Jeremiah 8:7
Jeremiah 8:7 in Multiple Translations
Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD.
Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.
Yea, the stork in the heavens knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle-dove and the swallow and the crane observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the law of Jehovah.
Truly, the stork in the heavens is conscious of her fixed times; the dove and the swallow and the crane keep to the times of their coming; but my people have no knowledge of the law of the Lord.
Even storks high in the sky know when it's time to migrate. Turtledoves, swifts, and songbirds know when to fly away at the right time of the year. But my people don't know the laws of the Lord.
Euen the storke in the aire knoweth her appointed times, and the turtle and the crane and the swallowe obserue the time of their comming, but my people knoweth not the iudgement of the Lord.
Even a stork in the heavens hath known her seasons, And turtle, and swallow, and crane, Have watched the time of their coming, And — My people have not known the judgment of Jehovah.
Yes, the stork in the sky knows her appointed times. The turtledove, the swallow, and the crane observe the time of their coming; but my people don’t know the LORD’s law.
Yes, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.
The kite in the air hath known her time: the turtle, and the swallow, and the stork have observed the time of their coming: but my people have not known the judgment of the Lord.
All the birds that fly south for the ◄winter/cold season► know the time that they need to fly south, and they all return at the right time the following year. But my people are not like those birds! They do not know what I, Yahweh, require them to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 8:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 8:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּם
חֲסִידָ֣ה
בַ/שָּׁמַ֗יִם
יָֽדְעָה֙
מֽוֹעֲדֶ֔י/הָ
וְ/תֹ֤ר
ו/סוס
וְ/סִיס֙
וְ/עָג֔וּר
שָׁמְר֖וּ
אֶת
עֵ֣ת
בֹּאָ֑/נָה
וְ/עַמִּ֕/י
לֹ֣א
יָֽדְע֔וּ
אֵ֖ת
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
יְהוָֽה
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
חֲסִידָ֣ה
chăçîydâh
H2624
stork
N-fs
בַ/שָּׁמַ֗יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Prep | N-md
יָֽדְעָה֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
מֽוֹעֲדֶ֔י/הָ
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
N-mp | Suff
וְ/תֹ֤ר
tôwr
H8449
turtledove
Conj | N-cs
ו/סוס
çûwç
H5483
swallow
Conj | N-ms
וְ/סִיס֙
çûwç
H5483
swallow
Conj | N-ms
וְ/עָג֔וּר
ʻâgûwr
H5693
crane
Conj | N-ms
שָׁמְר֖וּ
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֵ֣ת
ʻêth
H6256
time
N-cs
בֹּאָ֑/נָה
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וְ/עַמִּ֕/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Conj | N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָֽדְע֔וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 8:7
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
חֲסִידָ֣ה
chăçîydâh
H2624
"stork"
N-fs
The stork is a kind of bird known for its maternal care, mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of devotion. In Leviticus and Deuteronomy, it is listed as an unclean bird, but its loyalty to its young is notable.
Definition: stork
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] feather, stork. See also: Leviticus 11:19; Psalms 104:17; Jeremiah 8:7.
בַ/שָּׁמַ֗יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Prep | N-md
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
יָֽדְעָה֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
מֽוֹעֲדֶ֔י/הָ
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
וְ/תֹ֤ר
tôwr
H8449
"turtledove"
Conj | N-cs
The Hebrew word for turtledove, a symbol of love and peace, often used as a term of endearment in the Bible.
Definition: dove, turtledove
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: (turtle) dove. See also: Genesis 15:9; Leviticus 14:30; Psalms 74:19.
ו/סוס
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/סִיס֙
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/עָג֔וּר
ʻâgûwr
H5693
"crane"
Conj | N-ms
This word likely refers to a type of bird, possibly a swallow or crane. It appears in biblical descriptions of nature and creation, highlighting God's care for all creatures. The KJV translates it as 'swallow'.
Definition: 1) name of a bird 1a) perhaps a thrush, swallow, crane
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: swallow. See also: Isaiah 38:14; Jeremiah 8:7.
