Jeremiah 14:19-22 demonstrates a fervent plea for forgiveness and restoration, acknowledging sin and trusting that God’s sovereignty, covenant faithfulness, and merciful character ultimately bring hope even in distress.
In Jeremiah 14:19-22, the prophet Jeremiah pours out his lament before the LORD, questioning whether the people of Judah have been fully abandoned: "Have You completely rejected Judah? Or have You loathed Zion? Why have You stricken us so that we are beyond healing? We waited for peace, but nothing good came; And for a time of healing, but behold, terror!" (v. 19). Judah was the southern kingdom that persisted after Israel’s division around 930 BC and lasted until 586 BC, when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem. The mention of Zion, the sacred hill in Jerusalem where the Temple stood, indicates the deep sorrow Jeremiah feels over the holy city’s distress.
The prophet’s words reveal a desperate plea: they expected a season of healing and restoration, yet terror fell upon them instead. This fear likely arose from grief over incoming calamities, which included severe drought and the looming threat of conquest. The people’s yearning for deliverance underscores the tension between God’s promises and the current dire situation. Faith seems tested, as though God’s help were distant.
Even in the midst of this distress, Jeremiah’s questions suggest hope. By crying out for the reason behind such affliction, he demonstrates a reliance on God’s character. He probes whether the covenant community has been “strickenbeyondhealing,” emphasizing their vulnerability and the urgent need for divine intervention. Though fear and despair overwhelm them, Jeremiah 14:19 positions the reader to anticipate God’s compassionate answer.
In the next verse, when Jeremiah declares, "We know our wickedness, O LORD, The iniquity of our fathers, for we have sinned against You" (v. 20), he openly acknowledges the depth of the nation’s sin. Mentioning “the iniquity of our fathers” (v. 20) ties the present community to the consistent pattern of disobedience that stretches back through previous generations. Jeremiah, who prophesied from around 627 BC until sometime after Jerusalem’s fall, stands in the gap, confessing both personal and collective wrongdoing.
Such an admission of guilt is a crucial step toward reconciliation with God. It reveals that while national judgment might be imminent, the people are aware of their spiritual corruption. Jeremiah’s humility offers a model of repentance, acknowledging God’s righteousness in bringing discipline. This theme resonates with other passages throughout Scripture that stress the importance of confession for restoration.
The direct appeal to the LORD underscores that genuine repentance involves recognizing God’s holiness. Though hardship and drought persist, Jeremiah speaks for the people, laying bare their hearts. By owning the transgressions of both current and past generations, they seek an avenue for grace, hoping that God’s mercy will restore them despite their failure to live in faithfulness.
Jeremiah’s plea continues in Jeremiah 14:21: "Do not despise us, for Your own name’s sake; Do not disgrace the throne of Your glory; Remember and do not annul Your covenant with us" (v. 21). He appeals to God’s honor and His steadfast commitment to His promises. The throne of God’s glory signifies the seat of divine presence, particularly associated with the Temple in Jerusalem. It symbolizes God’s rulership over His covenant people and His desire for intimacy with them.
The prophet calls upon God to remember the covenant He made with their ancestors, alluding to the sacred bond established through figures like Abraham (around 2000 BC), Moses (around 1446 BC), and David (who reigned from 1010 BC to 970 BC). By doing so, Jeremiah emphasizes that God’s own reputation is tied to the fate of His people. If He “annuls” the covenant, it might suggest a failure of divine faithfulness, but Jeremiah trusts that God cannot contradict His own character.
Jeremiah 14:21 also underscores that restoration is not sought merely for the people’s comfort but for God’s name to be vindicated. Jeremiah is banking on God’s commitment to that name—a theme echoed throughout Scripture, culminating in Christ’s redemptive work for humanity. The prophet’s confidence lies in God’s gracious determination to uphold His covenant even in the face of devastating circumstances.
Finally, Jeremiah asks, "Are there any among the idols of the nations who give rain? Or can the heavens grant showers? Is it not You, O LORD our God? Therefore we hope in You, For You are the one who has done all these things" (v. 22). This question leads to an emphatic confession that true provision can only come from the LORD. The idols of neighboring nations—false deities incapable of sustaining life—contrast starkly with the God of Israel, who alone provides nourishment and care.
The prophet points to God’s unique authority over nature, highlighting that even the skies cannot independently “grant showers.” This underscores God’s sovereignty and the futility of turning to worthless images or objects for salvation. In the face of drought and national crisis, the people’s hope must pivot back to the One who holds power over all creation.
Jeremiah 14:22 ends Jeremiah’s appeal with a powerful declaration of faith. By stating “We hope in You,” he frames the nation’s final stance: despite deep guilt and the threat of ruin, they subject themselves to the mercy of a God who alone can bring healing rains. This expectancy is an invitation for future generations to remember that human contrivances fail when confronted with divine sovereignty, pointing toward a hope fully realized in the coming of Jesus, who brings living water for all who thirst (John 7:37).
Jeremiah 14:19-22
19 Have You completely rejected Judah?
Or have You loathed Zion?
Why have You stricken us so that we are beyond healing?
We waited for peace, but nothing good came;
And for a time of healing, but behold, terror!
