Jeremiah 14
BSB1 This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought: 2 “Judah mourns and her gates languish. Her people wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem. 3 The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water; their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads. 4 The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads. 5 Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass. 6 Wild donkeys stand on barren heights; they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of pasture." 7 Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You. 8 O Hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress, why are You like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays but a night? 9 Why are You like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save? Yet You are among us, O LORD, and we are called by Your name. Do not forsake us! 10 This is what the LORD says about this people: “Truly they love to wander; they have not restrained their feet. So the LORD does not accept them; He will now remember their guilt and call their sins to account." 11 Then the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people. 12 Although they may fast, I will not listen to their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague." 13 “Ah, Lord GOD!” I replied, “Look, the prophets are telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or suffer famine, but I will give you lasting peace in this place.’" 14 “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds. 15 Therefore this is what the LORD says about the prophets who prophesy in My name: I did not send them, yet they say, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’ By sword and famine these very prophets will meet their end! 16 And the people to whom they prophesy will be thrown into the streets of Jerusalem because of famine and sword. There will be no one to bury them or their wives, their sons or their daughters. I will pour out their own evil upon them. 17 You are to speak this word to them: ‘My eyes overflow with tears; day and night they do not cease, for the virgin daughter of my people has been shattered by a crushing blow, a severely grievous wound. 18 If I go out to the country, I see those slain by the sword; if I enter the city, I see those ravaged by famine! For both prophet and priest travel to a land they do not know.’" 19 Have You rejected Judah completely? Do You despise Zion? Why have You stricken us so that we are beyond healing? We hoped for peace, but no good has come, and for the time of healing, but there was only terror. 20 We acknowledge our wickedness, O LORD, the guilt of our fathers; indeed, we have sinned against You. 21 For the sake of Your name do not despise us; do not disgrace Your glorious throne. Remember Your covenant with us; do not break it. 22 Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies alone send showers? Is this not by You, O LORD our God? So we put our hope in You, for You have done all these things.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 14
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Jeremiah 14
- Themes from Jeremiah 14
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Jeremiah 14
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Jeremiah chapter 14 describes a severe drought in Judah, which serves as a metaphor for the spiritual barrenness of the people. The prophet Jeremiah cries out to God on behalf of the people, but God responds by emphasizing the people's sin and rebellion. The chapter also contains a lamentation by Jeremiah, in which he expresses his sorrow and frustration over the people's refusal to repent. Key verses include Jeremiah 14:1-6, which describes the drought and its effects, and Jeremiah 14:7-9, which contains Jeremiah's prayer for the people. Despite God's declaration of judgment, Jeremiah continues to intercede for the people, demonstrating his deep concern for their welfare.
Context for the Chapter
Jeremiah chapter 14 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Jeremiah, which describes the prophet's ministry to Judah during the 7th century BC. The chapter is situated within a section of the book that emphasizes God's judgment on Judah due to their sin and idolatry. The chapter's themes of repentance, faith, and God's sovereignty are central to the book's overall message and are reinforced by other passages, such as Jeremiah 2:13 and 18:1-10.
Heart Application
The chapter's emphasis on repentance and faith has practical applications for Christians today. We are called to examine our own hearts and lives, recognizing areas where we may be rebelling against God or turning to idols. By repenting and turning to God, we can experience spiritual renewal and growth, just as the people of Judah were called to do in Jeremiah's day.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Jeremiah chapter 14 is about God's judgment on Judah due to their sin and idolatry. The prophet Jeremiah intercedes for the people, but God's judgment is inevitable. The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning back to God, as seen in Jeremiah 14:7-9. By examining our own hearts and lives, we can recognize areas where we may be rebelling against God and turn to Him for spiritual renewal.
Voices from the Church
“The drought in Judah was a symbol of the spiritual barrenness of the people, and it is a reminder to us today of the importance of seeking spiritual refreshment from God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The people's idolatry was a rebellion against God, and it is a warning to us today of the dangers of turning to false gods and idols.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Drought in Judah (Jeremiah 14:1-6) — The chapter begins by describing a severe drought in Judah, which serves as a metaphor for the spiritual barrenness of the people.