שָׁמְר֖וּ
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֵ֣ת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
בֹּאָ֑/נָה
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וְ/עַמִּ֕/י
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָֽדְע֔וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 8:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 8:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 8:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 8:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:7
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 8:7
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 8:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:7
- Sermons on Jeremiah 8:7
Context — Judah’s Sin and Punishment
5Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return.
6I have listened and heard; they do not speak what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, asking, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone has pursued his own course like a horse charging into battle.
7Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD.
8How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,’ when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception? 9The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 1:3 | The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 5:4–5 | Then I said, “They are only the poor; they have played the fool, for they do not know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God. I will go to the powerful and speak to them. Surely they know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.” But they too, with one accord, had broken the yoke and torn off the chains. |
| 3 | Proverbs 6:6–8 | Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. |
| 4 | Isaiah 5:12 | At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands. |
| 5 | Song of Solomon 2:12 | The flowers have appeared in the countryside; the season of singing has come, and the cooing of turtledoves is heard in our land. |
Jeremiah 8:7 Summary
[Jeremiah 8:7 teaches us that even animals know their appointed seasons and follow their natural instincts, but God's people often fail to know and obey His commands. This is a call to repentance and a reminder to seek God's will in our lives, as seen in (Psalm 119:105) and (Proverbs 3:5-6). By studying God's Word and seeking His guidance, we can learn to follow His commands and will, just as the birds follow their migration patterns. As we reflect on this verse, let us ask ourselves if we are truly following God's will in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the birds mentioned in Jeremiah 8:7?
The birds mentioned, such as the stork, turtledove, swift, and thrush, are examples of creatures that follow their natural instincts and migrate at the right time, illustrating the idea that even animals know their appointed seasons, unlike God's people who do not know the requirements of the Lord, as seen in Jeremiah 8:7 and also in Romans 1:20 where creation testifies to God's existence and character.
What does it mean to 'know the requirements of the Lord' in Jeremiah 8:7?
To know the requirements of the Lord means to understand and obey God's commands and will, as revealed in His Word, such as in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Micah 6:8, which emphasize the importance of loving and serving God with all one's heart and soul.
Why are God's people compared to birds in Jeremiah 8:7?
The comparison between God's people and birds in Jeremiah 8:7 highlights the contrast between the natural world, where creatures follow their instincts, and the spiritual world, where God's people are expected to follow His commands and will, but often fail to do so, as seen in Isaiah 1:3 and Hosea 4:6.
What is the main message of Jeremiah 8:7?
The main message of Jeremiah 8:7 is that God's people have failed to know and obey His commands, unlike the natural world, which follows its appointed seasons, and this failure has consequences, as seen in Jeremiah 8:8-9 and other passages like Proverbs 29:18 and Matthew 15:8-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can learn to know and obey the requirements of the Lord, like the birds know their migration patterns?
