For the brokenness of the daughter of my people I am crushed. I mourn; horror has gripped me. For the brokennessThe Hebrew word for "brokenness" is "שֶׁבֶר" (shever), which conveys a sense of shattering or destruction. This term is often used in the context of physical destruction or emotional devastation. In the context of Jeremiah, it reflects the profound spiritual and moral collapse of Judah. The prophet Jeremiah is deeply affected by the spiritual state of his people, indicating a heart aligned with God's own sorrow over sin and rebellion. This brokenness is not just a physical ruin but a spiritual and communal fracture that demands repentance and divine intervention. of the daughter of my people I am crushed I mourn horror has gripped me Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahThe prophet who is expressing deep sorrow and empathy for the people of Judah. Known as the "weeping prophet," Jeremiah's ministry was marked by his heartfelt lamentations over the spiritual and physical state of his people. 2. The Daughter of My People A poetic expression referring to the people of Judah. This term emphasizes the close, familial relationship between God and His people, highlighting their collective identity and the deep concern for their well-being. 3. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment and destruction due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience to God. 4. Mourning and Horror Emotional responses of Jeremiah, reflecting the gravity of the situation. Mourning indicates deep sorrow, while horror suggests a profound shock and distress over the people's condition. 5. Impending Judgment The context of this verse is the looming Babylonian invasion, which was a direct consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness to God. Teaching Points Empathy and IntercessionJeremiah's response to the brokenness of his people teaches us the importance of empathy and intercession. As believers, we are called to share in the sufferings of others and to pray earnestly for their restoration. The Consequences of Sin The verse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent sin and disobedience. It calls us to examine our lives and turn back to God in repentance. The Heart of a Prophet Jeremiah's mourning reflects the heart of a true prophet, who not only delivers God's message but also shares in the pain of the people. This challenges us to be compassionate and to bear one another's burdens. Hope Amidst Despair While the verse is filled with sorrow, it also points to the hope of restoration. God's heart is for healing and redemption, even in the midst of judgment. The Role of Lament Lament is a biblical response to suffering and injustice. It allows us to express our grief and seek God's intervention, reminding us that He is attentive to our cries. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jeremiah's response to the brokenness of his people challenge us to respond to the suffering around us today?2. In what ways can we practice empathy and intercession for those who are experiencing spiritual or physical brokenness? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of sin. How did that experience lead you to repentance and restoration? 4. How can the practice of lament deepen our relationship with God and enhance our prayer life? 5. What are some practical steps we can take to bear one another's burdens and support each other in times of distress, as exemplified by Jeremiah's mourning? Connections to Other Scriptures Lamentations 1:12This verse echoes Jeremiah's deep sorrow and mourning over Jerusalem's destruction, emphasizing the personal and communal grief experienced by the prophet. Isaiah 22:4 Similar to Jeremiah, Isaiah expresses profound grief over the fate of his people, highlighting the role of prophets as intercessors and mourners for their nation. Matthew 23:37 Jesus laments over Jerusalem, showing continuity in the theme of divine sorrow over the people's rejection and impending judgment.
People Dan, JeremiahPlaces Dan, Gilead, Jerusalem, ZionTopics Anguish, Appalment, Astonishment, Black, Breach, Broken, Brokenness, Clothing, Crushed, Daughter, Destruction, Dismay, Dressed, Fear, Grief, Grip, Grips, Heart, Hold, Horror, Hurt, Mourn, Mourning, Seized, Wound, WoundedDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 8:21 5952 sorrow Library December 8. "Is There no Balm in Gilead; is There no Physician There?" (Jer. viii. 22). "Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?" (Jer. viii. 22). Divine healing is just divine life. It is the headship of Christ over the body. It is the life of Christ in the frame. It is the union of our members with the very body of Christ and the inflowing life of Christ in our living members. It is as real as His risen and glorified body. It is as reasonable as the fact that He was raised from the dead and is a living man with a true body and a rational soul to-day, at God's right … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth What have I Done? Who Shall Deliver? "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind," Letter ii (A. D. 1126) to the Monk Adam Backsliding. A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized. "But Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?" The Intercession of Christ Jeremiah Links Jeremiah 8:21 NIVJeremiah 8:21 NLT Jeremiah 8:21 ESV Jeremiah 8:21 NASB Jeremiah 8:21 KJV Jeremiah 8:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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