Jeremias 10:24

24 Chasten us, O Lord, but with judgment; and not in wrath, lest thou make us few.

Jeremias 10:24 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 10:24

O Lord, correct me, but with judgment
The prophet here represents the body of the Jewish nation, especially the godly among them; he considers the troubles coming upon the nation as a correction and chastisement of the Lord; he does not refuse it, or desire it might not come upon them; he knew the chastisements of a father are for good; he only entreats it might be "with judgment"; not in strict justice, as his and the sins of his people deserved, then they would not be able to bear it; but in measure and moderation, with a mixture of mercy and tenderness in it; and in a distinguishing manner, so as to make a difference between his own people and others, in the correction of them; see ( Ezekiel 34:16 Ezekiel 34:17 ) : not in thine anger;
in vindictive wrath, and hot displeasure, which is elsewhere deprecated by the saints, ( Psalms 6:1 ) ( 38:1 ) : lest thou bring me to nothing;
or "lessen me" ^F5, or "make me little"; or make us few, as the Arabic version; or bring to a small number, as the Syriac; and so to utter ruin.

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FOOTNOTES:

F5 (ynjemt Np) "ne imminuas me", Munster, Calvin, Cocceius; "ne diminuere facias me", Pagninus, Montanus; "ne paucum reddas me", Schmidt.

Jeremias 10:24 In-Context

22 Behold, there comes a sound of a noise, and a great earthquake from the land of the north, to make the cities of Juda a desolation, and a resting-place for ostriches.

23 I know, O Lord, that man's way is not his own; neither shall a man go, and direct his going.

24 Chasten us, O Lord, but with judgment; and not in wrath, lest thou make us few.

25 Pour out thy wrath upon the nations that have not known thee, and upon the families that have not called upon thy name: for they have devoured Jacob, and consumed him, and have made his pasture desolate.