Jeremiah 14 Commentary
The LORD, Jeremiah, “them”, and “us” are often the characters in Jeremiah’s biographical discourses.
The LORD gives Jeremiah a word for them, meaning Israel or the men and women of Judah, including the rulers. In this case, the LORD decrees a drought and famine on the land.
This is a very difficult message for the messenger. It burns him. Yet he must carry it. He must deliver the parcel.
Then the prophet quickly sees something else. There is no “them”. It’s all about “us” – me and my brothers and sisters. So he prays: “Do something, LORD, for the sake of Your name.” He confesses.
Of course, we also hear from them; the men and women of Judah. They have no time for confession or repentance. They are happy with the status quo. Other prophets line up and encourage them. It is well, after all!
So Jeremiah goes back to the LORD. What about these good words from the prophets? Are You giving us different messages at the same time?
A prophet isn’t right until the LORD says so. Has the LORD spoken? It is all about the content.
Of course, the LORD hasn’t spoken through these prophets. They will be punished for faking the word of the LORD. We cannot be light about God’s word! There are consequences.
The switch from “them” to “us” is instructive. Saints may want to ponder this scenario and apply it to their interactions. There are times when the LORD pours His wrath on a community and “them” easily becomes “us”.
The poor economy affects us all, not just them. War is a problem for us, not just for them.
The effects of increased wickedness become a problem for us. We, therefore, cannot afford to keep quiet.
Of course, the LORD isn’t going to listen to Jeremiah. He tells him so. He is praying for a people who don’t care.
But Jeremiah is adamant. He keeps knocking at Heaven’s door. Who says you should stop praying?
Even when the LORD seems to say no, keep praying. The last section is yet another petition from the prophet. The LORD remains humanity’s only hope.
The LORD commanded that this statement be recorded for us today. Yes, the LORD remains our only hope.
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