Jer 14 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-9 The people were in tears. But it was rather the cry of their trouble, and of their sin, than of their prayer. Let us be thankful for the mercy of water, that we may not be taught to value it by feeling the want of it. See what dependence husbandmen have upon the Divine providence. They cannot plough nor sow in hope, unless God water their furrows. The case even of the wild beasts was very pitiable. The people are not forward to pray, but the prophet prays for them. Sin is humbly confessed. Our sins not only accuse us, but answer against us. Our best pleas in prayer are those fetched from the glory of God's own name. We should dread God's departure, more than the removal of our creature-comforts. He has given Israel his word to hope in. It becomes us in prayer to show ourselves more concerned for God's glory than for our own comfort. And if we now return to the Lord, he will save us to the glory of his grace.

‏ Jeremiah 14

* A drought upon the land of Judah. (1-7) A confession of sin in

the name of the people. (8-9) The Divine purpose to punish is

declared. (10-16) The people supplicate. (17-22)

1-9 The people were in tears. But it was rather the cry of

their trouble, and of their sin, than of their prayer. Let us be

thankful for the mercy of water, that we may not be taught to

value it by feeling the want of it. See what dependence

husbandmen have upon the Divine providence. They cannot plough

nor sow in hope, unless God water their furrows. The case even

of the wild beasts was very pitiable. The people are not forward

to pray, but the prophet prays for them. Sin is humbly

confessed. Our sins not only accuse us, but answer against us.

Our best pleas in prayer are those fetched from the glory of

God's own name. We should dread God's departure, more than the

removal of our creature-comforts. He has given Israel his word

to hope in. It becomes us in prayer to show ourselves more

concerned for God's glory than for our own comfort. And if we

now return to the Lord, he will save us to the glory of his

grace. 10-16 The Lord calls the Jews "this people," not "his people."

They had forsaken his service, therefore he would punish them

according to their sins. He forbade Jeremiah to plead for them.

The false prophets were the most criminal. The Lord pronounces

condemnation on them; but as the people loved to have it so,

they were not to escape judgments. False teachers encourage men

to expect peace and salvation, without repentance, faith,

conversion, and holiness of life. But those who believe a lie

must not plead if for an excuse. They shall feel what they say

they will not fear. 17-22 Jeremiah acknowledged his own sins, and those of the

people, but pleaded with the Lord to remember his covenant. In

their distress none of the idols of the Gentiles could help

them, nor could the heavens give rain of themselves. The Lord

will always have a people to plead with him at his mercy-seat.

He will heal every truly repenting sinner. Should he not see fit

to hear our prayers on behalf of our guilty land, he will

certainly bless with salvation all who confess their sins and

seek his mercy.