Jeremiah 11:14

As for you, do not pray for these people. Do not raise up a cry or a prayer on their behalf, for I will not be listening when they call out to Me in their time of disaster.

Study Bible

As for you
This phrase is directed specifically to Jeremiah, the prophet. In the Hebrew text, the pronoun is emphatic, indicating a personal directive from God to Jeremiah. It underscores the personal relationship and communication between God and His prophet, highlighting Jeremiah's unique role and responsibility in delivering God's message.

do not pray
The Hebrew word for "pray" here is "palal," which means to intercede or mediate. This is a significant command because it goes against the usual role of a prophet, who often intercedes for the people. The prohibition of prayer indicates the severity of the people's sin and God's decision to withhold mercy due to their persistent rebellion.

for these people
The phrase "these people" refers to the people of Judah, who have broken the covenant with God. It reflects a sense of distance and disapproval from God, as opposed to the more intimate "My people." This distancing language indicates the gravity of their apostasy and the broken relationship between God and Judah.

Do not raise a cry
The word "cry" in Hebrew is "za'aq," which often denotes a loud call for help or a plea for intervention. This prohibition emphasizes the futility of seeking divine intervention for a people who have consistently rejected God's commands. It highlights the seriousness of their situation and the impending judgment.

or a prayer
The Hebrew word for "prayer" here is "tefillah," which is a general term for supplication or petition to God. The repetition of the prohibition against prayer underscores the finality of God's decision. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience and the limits of divine patience.

on their behalf
This phrase indicates that Jeremiah is not to act as an intercessor for the people. It underscores the collective responsibility of the nation for their sins and the communal nature of their impending judgment. It also highlights the role of the prophet as a mediator who is now being instructed to step back.

for I will not be listening
The Hebrew verb "shama" means to hear or listen, but it also implies responding or acting upon what is heard. God's refusal to listen signifies a withdrawal of His protective and responsive presence. It is a stark declaration of divine judgment and the seriousness of the people's covenant breach.

when they call to Me
The phrase "call to Me" suggests a desperate plea for help. The Hebrew word "qara" implies a cry for attention or assistance. This highlights the irony and tragedy of the situation: the people will seek God in their distress, but their previous rejection of Him has led to a point where He will not respond.

in their time of disaster
The word "disaster" in Hebrew is "ra'ah," which can mean evil, calamity, or misfortune. This indicates the severe consequences of the people's actions and the inevitable judgment that is to come. It serves as a warning of the seriousness of turning away from God and the reality of divine justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. He is known for his perseverance in the face of opposition and his deep emotional connection to his people.

2. The People of Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, who had turned away from God and were engaging in idolatry and breaking the covenant established with their ancestors.

3. God (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is just and righteous. He is the one instructing Jeremiah not to intercede for the people due to their persistent disobedience.

4. The Covenant
The agreement between God and the Israelites, which included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The people of Judah had broken this covenant through idolatry and injustice.

5. Disaster
The impending judgment and calamity that God was going to bring upon Judah as a consequence of their unfaithfulness and rebellion.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin has serious consequences, and persistent rebellion against God can lead to a point where intercession is no longer effective.

The Role of Intercession
While intercession is powerful, there are times when God may choose not to respond due to the hardness of people's hearts.

God's Justice and Mercy
God is just and will not overlook sin, but His warnings are also an act of mercy, giving people a chance to repent.

Personal Responsibility
Each individual is responsible for their relationship with God. We cannot rely solely on others' prayers or righteousness.

The Call to Repentance
Even in the face of judgment, God desires repentance and a return to Him. This is a call to examine our own lives and turn back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Jeremiah's instruction not to pray for the people of Judah reveal about the state of their relationship with God?

2. How does the concept of covenant in Jeremiah 11:14 relate to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our hearts do not become hardened to the point where we are unresponsive to God's warnings?

4. How can we balance the understanding of God's justice with His mercy in our own lives and in our interactions with others?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take to restore that relationship, and how can this passage inform your approach to repentance and restoration?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 9:26-29
Moses interceded for Israel when they sinned, highlighting the role of intercession in the Old Testament. Jeremiah is told not to intercede, showing the severity of Judah's sin.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Samuel's rebuke of Saul for disobedience emphasizes that God desires obedience over sacrifice, paralleling Judah's situation where ritual could not replace true devotion.

Ezekiel 14:14
Even if righteous men like Noah, Daniel, and Job were present, they could only save themselves by their righteousness, underscoring the personal responsibility for sin.