◄ Jeremiah 14 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Drought, Famine, Sword, and Plague 1This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought: 2“Judah mourns and her gates languish. Her people wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem. 3The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water; their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads. 4The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads. 5Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass. 6Wild donkeys stand on barren heights; they pant for air like jackals;a their eyes fail for lack of pasture.” 7Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You. 8O Hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress, why are You like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays but a night? 9Why are You like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save? Yet You are among us, O LORD, and we are called by Your name. Do not forsake us! 10This is what the LORD says about this people: “Truly they love to wander; they have not restrained their feet. So the LORD does not accept them; He will now remember their iniquity and punish them for their sins.” 11Then the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people. 12Although they may fast, I will not listen to their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague.” 13“Ah, Lord GOD!” I replied, “Look, the prophets are telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or suffer famine, but I will give you lasting peace in this place.’” 14“The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds. 15Therefore this is what the LORD says about the prophets who prophesy in My name: I did not send them, yet they say, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’ By sword and famine these very prophets will meet their end! 16And the people to whom they prophesy will be thrown into the streets of Jerusalem because of famine and sword. There will be no one to bury them or their wives, their sons or their daughters. I will pour out their own evil upon them. 17You are to speak this word to them: ‘My eyes overflow with tears; day and night they do not cease, for the virgin daughter of my people has been shattered by a crushing blow, a severely grievous wound. 18If I go out to the country, I see those slain by the sword; if I enter the city, I see those ravaged by famine! For both prophet and priest travel to a land they do not know.’” A Prayer for Mercy (Isaiah 63:15–19) 19Have You rejected Judah completely? Do You despise Zion? Why have You stricken us so that we are beyond healing? We hoped for peace, but no good has come, and for the time of healing, but there was only terror. 20We acknowledge our wickedness, O LORD, the guilt of our fathers; indeed, we have sinned against You. 21For the sake of Your name do not despise us; do not disgrace Your glorious throne. Remember Your covenant with us; do not break it. 22Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies alone send showers? Is this not by You, O LORD our God? So we put our hope in You, for You have done all these things. Footnotes: 6 a Or serpents or dragons Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Jeremiah 14 Summary Drought, Famine, Sword, and Plague Verses 1–6 – Drought Devastates the Land Jeremiah receives “the word of the LORD concerning the drought” (v. 1). All of Judah is parched. City gates droop, people clothe themselves in mourning, nobles send servants for water only to find empty cisterns, farmers are ashamed, even wildlife suffers: “the doe in the field abandons her newborn fawn… wild donkeys stand on the barren heights” (vv. 5–6). Creation itself reflects Judah’s spiritual barrenness. Verses 7–9 – Plea for Mercy Amid Sin The prophet speaks for the nation: “Though our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name” (v. 7). Judah admits guilt yet clings to God’s covenant reputation, calling Him “the Hope of Israel” and “a mighty warrior” (v. 9). They beg Him not to remain a stranger in their land. Verses 10–12 – Unavoidable Judgment God replies that the people “love to wander” (v. 10), and He will now remember their sins. Fasting, offerings, and prayers will not avert the sentence: “I will consume them by sword, famine, and plague” (v. 12). Verses 13–16 – False Prophets Exposed Jeremiah objects, noting prophets who promise peace. The Lord denounces those voices: “By sword and famine those prophets will meet their end” (v. 15). Those who trust them will share their fate; corpses will fill the streets with none to bury them. Verses 17–18 – Jeremiah’s Tears God instructs Jeremiah to weep day and night for “the virgin daughter of my people.” The prophet sees both soldier and priest wandering the land wounded, showing no one is spared. Verses 19–22 – Final Appeal for Restoration The people ask if God has utterly rejected Judah. They confess, “We have sinned against You” (v. 20) and admit the futility of idols: “Can any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain?” (v. 22). Their hope rests only in the Lord who made the heavens and the earth. Jeremiah 14 captures the prophet Jeremiah's profound lament over a severe