- Jeremiah's Prayer for the People (Jeremiah 14:7-9) — Jeremiah cries out to God on behalf of the people, expressing his sorrow and frustration over their refusal to repent.
- God's Response to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 14:10-12) — God responds to Jeremiah's prayer by emphasizing the people's sin and rebellion, declaring that He will not accept their sacrifices or prayers.
- Jeremiah's Lamentation (Jeremiah 14:17-22) — Jeremiah expresses his deep emotional struggle and sorrow over the people's refusal to repent, affirming his trust in God's power and provision.
- Conclusion (Jeremiah 14:22) — The chapter concludes with Jeremiah's affirmation of God's sovereignty and justice, highlighting His role as the ultimate Judge of all nations.
Core Doctrines
- God's Sovereignty
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice, highlighting His role as the ultimate Judge of all nations. This doctrine is reinforced by Jeremiah's affirmation of God's power and provision in Jeremiah 14:22.
- Repentance and Faith
- The chapter stresses the importance of repentance and faith, emphasizing that these are essential for spiritual renewal and growth. This doctrine is central to the Christian gospel and is reinforced by passages such as Acts 2:38 and 1 John 1:9.
- Idolatry and Rebellion
- The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and rebellion, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God. This doctrine is reinforced by passages such as Exodus 20:3-5 and 1 Corinthians 10:14.
- Intercession and Prayer
- The chapter demonstrates the importance of intercession and prayer, highlighting Jeremiah's role as a mediator between God and the people. This doctrine is reinforced by passages such as 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and Hebrews 7:25.
Lessons from Jeremiah 14
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning back to God, highlighting the consequences of rebellion and idolatry. We can apply this lesson to our own lives by examining our hearts and lives, recognizing areas where we may be rebelling against God, and turning to Him for spiritual renewal.
- The Power of Intercession — Jeremiah's intercession for the people demonstrates the importance of prayer and mediation in our relationships with God and others. We can apply this lesson to our own lives by praying for others, seeking God's guidance and wisdom, and trusting in His power and provision.
- The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and rebellion, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God. We can apply this lesson to our own lives by examining our hearts and lives, recognizing areas where we may be turning to idols or false gods, and turning to God for spiritual renewal and growth.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, highlighting Jeremiah's affirmation of God's power and provision in Jeremiah 14:22. We can apply this lesson to our own lives by trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, seeking His guidance and wisdom, and affirming His power and provision in our lives.
- The Role of the Prophet — The chapter demonstrates the importance of the prophet's role in mediating between God and the people, highlighting Jeremiah's compassion and empathy for the people. We can apply this lesson to our own lives by recognizing the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance, seeking God's wisdom and guidance, and trusting in His power and provision.
Themes from Jeremiah 14
- Judgment and Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning back to God, highlighting the consequences of rebellion and idolatry. This theme is central to the book of Jeremiah and is reinforced by passages such as Jeremiah 2:13 and 18:1-10.
- God's Sovereignty and Justice — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice, highlighting His role as the ultimate Judge of all nations. This theme is reinforced by Jeremiah's affirmation of God's power and provision in Jeremiah 14:22 and is central to the Christian gospel.
- Idolatry and Rebellion — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and rebellion, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God. This theme is reinforced by passages such as Exodus 20:3-5 and 1 Corinthians 10:14 and is central to the book of Jeremiah.
- Intercession and Prayer — The chapter demonstrates the importance of intercession and prayer, highlighting Jeremiah's role as a mediator between God and the people. This theme is reinforced by passages such as 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and Hebrews 7:25 and is central to the Christian gospel.
- Faith and Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, highlighting Jeremiah's affirmation of God's power and provision in Jeremiah 14:22. This theme is central to the Christian gospel and is reinforced by passages such as Romans 1:17 and Hebrews 11:1-3.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which the drought in Judah can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual barrenness?
- How does Jeremiah's prayer for the people in Jeremiah 14:7-9 demonstrate his compassion and empathy for them?
