Jeremiah 14:8
O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?
O the hope of Israel,.... The author, object, ground, and foundation of hope of all good things, both here and hereafter; in whom Israel had been used to hope in times past, and had great encouragement so to do, Ps 130:7 or, "the expectation of Israel" {f}; whom they looked for to come:
the saviour thereof in time of trouble; the Saviour of all men in a way of providence, but especially of the true Israel of God, of them that believe; who, though they have their times of trouble and affliction, by reason of sin, Satan, and wicked men, and other things, yet the Lord saves and delivers them out of them all in due time:
why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land; or, a "sojourner" {g}; who abides but for a while; and it not being his native place, is not so solicitous for the welfare of it. Jerome interprets this of Christ when here on earth, who was as a stranger, and unknown by men; see
Psalms 69:9 and the other characters;
of the hope of Israel, and the Saviour, well agree with him, 1 Timothy 1:1
and as a wayfaring man; or "traveller" {h}:
that turnest aside to tarry for a night? that turns into an inn to lodge there for a night, and that only; and so is unconcerned what becomes of it, or the people in it; he is only there for a night, and is gone in the morning. Thus the prophet represents the Lord by these metaphors, as if he was, or at least seemed, careless of his people; and therefore expostulates with him upon it, as the disciples with our Lord, Mark 4:38.
{f} larvy hwqm "expectatio Israel", Pagninus, Montanus, Cocceius.
{g} rgk "quasi colonus", Grotius; "advena", Gataker.
{h} xrak "tanquam viator", Pagninus, Montanus, Schmidt.