Jeremiah 14

Jeremiah 14:1

Drought, during the last siege, (ver. 18.; St. Jerome) or after the captivity of Jechonias; (chap. viii. 13.) though the famine might happen in the days of Josias, Joel i. (Calmet) — This scourge was in punishment of sin, and signified the privation of grace. (Worthington)

Jeremiah 14:3

Water. Siloe was the only spring near, and it was often dry, (St. Jerome) though it was formerly abundant, (Josephus, Jewish Wars vi. 6.) as well as the fountain of Gehon. The city was furnished with cisterns. (Calmet) — But all was now dry. (Haydock) — Heads; mourning, 2 Kings xv. 30.

Jeremiah 14:5

Field. They prefer places frequented by men. (Pliny, [Natural History?] viii. 32.)

Jeremiah 14:6

Wind, for refreshment. — Failed, through want, though they be very piercing.

Jeremiah 14:7

Sake. We have the honour to be called thy people. We urge no merit of our own.

Jeremiah 14:8

Lodge. The Fathers apply this to our Saviour, in a spiritual sense. (Calmet)

Jeremiah 14:9

Wandering. Septuagint, “sleeping;” (Haydock) or as a boaster, who thinks himself strong. (Worthington) — Upon us. Shall strangers rule over thy people?

Jeremiah 14:10

Rested. They are inconstant, fond of novelties, and apply to idols.

Jeremiah 14:11

Good, that the drought may be removed. (Calmet) See chap. vii. 16., and xi. 14. (Menochius) — “It is folly to pray for him who has sinned unto death,” (St. Jerome; 1 John v. 16.) by final impenitence. (Calmet) — Sacrifices will not benefit the impenitent. (St. Jerome)

Jeremiah 14:13

Ah. Hebrew has only one exclamation, or three letters, which Aquila renders, Ah, ah, ah., chap. i. 6., and Ezechiel iv. 14. (Haydock) — Jeremias lays the blame on false prophets. (Calmet) — Yet they afford no excuse to thy followers. Both fall into the ditch. (Worthington)

Jeremiah 14:17

My. Septuagint, “your eyes.” Jeremias shews by his tears the future misery. (Calmet) — Virgin. Though many were sinners, the Church had some just souls. (Worthington)

Jeremiah 14:18

Famine. Under Jechonias many were slain, and the chiefs carried into captivity, 4 Kings xxiv. 12. — Into. Hebrew, “through the land, and are ignorant.” Chaldean, “they apply to their business, to earthly concerns, and care not,” chap. v. 31.

Jeremiah 14:21

Glory; heaven, the temple or Jerusalem. How will infidels blaspheme!

Jeremiah 14:22

Rain. Let not the people have recourse to idols, (Calmet) in despair. (Haydock)

Jeremiah 14:27

CHAPTER XIV.