- What are some ways in which God's sovereignty and justice are emphasized in the chapter?
- How can we apply the chapter's emphasis on repentance and faith to our own lives and relationships with God?
- What are some ways in which the chapter's themes and doctrines can be connected to the larger narrative of the book of Jeremiah?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Drought in Judah (Jeremiah 14:1-6)
| 14:1 | The chapter begins by describing a severe drought in Judah, which serves as a metaphor for the spiritual barrenness of the people. |
| 14:2 | The people are described as being in a state of mourning and despair, highlighting the severity of the drought and its effects on the people. |
| 14:3 | The nobles send their servants to fetch water, but the wells are dry, emphasizing the desperate situation of the people. |
| 14:4 | The farmers are ashamed and dismayed, highlighting the impact of the drought on the agricultural community. |
| 14:5 | The doe abandons her fawn, emphasizing the severity of the drought and its effects on the natural world. |
| 14:6 | The wild donkeys stand on the barren heights, sniffing the air, highlighting the desolation and barrenness of the land. |
2. Jeremiah's Prayer for the People (Jeremiah 14:7-9)
| 14:7 | Jeremiah cries out to God on behalf of the people, expressing his sorrow and frustration over their refusal to repent. |
| 14:8 | Jeremiah affirms his trust in God's power and provision, highlighting His role as the hope of Israel. |
| 14:9 | Jeremiah asks God to heal the people's backsliding, emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal and growth. |
3. God's Response to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 14:10-12)
| 14:10 | God responds to Jeremiah's prayer by emphasizing the people's sin and rebellion, declaring that He will not accept their sacrifices or prayers. |
| 14:11 | God tells Jeremiah not to pray for the people, highlighting the severity of their sin and the inevitability of judgment. |
| 14:12 | God declares that He will punish the people with sword, famine, and pestilence, emphasizing the consequences of their rebellion. |
4. Jeremiah's Lamentation (Jeremiah 14:17-22)
| 14:17 | Jeremiah expresses his deep emotional struggle and sorrow over the people's refusal to repent, affirming his trust in God's power and provision. |
| 14:18 | Jeremiah describes the devastation of the land, highlighting the impact of the drought and the people's sin. |
| 14:19 | Jeremiah asks God if He has rejected Judah, highlighting the people's sense of abandonment and despair. |
| 14:20 | Jeremiah confesses the people's sin and rebellion, emphasizing their need for repentance and spiritual renewal. |
| 14:21 | Jeremiah asks God to remember His covenant with the people, highlighting His faithfulness and love. |
| 14:22 | Jeremiah affirms his trust in God's power and provision, highlighting His role as the ultimate Judge of all nations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Jeremiah chapter 14?
The chapter is situated within the larger narrative of the book of Jeremiah, which describes the prophet's ministry to Judah during the 7th century BC. The chapter is part of a section that emphasizes God's judgment on Judah due to their sin and idolatry.
What is the significance of the drought in Judah?
The drought serves as a metaphor for the spiritual barrenness of the people, highlighting their need for repentance and spiritual renewal. The drought also emphasizes the consequences of the people's rebellion and idolatry.
What is the role of the prophet in this chapter?
