1 The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth.
2 Judah mourneth, and the gates thereof languish; they are black unto the ground; and the cry of Jerusalem is gone up.
3 And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, [and] found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads.
4 Because the ground is chapt, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed, they covered their heads.
5 Yea, the hind also calved in the field, and forsook [it], because there was no grass.
6 And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because [there was] no grass.
7 O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou [it] for thy name’s sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.
8 O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man [that] turneth aside to tarry for a night?
9 Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man [that] cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, [art] in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.
10 Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.
11 Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for [their] good.
12 When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.
13 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.
14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.
15 Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.
16 And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.
17 Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.
18 If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.
19 Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and [there is] no healing for us? we looked for peace, and [there is] no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!
20 We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, [and] the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.
21 Do not abhor [us], for thy name’s sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.
22 Are there [any] among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? [art] not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these [things].
Overview of Jeremiah Chapter 14
Jeremiah Chapter 14 addresses the dire situation of drought in Judah and the people’s response to it. The chapter serves as a poignant reflection on the relationship between the people of Judah and God, highlighting themes of sin, repentance, and divine judgment.
Context and Background
This chapter is set during a time of severe drought, which is symbolic of spiritual barrenness and divine displeasure. The drought serves as a physical manifestation of the people’s spiritual state, illustrating the consequences of their disobedience to God.
The Drought and Its Consequences
- The chapter begins with a description of the drought affecting the land (Jeremiah 14:1-3).
- Judah’s cities are in distress, and the people are in despair due to the lack of water (Jeremiah 14:3).
- The farmers are deeply affected, as their crops fail and livestock suffer (Jeremiah 14:4).
The People’s Plea for Help
In response to the drought, the people of Judah turn to God in desperation.
- They acknowledge their sins and plead for mercy (Jeremiah 14:7).
- Their cries reflect a mix of fear and recognition of their need for divine intervention (Jeremiah 14:8).
God’s Response to the People’s Plea
God responds to the people’s cries through Jeremiah, revealing the gravity of their situation.
- God acknowledges the people’s suffering but emphasizes their unfaithfulness (Jeremiah 14:10).
- He indicates that their prayers will not be answered due to their persistent idolatry and sin (Jeremiah 14:11-12).
- God expresses His intention to bring judgment upon them as a consequence of their actions (Jeremiah 14:12).
The Prophet’s Intercession
Jeremiah, acting as an intercessor, pleads with God on behalf of the people.
- He reminds God of His covenant with Israel and questions why He would forsake them (Jeremiah 14:13-15).
- Jeremiah expresses concern for the reputation of God among the nations if He does not act (Jeremiah 14:9).
God’s Final Judgment
God ultimately responds to Jeremiah’s intercession with a stern message.
- He declares that the fate of the people is sealed due to their actions (Jeremiah 14:16).
- God pronounces that false prophets will lead the people astray, and they will face destruction (Jeremiah 14:15).
- He emphasizes that the drought is a sign of His judgment and that the people must face the consequences of their sins (Jeremiah 14:17-18).
The Symbolism of Drought
The drought in this chapter serves as a multifaceted symbol:
- It represents spiritual dryness and the absence of God’s blessings.
- The physical lack of water parallels the spiritual void in the lives of the people.
- The drought signifies God’s displeasure and the consequences of turning away from Him.
Thematic Elements
- Sin and Judgment: The chapter emphasizes the link between sin and divine judgment.
- Intercession: Jeremiah’s role as an intercessor highlights the importance of prayer and advocacy.
- Hope and Despair: The people’s plea reflects a longing for restoration amidst despair.
Conclusion
Jeremiah Chapter 14 serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The drought symbolizes both physical and spiritual barrenness, while the people’s desperate pleas illustrate their need for divine mercy. Ultimately, the chapter underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the seriousness of sin, as well as the role of intercession in seeking restoration.
