ).