Jeremiah 14:2

"Judah mourns and her gates languish. Her people wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem.

Study Bible

Judah mourns
The Hebrew word for "mourns" is "אבל" (aval), which conveys a deep sense of grief and lamentation. In the context of ancient Israel, mourning was often expressed through rituals such as wearing sackcloth, sitting in ashes, and loud lamentations. Judah, representing the southern kingdom, is depicted as being in a state of profound sorrow. This mourning is not just an emotional response but a reflection of the spiritual and physical desolation due to their disobedience to God. Historically, Judah faced numerous threats from surrounding nations, and this mourning could be seen as a response to the impending judgment and calamity.

her cities languish
The term "languish" comes from the Hebrew "אמלו" (amal), suggesting a state of weakness, decay, or withering. The cities of Judah, once vibrant and full of life, are now depicted as deteriorating. This imagery reflects the consequences of turning away from God, leading to societal and moral decay. Archaeological evidence from the period shows that many cities in Judah faced destruction and decline, aligning with the prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah.

they wail for the land
"Wail" in Hebrew is "קול" (kol), indicating a loud, mournful cry. This phrase suggests a communal lamentation for the land itself, which was central to the identity and covenant relationship of the Israelites with God. The land, promised to Abraham and his descendants, was a symbol of God's blessing and presence. The wailing signifies a recognition of the loss of divine favor and the impending desolation due to the people's unfaithfulness.

a cry goes up from Jerusalem
The "cry" here is "זעקה" (za'akah), a term often used in the Hebrew Bible to denote a desperate plea for help or deliverance. Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heart of Judah, is portrayed as sending up a cry, indicating the severity of the situation. This cry is both a literal and metaphorical expression of the city's distress. Historically, Jerusalem faced numerous sieges and hardships, and this cry can be seen as a call for divine intervention amidst the impending judgment. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and turning back to God in times of crisis.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. It was the center of Jewish worship and culture, with Jerusalem as its capital.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, significant for its religious and political importance. It was the location of the Temple, the center of Jewish worship.

3. Gates
In ancient cities, gates were not only entry points but also places of gathering, commerce, and legal matters. The languishing of the gates symbolizes the decline of societal and communal life.

4. Mourning
A state of deep sorrow and lamentation, often expressed through physical actions such as sitting on the ground, wearing sackcloth, or weeping.

5. The Cry
Represents the collective lament and desperation of the people of Jerusalem, reaching up to God in their distress.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Judah's mourning and the languishing of her gates are direct results of the nation's sin and rebellion against God. This serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of turning away from God's commandments.

The Importance of Repentance
The cry of Jerusalem going up signifies a desperate need for repentance and turning back to God. In times of distress, believers are called to examine their hearts and seek God's forgiveness.

Community and Leadership
The state of the gates reflects the condition of leadership and community life. Strong, godly leadership is essential for the health and well-being of a society.

Hope in Despair
Even in the midst of mourning and desolation, there is hope. The cry going up suggests that God hears the pleas of His people and is compassionate towards those who seek Him earnestly.

The Role of Prayer
The passage underscores the power of communal prayer and lamentation. Believers are encouraged to come together in prayer, especially in times of national or communal crisis.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the mourning of Judah and the languishing of her gates teach us about the impact of sin on a community?

2. How can we apply the concept of repentance in our personal lives and communities today?

3. In what ways can we strengthen our community and leadership to prevent spiritual and societal decline?

4. How does the cry of Jerusalem going up to God encourage us in our own times of despair and difficulty?

5. What role does prayer play in addressing the challenges faced by our communities, and how can we be more intentional in our prayer life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Lamentations 1:1-4
This passage also describes the desolation and mourning of Jerusalem, emphasizing the city's loneliness and the suffering of its people.

Isaiah 3:26
This verse speaks of the gates lamenting and mourning, similar to Jeremiah 14:2, highlighting the theme of societal collapse due to sin and judgment.

Psalm 79:1-5
A psalm of lament that echoes the themes of destruction and mourning over Jerusalem, seeking God's intervention and mercy.