Having told the false prophets their doom, he now turns his speech to the people, and gives them counsel; for he rather propounds than commands, by a metaphor taken from travellers, that being in doubt of their way, do stand still, pause, and consider, whether the direction they have received from some ignorant person or false guide be right or not. The old paths, Heb. paths of antiquity, such as their godly forefathers of old were wont to walk in, the ancient paths, Jeremiah 18:15. Or, the oracles of God, what directions his word gives, Isaiah 8:20. Or, the providence of God. Observe what hath been God's ways and method in times past, with reference to sin and punishment, Deuteronomy 4:3,4 Jud 5:6,8 Jer 22:15,16, and what have been want to be the best courses, called here the good way, or the best way to continue mercies and prevent judgments, Deuteronomy 32:7, he.: see 1 Thessalonians 5:21. Walk therein; when you have found what was best and most prosperous, keep it, stick to it. Ye shall find rest; you will find God to stand by you, and be a sanctuary to you, Deuteronomy 33:12,29. See Matthew 11:29. You will find things mend with you; it will be well with you, as it hath been with others; you will be satisfied and quiet; you will not doubt any longer which way to follow: see 1 Kings 18:21. We will not walk therein; it notes their great wilfulness and obstinacy, that though the prophets had directed them in the right way, and though they knew others had experimented it to be so, yet they would not be persuaded to walk in it, but deliberately refused those favours offered, Isaiah 8:11-13 Jeremiah 18:11,12.
Related Commentaries of Jeremiah 6:16
Jeremiah 6:16
16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.