drought afflicting Judah, a clear divine punishment for the nation's persistent idolatry and sin. Here, the prophet pleads with God on behalf of his people and grapples with false prophets who falsely assure peace instead of urging repentance. Historical Setting • Date: Likely during Jehoiakim’s reign (609-598 BC), a period marked by shifting alliances and Babylon’s rise. • A series of droughts was a known disaster in the Levant. Assyrian and Babylonian annals reference crop failures in this era, matching Jeremiah’s description. • Under the Sinai covenant (Deuteronomy 28:23-24; Leviticus 26:19-20), drought is a sign of national unfaithfulness. Judah is reaping the curses promised centuries earlier. The Drought as Covenant Reminder 1. Physical dryness mirrors spiritual dryness (Isaiah 44:3-4; Amos 4:7-8). 2. The land mourns because its caretakers broke faith (Hosea 4:1-3). 3. Jeremiah places responsibility on Judah, not on Baal or hostile neighbors. Jeremiah’s Intercession • Jeremiah pleads much like Moses (Exodus 32:11-14) and Samuel (1 Samuel 12:19-23). • Three themes in his prayer: confession of sin, appeal to God’s name, and recognition of God’s covenant loyalty. • Yet God withholds permission for further intercession (v. 11), underscoring that a point of no return can be reached (1 John 5:16). False Prophets and Discernment • They offer comfort without repentance—“You will not see the sword or famine” (v. 13). • God’s test for prophets (Deuteronomy 18:21-22) centers on fulfilled words; these prophets fail that test. • Their judgment parallels later warnings by Jesus: “Many false prophets will arise and deceive many” (Matthew 24:11). Covenant Curses and Blessings Blessing: Rain, fertility, security (Deuteronomy 11:13-15). Curse: Drought, famine, invasion (Deuteronomy 28:24-25). Jeremiah 14 demonstrates that obedience and disobedience have tangible outcomes, not abstract concepts. Jeremiah’s Tears and God’s Heart • The prophet’s sorrow (v. 17) reflects God’s own grief (Hosea 11:8). • Jeremiah is a living signpost; his emotional life preaches as loudly as his words. • This anticipates Jesus, who wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44). Connections Across Scripture • 1 Kings 17: Elijah’s drought during Ahab’s idolatry parallels Jeremiah’s scene. • Revelation 6:5-8: famine listed among end-time judgments echoes sword, famine, plague triad here. • James 5:16-18 refers to Elijah’s prayerful authority over rain, reminding believers that prayer aligns with obedience. • Romans 2:5 warns that continual unrepentance stores up wrath—Judah’s predicament in Jeremiah 14. Archaeological and Cultural Insights • Lachish Letters (written c. 588 BC) speak of water shortages and Babylonian pressure, illustrating real-time dread inside Judah. • Cistern systems uncovered in Jerusalem show dependence on stored rainwater; failure of rains quickly became a life-or-death crisis. • Animal imagery: wild donkeys braying (v. 6) is verified by modern observations in the Judean wilderness where herds survive only near seasonal springs. Key Truths for Today 1. Sin has practical consequences—spiritual drought often shows up in emotional and community breakdown. 2. Confession is non-negotiable; blaming circumstances never satisfies heaven. 3. Not every encouraging voice is God’s voice. Scripture is the plumb line for discerning truth. 4. God keeps covenant promises, whether blessings or judgments—an anchor for hope and a warning against complacency. 5. True servants of God, like Jeremiah, feel the weight of people’s pain while staying faithful to God’s word. Connections to Additional Scriptures 2 Chronicles 7:14 Emphasizes the importance of humility, prayer, and turning from wicked ways for healing and restoration. Matthew 7:15-20 Warns against false prophets and teaches how to recognize them by their fruits. James 5:16 Encourages believers to confess sins to one another and pray for each other for healing. Teaching Points The Reality of Drought Jeremiah 14:1-6 describes a physical drought that affects the land, animals, and people. This drought serves as a metaphor for spiritual dryness and the consequences of sin. The People's Lament In verses 7-9, the people acknowledge their sin and cry out to God, recognizing their need for His intervention. This highlights the importance of confession and seeking God's face in times of trouble. God's Response to Sin Verses 10-12 reveal God's response to the people's insincere repentance. Despite their cries, God declares that He will not accept their offerings or prayers because their hearts remain unchanged. False Prophets and Deception In verses 13-16, God addresses the false prophets who deceive the people with false assurances of peace. This serves as a warning against listening to voices that contradict God's truth. Jeremiah's Intercession The chapter concludes with Jeremiah's heartfelt intercession for the people (verses 17-22). Despite God's judgment, Jeremiah pleads for mercy, demonstrating the power of intercessory prayer. Practical Applications Examine Your Heart Regularly assess your spiritual condition. Are there areas of spiritual drought in your life that need to be addressed? Genuine Repentance When confessing sins, ensure that your repentance is sincere and accompanied by a desire to change. Discernment in Teaching Be cautious of false teachings and ensure that the messages you receive align with Scripture. Intercede for Others Follow Jeremiah's example by praying for those who are spiritually lost or facing difficult circumstances. