Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 7:18
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
The children gather wood, etc.] In the fields, or out of the neighbouring forest; not little children, but young men, who were able to cut down trees, and bear and carry burdens of wood: and the fathers kindle the fire; take the wood of their children, lay it in order, and put fire to it; which shows that they approved of what their children did, and that what they did was by their direction and order: and the women knead their dough; so that every age and sex were employed in idolatrous service, which is here intended; the corruption was universal; and therefore the whole body was ripe for ruin; nor would the Lord be entreated for them: and all this preparation was, to make cakes for the queen of heaven; the moon, as Abarbinel; which rules by night, as the sun is the king that rules by day; and which was much worshipped by the Heathens, whom the Jews imitated. Some render it, to the work, or workmanship, of heavens;f160 that is, to the whole host of heaven, sun, moon, and stars, which were worshipped in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem, (<122305>2 Kings 23:5). The Targum renders it, “to the star of heaven;” and Jarchi interprets it of some great star in the heaven, called the queen of heaven; and thinks that these cakes had the impress of a star upon them; (see <300526>Amos 5:26) where mention is made of “Chiun, your image, the star of your god”. The word “chiun” is akin to the word here translated cakes, and thought to be explained by a star; see also (<440743>Acts 7:43) but it seems rather to be the moon, which is expressly called by Apuleiusf161 the queen of heaven; and often by others Coelestis; and Urania by the Africans, as Tertullianf162 and Herodianf163 affirm; as also Beltis, by Abydenusf164; and Baaltis, by Philo-Byblius, or Sanchoniathof165; which have the signification of “queen”; and these cakes might have the form of the moon upon them, and be made and offered in imitation of the shewbread: and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods; not different from the queen of heaven, and the hosts thereof; for to her and them drink offerings were poured out, (<244418>Jeremiah 44:18,19) but other gods besides the one, only, living, and true God: that they may provoke me to anger; not that this was their intention, but so it was eventually.
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