Jeremiah:14

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* Verse 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 . * Verse 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 . * Verse 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 . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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