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure in the chapter, the LORD is the one who speaks to Jeremiah and expresses His judgment and sorrow over the sins of Judah. The name "Yahweh" is derived from the Hebrew root "הוה" (hwh), meaning "to be" or "to exist," emphasizing God's eternal and self-existent nature. 2. Jeremiah The prophet who receives the word of the LORD. He is tasked with delivering God's message to the people of Judah. Jeremiah is known for his role as a weeping prophet, lamenting the spiritual state of his people. 3. The People of Judah Although not named individually, the people of Judah are the recipients of God's message through Jeremiah. They are described as suffering from drought and famine due to their sins and idolatry. 4. Prophets These are false prophets mentioned in the chapter who deceive the people by proclaiming peace and safety when there is none. They are criticized by God for leading the people astray. 5. Priests Alongside the prophets, the priests are also mentioned as part of the religious leadership that has failed the people. They are implicated in the spiritual decline of Judah. Places 1. Judah In Jeremiah 14:2, Judah is mentioned as the region experiencing great mourning due to a severe drought. The Hebrew root for Judah is "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah), which means "praised" or "celebrated." Judah was one of the twelve tribes of Israel and later became a significant kingdom in the southern part of the land of Israel. 2. Jerusalem Also in Jeremiah 14:2, Jerusalem is referenced as being in mourning. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), which means "foundation of peace." Jerusalem was the capital city of Judah and held great religious and political significance as the location of the Temple. Events 1. The Drought and Its Consequences The chapter opens with a description of a severe drought in Judah. The land mourns, and the people are in distress due to the lack of rain. The Hebrew word for drought, "בַּצֹּרֶת" (batsoreth), emphasizes the severity of the situation. The ground is cracked, and there is no water for the people or animals (Jeremiah 14:1-6). 2. Judah's Confession of Sin The people of Judah acknowledge their wickedness and the sins of their ancestors. They plead with God not to forsake them, recognizing their iniquities and the consequences they face (Jeremiah 14:7-9). 3. God's Response to Judah's Plea Despite their confession, God declares that He will not accept their plea. He will remember their iniquity and punish their sins. The Hebrew term "פָּקַד" (paqad) is used, indicating God's attention to their sins (Jeremiah 14:10). 4. Prohibition of Intercession God instructs Jeremiah not to pray for the welfare of the people. He states that even if they fast, He will not listen to their cry, and He will not accept their offerings. This highlights the seriousness of their rebellion (Jeremiah 14:11-12). 5. False Prophets and Their Deception God addresses the false prophets who are misleading the people by promising peace and safety. He declares that these prophets are speaking lies and that He did not send them. The Hebrew word "שָׁקֶר" (sheqer) is used for "lies," emphasizing the falsehood of their messages (Jeremiah 14:13-16). 6. Jeremiah's Lamentation Jeremiah expresses his sorrow and grief over the suffering of his people. He is deeply affected by their plight and the impending judgment. The prophet's lament reflects his compassion and the burden he carries (Jeremiah 14:17-18). 7. A Final Plea for Mercy The chapter concludes with a final plea from the people, asking God to remember His covenant and not to break it. They acknowledge that the false gods cannot bring rain and that only the Lord can provide for them. This plea underscores their dependence on God (Jeremiah 14:19-22). Lessons from Jeremiah 14 1. The Power of Prayer in Times of Drought In Jeremiah 14, we see a nation in distress, facing a severe drought. This chapter reminds us of the importance of turning to God in prayer during difficult times. "Though our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name" (Jeremiah 14:7). When life feels dry and barren, prayer is our lifeline, connecting us to the One who can bring rain to our parched souls. 2. Acknowledging Our Shortcomings Jeremiah 14 teaches us the value of humility and confession. The people of Judah acknowledge their sins, saying, "We have sinned against You" (Jeremiah 14:20). Recognizing our shortcomings is the first step toward spiritual renewal. It’s a reminder that God’s grace is sufficient, and His forgiveness is always available when we come to Him with a contrite heart. 