The prophet Jeremiah plays a crucial role in mediating between God and the people, highlighting the importance of intercession and prayer. Jeremiah's lamentation and prayer demonstrate his compassion and empathy for the people, as well as his trust in God's power and provision.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 14:1 → Deuteronomy 28:23-24 | The drought in Judah is reminiscent of the curses described in Deuteronomy 28:23-24, which emphasize the consequences of rebellion against God. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 14:7-9 → Psalm 51:1-19 | Jeremiah's prayer for the people is similar to David's prayer in Psalm 51:1-19, which emphasizes the need for repentance and spiritual renewal. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 14:10-12 → Isaiah 1:10-17 | God's response to Jeremiah is similar to His response to the people in Isaiah 1:10-17, which emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 14:17-22 → Lamentations 1:1-22 | Jeremiah's lamentation is similar to the lamentations in Lamentations 1:1-22, which emphasize the devastation and despair of the people. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 14:22 → Romans 11:33-36 | Jeremiah's affirmation of God's power and provision is similar to Paul's affirmation in Romans 11:33-36, which emphasizes God's sovereignty and wisdom. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 14:1-6 → Joel 1:1-20 | The drought in Judah is reminiscent of the locust plague described in Joel 1:1-20, which emphasizes the importance of repentance and spiritual renewal. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 14:7-9 → Matthew 9:35-38 | Jeremiah's prayer for the people is similar to Jesus' compassion for the crowds in Matthew 9:35-38, which emphasizes the importance of intercession and prayer. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 14:10-12 → Hebrews 10:26-31 | God's response to Jeremiah is similar to His response to the people in Hebrews 10:26-31, which emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 14:17-22 → Revelation 6:1-17 | Jeremiah's lamentation is similar to the descriptions of judgment in Revelation 6:1-17, which emphasize the consequences of rebellion and idolatry. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 14:22 → 1 Timothy 2:1-4 | Jeremiah's affirmation of God's power and provision is similar to Paul's affirmation in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, which emphasizes the importance of intercession and prayer. |
Sermons on Jeremiah 14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sodom's Sister by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his initial desire to bring a cheerful and uplifting message, but instead finds himself drawn to the 16th chapter of Ezekiel. He em |
|
Jeremiah the Man of Sorrows by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of young people preparing for the mission field and the focus on success rather than serving God. He emphasizes the need for a high s |
|
Cross Over the Line by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into Psalms 94 and Jeremiah 13-14, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God and the limit to God's patience when faced with persistent rebellion. It |
|
The Incredible Signs That Follow Those Who Believe by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four judgments that God will bring upon his people. These judgments include the sword to slay, the dogs to tear, the fowls of the heaven, |
|
|
Crossed Over the Line by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Brian begins by reading from Psalm 94, focusing on the theme of God's vengeance and justice. He emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart, s |
|
When God Seems Powerless by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the lamentation of the people of God, Judah and Jerusalem, who were focused on their own troubles and loss but failed to recognize the evil o |
|
The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 2 by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confessing our sins before the Lord, both individually and collectively as a church and nation. It delves into various Bibl |
|
|
Why Are These Things Come Upon Me? by Dan Biser | This sermon delves into the reasons behind the challenges faced by individuals, families, churches, and nations, emphasizing the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and |
|
When God Weeps by Edgar Reich | In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene of desperation and famine, comparing it to the current situation in Texas. The people are suffering from thirst and hunger, with parc |
|
God's Great Name, the Ground and Reason of Saving Great Sinners by Ralph Erskine | Ralph Erskine emphasizes that God's salvation of sinners is fundamentally for His own name's sake, rather than for any merit on the part of the sinners themselves. He explains that |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jeremiah 14
Matthew Henry's commentary on Jeremiah 14 emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith, highlighting the consequences of rebellion and idolatry. Henry notes that the drought in Judah serves as a metaphor for the spiritual barrenness of the people, emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal and growth. He also emphasizes the importance of intercession and prayer, highlighting Jeremiah's role as a mediator between God and the people. Henry's commentary reinforces the chapter's themes of God's sovereignty and justice, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness. Overall, Henry's commentary provides a thoughtful and devotional analysis of the chapter, emphasizing the practical applications of the text for Christian living. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Drought as a Metaphor
The drought in Judah serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual barrenness of the people, highlighting their need for repentance and spiritual renewal. This metaphor is reminiscent of other biblical passages, such as Isaiah 55:10-11, which describe the word of God as rain that brings spiritual growth and nourishment.
Jeremiah's Emotional Struggle
Jeremiah's lamentation in Jeremiah 14:17-22 reveals his deep emotional struggle and sorrow over the people's refusal to repent. This passage demonstrates the prophet's compassion and empathy for the people, as well as his frustration with their stubbornness.
God's Sovereignty and Justice
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice, highlighting His role as the ultimate Judge of all nations. This theme is reinforced by Jeremiah's affirmation of God's power and provision in Jeremiah 14:22.