Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 5. Who shall go aside to ask how thou doest?] Perhaps there is not a more despised nor a more degraded people under the sun. Scarcely any one thinks himself called upon to do a kind office for a Jew. Their character is bad in society, and they are not at all solicitous to redeem it.
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 כי3588 מי4310 יחמל2550 עליך5921 ירושׁלם3389 ומי4310 ינוד5110 לך ומי4310 יסור5493 לשׁאל7592 לשׁלם׃7965