3. The Consequences of Ignoring God The chapter highlights the consequences of turning away from God. The drought serves as a physical manifestation of spiritual barrenness. "The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land" (Jeremiah 14:4). Ignoring God leads to a life that lacks fulfillment and purpose. Let this be a call to remain steadfast in our faith and obedience. 4. The Role of True Prophets Jeremiah 14 warns against false prophets who lead people astray with comforting lies. "The prophets are prophesying lies in My name" (Jeremiah 14:14). True prophets speak God’s truth, even when it’s hard to hear. We must discern and seek guidance from those who are faithful to Scripture, ensuring that our spiritual leaders are grounded in God’s Word. 5. God’s Reluctance to Punish Despite the people’s rebellion, God’s heart is not quick to punish. "Do not abhor us, for Your name’s sake" (Jeremiah 14:21). This reflects God’s patience and desire for repentance rather than retribution. It’s a comforting reminder that God’s love is enduring, and He longs for us to return to Him. 6. The Importance of Intercession Jeremiah stands as an intercessor for his people, pleading with God on their behalf. "Do not forsake us" (Jeremiah 14:9). Intercession is a powerful act of love and faith. We are called to pray for others, lifting them up to God, and trusting in His mercy and intervention in their lives. 7. The Reality of Divine Judgment While God is merciful, Jeremiah 14 also underscores the reality of divine judgment. "I will pour out their own wickedness upon them" (Jeremiah 14:16). God’s justice is perfect, and there are consequences for persistent disobedience. This serves as a sober reminder to live righteously and align our lives with His will. 8. The Call to Repentance The chapter is a clarion call to repentance. "We acknowledge our wickedness, O LORD" (Jeremiah 14:20). Repentance is not just about feeling sorry; it’s about turning away from sin and toward God. It’s a transformative process that brings us closer to His heart and aligns us with His purposes. 9. Trusting in God’s Sovereignty Jeremiah 14 encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire. "Are there any among the idols of the nations who can bring rain?" (Jeremiah 14:22). Only God has the power to change our situation. Trusting in His sovereignty brings peace and assurance that He is in control. 10. The Hope of Restoration Finally, Jeremiah 14 offers hope for restoration. Despite the bleak situation, there is an underlying promise of renewal. "We set our hope on You" (Jeremiah 14:22). God’s plans for us are always for good, and He desires to restore and bless us. This hope is a beacon that guides us through life’s storms, reminding us that with God, there is always a new beginning. Topics 1. The Drought and Its Consequences Jeremiah 14 opens with a description of a severe drought affecting Judah. The land mourns, and there is no water for the people or animals. This physical drought symbolizes spiritual barrenness and God's judgment on the nation. The Hebrew word for drought, "בַּצֹּרֶת" (batzoret), emphasizes the severity of the calamity. 2. The People's Lament The people of Judah express their distress and shame due to the drought. They acknowledge their sin and the resulting consequences. This lamentation reflects a recognition of their broken relationship with God, as seen in verses like Jeremiah 14:7, "Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name." 3. Jeremiah's Intercession Jeremiah intercedes on behalf of the people, pleading with God to remember His covenant and not forsake them. This intercession highlights the role of the prophet as a mediator and the importance of seeking God's mercy. The Hebrew root "פָּלַל" (palal) for intercession underscores the act of prayer and supplication. 4. God's Response to the People and Prophets God responds to Jeremiah, expressing His rejection of the people's superficial repentance and the false prophets who deceive them. He declares that the people will face sword, famine, and plague. This response emphasizes God's justice and the consequences of unfaithfulness. 5. The False Prophets' Deception The chapter addresses the false prophets who proclaim peace and safety, contradicting God's true message. Their deception leads the people astray, highlighting the danger of false teachings. The Hebrew term "שָׁקֶר" (sheqer) for falsehood underscores the deceitful nature of their prophecies. 6. The Inevitable Judgment Despite Jeremiah's intercession, God affirms the inevitability of judgment due to the people's persistent sin. This section underscores the seriousness of divine justice and the need for genuine repentance. The Hebrew word "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat) for judgment reflects God's righteous decision. 7. Jeremiah's Continued Plea The chapter concludes with Jeremiah's continued plea for mercy, acknowledging the people's sin but appealing to God's covenant faithfulness. This plea reflects the tension between divine justice and mercy, and the hope for restoration. The Hebrew root "חָנַן" (chanan) for mercy emphasizes the gracious nature of God's character. Themes 1. Drought and Divine Judgment Jeremiah 14 opens with a vivid depiction of a severe drought as a form of divine judgment on Judah. The land mourns, and there is no water for the people or animals. This theme highlights the consequences of the nation's sin and rebellion against God. The Hebrew word for drought, "בַּצֹּרֶת" (batsoreth), underscores the severity of the physical and spiritual barrenness experienced by the people. 