399. 8181. The subject here [Jer. 20] is the persecution of the faithful, and their captivity in the temple; and, at the same time, the pronouncement of the destruction of those who are persecuting the faithful, and holding them captive; finally, the extreme captivity of the faithful, or their being sent down as if into hell. 8182. Here many examples can be brought up, confirming how the devil's gang persecutes those who receive faith, and in how many different ways, and holds them captive so that they can hardly think about God the Messiah; and how they are thus pressed down, even to hell. This is also portrayed in several ways, but these particulars are too numerous. [Captive, Captivity]