- How can I apply the lesson of Jeremiah 8:7 to my own life, recognizing the contrast between my actions and the natural world?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be failing to follow God's commands and will, and how can I repent and turn back to Him?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of God's presence and will in my daily life, just as the birds are mindful of their migration seasons?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 8:7
Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times,.... Of going and returning; for this is a bird of passage, as Pliny (d) and other naturalists observe; which goes away as winter approaches, and returns when that is over.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 8:7
Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:7
In the heaven, i.e. in the air, which is often called heaven, where the birds fly, ; compare , who possibly observe the fit time by the temperature of the air. Knoweth her appointed times, i.e. observeth the several seasons of her going and coming by some natural instinct, and this is said of the stork: what kind of fowl is here meant is disputable: see English Annotations and Latin Synopsis. Observe the time of their coming; the same thing diversified in these several fowls, that know also their seasons. But my people know not: this notes the great stupidity of his people, seeming not to have as much sense in them as the birds in the air, not knowing their summer of prosperity, to make a good use of God’ s favours, nor the winter of adversity, either to prevent or remove that wrath of God that hangs over their heads, ,44; they know not their time for repentance, and making their peace with God, compared also, on the same account, to the beasts of the field, ; and thus Christ upbraids the Pharisees, ,3. The judgment of the Lord; either God’ s vengeance in general, or particularly hovering over Jerusalem and Judea; or rather, the manner of God’ s dispensations with them. So the word is used 8:11.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:7
Jeremiah 8:7 Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.Ver. 7. Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times.] These souls, though wanting reason, know well when to change quarters, whether against summer, as the stork, turtle, and swallow, or against winter, as the crane. But my people know not the judgment of the Lord.] Whether his summer of grace offered, or his winter of punishment threatened; to embrace the one or to prevent the other. See a like dissimilitude and opposition, Isaiah 1:3.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:7
(7) The stork in the heaven.—The eye of the prophet looked on nature at once with the quick observation of one who is alive to all her changes, and with the profound thought of a poet finding inner meanings in all phenomena. The birds of the air obey their instincts as the law of their nature. Israel, with its fatal gift of freedom, resists that which is its law of life. The stork arrives in Palestine in March, and leaves for the north of Europe in April or May. The Hebrew name, chasideh (literally, the pious bird), indicating its care for its young, is suggestive, as also is the phrase “in the heavens,” as applied to its characteristic mode of flight. The turtle-dove appears at the approach of spring (Song Son 2:12). The crane and the swallow.—In the judgment of Tristram and other modern naturalists, the words should change places, and perhaps “swift” take the place of swallow. The word for “swallow” in Psalms 84:3 is different. The same combination meets us in Isaiah 38:14. Judgment.—Better, perhaps, ordinance, the appointed rule of life which brute creatures obey and man transgresses.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:7
Verse 7. The stork in the heaven] The birds of passage know the times of their going and return, and punctually observe them; they obey the dictates of nature, but my people do not obey my law.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 8:7
7. Instinct renders migratory birds punctual in departure and arrival. How much more should man’s reason and conscience exercise over him an effective control. Cp. Isaiah 1:3. stork] There are two species found in Palestine, the white and the black, the former dispersed generally in pairs over the whole country, the latter living in the deserts and in large flocks. in the heaven] at the time of their migration they fly high. (See HDB. and Tristram, Nat. Hist. of Bible, 205, 219, 246.) turtle] There are three species of turtle dove in Palestine. swallow] better, swift, or martin. All three are common in Palestine. The swift has a harsh cry, constantly repeated. crane] perhaps a species of bird akin to that preceding. It may very possibly be the swallow, but no clear indication can be got from any sense of the root in Hebrew or cognate languages. ordinance] though it is thus recognised by the lower animals.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 8:7
Jeremiah appeals to the obedience which migratory birds render to the law of their natures. The “stork” arrives in Palestine about March 21, and after a six weeks’ halt departs for the north of Europe.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:7
7. Yea, the stork… knoweth, etc. — Even the birds obey the law of God written on their natures, but my people are more brutish than the irrational animals themselves.
Sermons on Jeremiah 8:7
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"Before the Last depression..." by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the warning signs that God may be sending to America through natural disasters and economic indicators, drawing parallels to past events like the Great Depre |
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My People Know Not the Judgement of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging that God is doing something profound in the church and will bring about a deep purification in the coming year. The message is |
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(In the Word) 15 - the World in the Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying committed to the word of God and not being swayed by old traditions or wrong teachings. He urges the listeners to |
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The Seven Levels of Judgment - Improper Response Part 3 by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding properly to God's call, highlighting the consequences of improper responses seen in various biblical examples. It discusses the |
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The Seven Levels of Judgment - Improper Response Part 1 by Dan Biser | This sermon delves into the concept of the seven levels of judgment as outlined in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's response to sin and the need for a p |
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The Seven Levels of Judgment - Improper Response Part 2 by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the consequences of improper responses to God's instructions and calls for repentance, confession, and proper alignment with God's will. It highlights the im |
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Why Revival Leaves by Dean Taylor | Dean Taylor delves into the topic of revival, exploring the reasons why revival tarries and why it eventually leaves. Drawing from historical accounts like the Lancaster revivals, |