2. Confession and Plea for Mercy The people of Judah acknowledge their iniquities and plead for God's mercy. In verses 7-9, they confess, "Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name." This theme emphasizes the importance of repentance and seeking God's forgiveness, recognizing His sovereignty and the need for His intervention. 3. False Prophets and Deception Jeremiah addresses the issue of false prophets who deceive the people with false assurances of peace. In verse 14, God declares, "The prophets are prophesying lies in My name." This theme warns against the danger of false teachings and the importance of discerning truth from deception, as the Hebrew word "שֶׁקֶר" (sheker) for "lies" indicates the falsehoods being spread. 4. God's Reluctance to Relent Despite the people's pleas, God expresses His reluctance to relent from the impending judgment due to their persistent unfaithfulness. In verse 11, God instructs Jeremiah, "Do not pray for the well-being of this people." This theme highlights the seriousness of continued disobedience and the limits of divine patience. 5. Intercession and Prophetic Lament Jeremiah intercedes on behalf of the people, expressing deep sorrow and lament over their plight. In verse 17, he is told to "let my eyes overflow with tears night and day without ceasing." This theme reflects the role of the prophet as an intercessor and the emotional burden of witnessing the people's suffering and God's impending judgment. 6. Hope in God's Covenant Faithfulness Despite the dire circumstances, there is an underlying hope in God's covenant faithfulness. The people appeal to God's enduring relationship with Israel, as seen in verse 21, "Do not despise us, for Your own name’s sake; do not disgrace the throne of Your glory." This theme underscores the belief in God's unchanging nature and His ultimate plan for redemption. Prayer Points Pray for a heart of genuine repentance and a desire to turn away from sin. Ask God for discernment to recognize and reject false teachings. Intercede for those experiencing spiritual drought, that they may seek and find God's living water. Thank God for His mercy and grace, and ask for His guidance in times of spiritual dryness. Answering Tough Questions 1. Jeremiah 14:1–6: Does any historical or archeological evidence confirm or challenge the account of a severe drought at that time? 2. Jeremiah 14:7–9: How can a merciful God seemingly ignore the desperate pleas of His people in these verses? 3. Jeremiah 14:11–12: Why would God forbid prayers of intercession, when other biblical passages encourage praying for others? 4. Jeremiah 14:13–16: If God is omniscient and just, why allow false prophets to deceive so many without immediate correction? 5. Jeremiah 14:22: Is attributing rainfall solely to divine intervention consistent with modern scientific understanding of meteorology? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Jeremiah 14 illustrate the consequences of turning away from God's commands? 2. Discuss the role of the prophet in this chapter. How does Jeremiah embody this role? 3. In verses 7-9, Jeremiah pleads for mercy. What can we learn about the relationship between sin, confession, and mercy? 4. How does the depiction of the drought in Judah symbolize spiritual barrenness? 5. Discuss the role and impact of false prophets in Jeremiah 14. 6. How does God's response in verses 10-12 demonstrate His righteousness and justice? 7. In what ways do you see the theme of divine judgement and retribution played out in your life or society today? 8. How can we apply Jeremiah's plea for mercy to our prayer life? 9. Can you identify situations in today's world where false prophecy might be causing harm or misleading people? 10. In times of crisis, how can we use Jeremiah's model of prayer and lament? 11. How does this chapter speak to the theme of God's sovereignty even amid disaster? 12. How do you think the people of Judah could have responded differently to avoid the consequences of their sins? 13. How does Jeremiah's plea on behalf of his people reflect his love for them and for God? 14. In what ways does God's response to Jeremiah challenge our modern-day understanding of mercy and judgement? 15. How can the themes in Jeremiah 14 guide us in discerning truth from falsehood in our world today? 16. How can Jeremiah's expressions of grief and pleas for mercy inspire our own prayers during challenging times? 17. Can you relate to the feelings of despair and pleading for divine intervention as expressed in this chapter? 18. How can the lesson of divine retribution from Jeremiah 14 influence our daily decision-making process? 19. Reflect on a time you sought God's intervention during a personal "drought". What lessons did you learn? 20. Jeremiah 14 warns about false peace assurances. In today's context, what forms might these false assurances take and how can we guard against them? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions