I. PROPHECIES AGAINST THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (chapters iv.-xxiv.), subdivided into 18 sections. 1. The siege of Jerusalem, represented by a picture drawn on a tablet; the prolonged transgressions of the people, by the prophet's continued reclining on his side; and the hardships they should suffer, by the eating of coarse and loathsome bread. 2. Judgments on the city by famine, war, and dispersion abroad, signified by hair and beard cut off, weighed, scattered, and burned. 3. Judgments against idolatry, with a promise that a remnant should be saved. 4. Captivity, inevitable and severe, under the emblem of a chain. 5. Transgressions of Judah, represented by the image of jealousy; and consequent judgments, typified by the scattering of fire, and the departure of the shekinah. 6. The captivity of Zedekiali, represented by the removal of household goods, and bread eaten with trembling. 7. False prophets reproved and threatened. 8. Idol atrous elders condemned. 9. The rejection of Jerusalem, represented by the burning of an unfruitful vine. 10. God's compassionate love, against which Israel had sinned, com pared to kind care shown to a child cast out at its birth. 11. Judgments on Israel for
turning to Egypt for help against Babylon, denounced under the emblem of two great eagles, one representing Nebuchadnezzar, and the other Pharaoh. 12. Judgment denounced on every transgressor for his own sins, contrary to the common proverb implying that children suffer for their fathers' faults. 13. Captivity of the Jewish kings, represented by lions pursued and captured, and of the Jewish people, by a vine scorched, torn up, and planted in the wilderness. 14. God's mercies to Israel, and their continued transgressions reviewed ; and, while final forgiveness is promised to the penitent, impend ing judgments are declared. 15. A consumed forest represents Jerusalem destroyed, and a sharp sword, Nebuchadnezzar cutting down Ammonites and Jews. 16. Recital of sins committed in Jerusalem by all classes of the people, and judgments on them denounced. 17. Idolatries of Samaria and Jerusalem, and their punishment. 18. Dread ful destruction of Jerusalem again proclaimed.