20 We know our wickedness, O LORD,
The iniquity of our fathers, for we have sinned against You.
21 Do not despise us, for Your own name's sake;
Do not disgrace the throne of Your glory;
Remember and do not annul Your covenant with us.
22 Are there any among the idols of the nations who give rain?
Or can the heavens grant showers?
Is it not You, O LORD our God?
Therefore we hope in You,
For You are the one who has done all these things.
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Jeremiah 14:19-22 meaning
In Jeremiah 14:19-22, the prophet Jeremiah pours out his lament before the LORD, questioning whether the people of Judah have been fully abandoned: "Have You completely rejected Judah? Or have You loathed Zion? Why have You stricken us so that we are beyond healing? We waited for peace, but nothing good came; And for a time of healing, but behold, terror!" (v. 19). Judah was the southern kingdom that persisted after Israel’s division around 930 BC and lasted until 586 BC, when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem. The mention of Zion, the sacred hill in Jerusalem where the Temple stood, indicates the deep sorrow Jeremiah feels over the holy city’s distress.
The prophet’s words reveal a desperate plea: they expected a season of healing and restoration, yet terror fell upon them instead. This fear likely arose from grief over incoming calamities, which included severe drought and the looming threat of conquest. The people’s yearning for deliverance underscores the tension between God’s promises and the current dire situation. Faith seems tested, as though God’s help were distant.
Even in the midst of this distress, Jeremiah’s questions suggest hope. By crying out for the reason behind such affliction, he demonstrates a reliance on God’s character. He probes whether the covenant community has been “stricken beyond healing,” emphasizing their vulnerability and the urgent need for divine intervention. Though fear and despair overwhelm them, Jeremiah 14:19 positions the reader to anticipate God’s compassionate answer.
In the next verse, when Jeremiah declares, "We know our wickedness, O LORD, The iniquity of our fathers, for we have sinned against You" (v. 20), he openly acknowledges the depth of the nation’s sin. Mentioning “the iniquity of our fathers” (v. 20) ties the present community to the consistent pattern of disobedience that stretches back through previous generations. Jeremiah, who prophesied from around 627 BC until sometime after Jerusalem’s fall, stands in the gap, confessing both personal and collective wrongdoing.
Such an admission of guilt is a crucial step toward reconciliation with God. It reveals that while national judgment might be imminent, the people are aware of their spiritual corruption. Jeremiah’s humility offers a model of repentance, acknowledging God’s righteousness in bringing discipline. This theme resonates with other passages throughout Scripture that stress the importance of confession for restoration.
The direct appeal to the LORD underscores that genuine repentance involves recognizing God’s holiness. Though hardship and drought persist, Jeremiah speaks for the people, laying bare their hearts. By owning the transgressions of both current and past generations, they seek an avenue for grace, hoping that God’s mercy will restore them despite their failure to live in faithfulness.
Jeremiah’s plea continues in Jeremiah 14:21: "Do not despise us, for Your own name’s sake; Do not disgrace the throne of Your glory; Remember and do not annul Your covenant with us" (v. 21). He appeals to God’s honor and His steadfast commitment to His promises. The throne of God’s glory signifies the seat of divine presence, particularly associated with the Temple in Jerusalem. It symbolizes God’s rulership over His covenant people and His desire for intimacy with them.
The prophet calls upon God to remember the covenant He made with their ancestors, alluding to the sacred bond established through figures like Abraham (around 2000 BC), Moses (around 1446 BC), and David (who reigned from 1010 BC to 970 BC). By doing so, Jeremiah emphasizes that God’s own reputation is tied to the fate of His people. If He “annuls” the covenant, it might suggest a failure of divine faithfulness, but Jeremiah trusts that God cannot contradict His own character.
Jeremiah 14:21 also underscores that restoration is not sought merely for the people’s comfort but for God’s name to be vindicated. Jeremiah is banking on God’s commitment to that name—a theme echoed throughout Scripture, culminating in Christ’s redemptive work for humanity. The prophet’s confidence lies in God’s gracious determination to uphold His covenant even in the face of devastating circumstances.
Finally, Jeremiah asks, "Are there any among the idols of the nations who give rain? Or can the heavens grant showers? Is it not You, O LORD our God? Therefore we hope in You, For You are the one who has done all these things" (v. 22). This question leads to an emphatic confession that true provision can only come from the LORD. The idols of neighboring nations—false deities incapable of sustaining life—contrast starkly with the God of Israel, who alone provides nourishment and care.
The prophet points to God’s unique authority over nature, highlighting that even the skies cannot independently “grant showers.” This underscores God’s sovereignty and the futility of turning to worthless images or objects for salvation. In the face of drought and national crisis, the people’s hope must pivot back to the One who holds power over all creation.
Jeremiah 14:22 ends Jeremiah’s appeal with a powerful declaration of faith. By stating “We hope in You,” he frames the nation’s final stance: despite deep guilt and the threat of ruin, they subject themselves to the mercy of a God who alone can bring healing rains. This expectancy is an invitation for future generations to remember that human contrivances fail when confronted with divine sovereignty, pointing toward a hope fully realized in the coming of Jesus, who brings living water for all who thirst (John 7:37).