Jeremiah 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? I. THE PHYSICIAN is Jesus Christ the Son of God, who, being the Son of God, must needs be able and skilful; since He is the Christ, He wants not a call to the office, etc.; as He is Jesus, He cannot but be ready and willing to the work, — who can desire a better, who would seek after another Physician than Him in whom skill, and will, and ability, and authority do meet? II. The PATIENTS are those who stand in need of this Physician, and they most need Him who think they have least. III. The DISEASE of these patients is sin — a disease both hereditary, as to the root of it, which together with our nature we receive from our parents, and likewise contracted by ourselves, in the daily eruption of this corruption, by thoughts, words, and works. IV. The MEDICINE or "balm" which this Physician administereth to the patient for the cure of his disease is "His own blood," which He is content to part with for our sakes. V. The METHOD by which the cure is effected is by cleansing; no cordial like this to comfort our hearts and to rid us of the ill-humours of our sins, thereby restoring our spiritual health. (Nath. Hardy.) Parallel Verses KJV: Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? |
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