Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 2. Whither shall we go forth?-Such as are for death, to death] Some shall be destroyed by the pestilence, here termed death. See chap. xviii. 21. Others shall be slain by the sword in battle, and in the sackage of cities. Others shall perish by famine, shall be starved to death through the mere want of the necessaries of life; and the rest shall go into captivity.
There shall be different sorts of punishments inflicted on them according to the nature of their transgressions. Some shall be punished in one way, and some in another.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- A drought upon the land of Judah. (Jer. 14:1-7) A confession of sin in the name of the people. (Jer. 14:8-9) The Divine purpose to punish is declared. (Jer. 14:10-16) The people supplicate. (Jer. 14:17-22)
Jer. 14:1-9 The people were in tears. But it was rather the cry of their trouble, and of their sin, than of their prayer. Let us be thankful for the mercy of water, that we may not be taught to value it by feeling the want of it. See what dependence husbandmen have upon the Divine providence. They cannot plough nor sow in hope, unless God wate their furrows. The case even of the wild beasts was very pitiable. The people are not forward to pray, but the prophet prays for them. Sin is humbly confessed. Our sins not only accuse us, but answer against us Our best pleas in prayer are those fetched from the glory of God's ow name. We should dread God's departure, more than the removal of ou creature-comforts. He has given Israel his word to hope in. It become us in prayer to show ourselves more concerned for God's glory than for our own comfort. And if we now return to the Lord, he will save us to the glory of his grace.
Jer. 14:10-16 The Lord calls the Jews "this people," not "his people. They had forsaken his service, therefore he would punish them accordin to their sins. He forbade Jeremiah to plead for them. The fals prophets were the most criminal. The Lord pronounces condemnation of them; but as the people loved to have it so, they were not to escap judgments. False teachers encourage men to expect peace and salvation without repentance, faith, conversion, and holiness of life. But thos who believe a lie must not plead if for an excuse. They shall feel what they say they will not fear.
Jer. 14:17-22 Jeremiah acknowledged his own sins, and those of the people, but pleaded with the Lord to remember his covenant. In their distress none of the idols of the Gentiles could help them, nor coul the heavens give rain of themselves. The Lord will always have a people to plead with him at his mercy-seat. He will heal every truly repentin sinner. Should he not see fit to hear our prayers on behalf of ou guilty land, he will certainly bless with salvation all who confes their sins and seek his mercy _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew והיה1961 כי3588 יאמרו559 אליך413 אנה575 נצא3318 ואמרת559 אליהם413 כה3541 אמר559 יהוה3068 אשׁר834 למות4194 למות4194 ואשׁר834 לחרב2719 לחרב2719 ואשׁר834 לרעב7458 לרעב7458 ואשׁר834 לשׁבי7628 לשׁבי׃7628
