Then said the Lord unto me
In answer to his expostulations and entreaties, ( Jeremiah 14:19-22 ) , though Moses and Samuel stood before me;
to pray before me, as the Targum; to make intercession for the people. Standing is a prayer gesture. The Jews say there is no standing but prayer, or that is meant when it is mentioned; (See Gill on Matthew 6:5). Moses and Samuel were named, because they were eminent for prayer, and had success in it, for the people of Israel. Of Moses, see ( Exodus 32:11 Exodus 32:31 Exodus 32:32 ) ( Numbers 14:17-19 ) and of Samuel, see ( 1 Samuel 7:9 ) and of both, ( Psalms 99:6 ) . The Arabic version reads "Moses and Aaron", but wrongly. The Palmists make use of this text to prove the intercession of saints in heaven for those on earth; but the words are only a supposition, and not a fact. The meaning is, that supposing that Moses and Samuel were alive, and made intercession for the people, their prayers would not be regarded; and such a supposition, as it suggests that they were not alive, so that they did not stand before him, and make intercession for Judah; wherefore this is against, and not for, the intercession of saints in heaven: yet my mind could not be towards this people;
God could have no good will to them, no delight in them; could not be reconciled to them, or agree to it, that the favours asked for should be granted them, or that they should be continued in their own land; and therefore it was in vain for the prophet to solicit on their account; but, on the other hand, it is ordered as follows: cast them out of my sight;
or presence; as persons loathsome and abominable, not to be borne; I cannot look upon them, or have anything to say to them, in a favourable way: and let them go forth;
from my presence, from the temple, the city, and out of their own land; that is, declare that so it shall be.