Jeremiah 14:8

14:1-9 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.

O the hope of Israel,.... The author, object, ground, and foundation of hope of all good things, both here and hereafter; in whom Israel had been used to hope in times past, and had great encouragement so to do, Psalm 130:7 or, "the expectation of Israel" (f); whom they looked for to come: the Saviour thereof in time of trouble; the Saviour of all men in a way of providence, but especially of the true Israel of God, of them that believe; who, though they have their times of trouble and affliction, by reason of sin, Satan, and wicked men, and other things, yet the Lord saves and delivers them out of them all in due time: why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land; or, a "sojourner" (g); who abides but for a while; and it not being his native place, is not so solicitous for the welfare of it. Jerome interprets this of Christ when here on earth, who was as a stranger, and unknown by men; see Psalm 69:9 and the other characters; of the hope of Israel, and the Saviour, well agree with him, 1 Timothy 1:1. and as a wayfaring man; or "traveller" (h): that turnest aside to tarry for a night? that turns into an inn to lodge there for a night, and that only; and so is unconcerned what becomes of it, or the people in it; he is only there for a night, and is gone in the morning.

Thus the prophet represents the Lord by these metaphors, as if he was, or at least seemed, careless of his people; and therefore expostulates with him upon it, as the disciples with our Lord, Mark 4:38. (f) "expectatio Israel", Pagninus, Montanus, Cocceius. (g) "quasi colonus", Grotius; "advena", Gataker. (h) "tanquam viator", Pagninus, Montanus, Schmidt.

Jeremiah 14:8-9 . O the hope of Israel — That is, the object of Israel’s hope; the Being in whom alone thy people Israel have been wont to hope, or in whom they have just reason to hope; the Saviour thereof in time of trouble — Who hast formerly been their Saviour in their distresses, and who alone canst save them in such times of trouble as thou hast now brought them into; why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land? — That is, as one who, having no permanent interest in the land, is little concerned for its welfare; and as a wayfaring man, &c. — As a traveller who enters a place to stay only for a night, and never inquires, nor takes any care about the affairs of it. Why shouldest thou be as a man astonished — “As a man void of counsel:” so Houbigant. Or as one in such disorder, through some great emotion of mind, that he is able to do nothing. As a mighty man, &c. — As a mere man, who, though mighty, yet in many cases cannot save; or who, through some fear or surprise, is incapacitated to make use of his strength. Yet thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us — Of the whole land, according to thy declaration, Numbers 35:34 , I the Lord dwell among the children of Israel.

Verse 8. - How pathetic a supplication! Jehovah will surely not be as a stranger in the land - the strangers, or" sojourners," like the μέτοικοι , enjoyed no civic rights, and consequently had no interest in the highest concerns of the state, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside - or perhaps, pitcketh his tent ; for the traveler in Palestine doubtless carried his tent with him then as now - to tarry for a night . With the latter figure compare the beautiful comparison of the hope of the ungodly to "the remembrance of a guest that tarrieth but a day" (Wisd. 5:14). Jeremiah 14:8

(8) As a wayfaring man . . . —No image could paint more vividly the sense of abandonment which weighed on the prophet’s heart. Israel had looked to Jehovah as its help and stay, its watchful guardian. Now he seemed as indifferent to it as the passing traveller is to the interests of the city in the inn or khan of which he lodges for a single night.

O the hope of Israel; that is, the object of Israel’s hope, he in whom alone thy people Israel have been wont to hope, or he in whom alone Israel hath just reason to hope. The saviour thereof in time of trouble; thou who hast formerly been their Saviour in the times of their trouble, or who alone canst save them in such times of trouble as thou hast now brought them into. See Psalm 9:9 46:1 . Why shouldst thou be as one that regardest thy ancient people no more than a stranger or a traveller, who taketh no further care for the place or the house where he lodgeth than for the short time that he is to stay or abide in it.

8. The reference is, not to the faith of Israel which had almost ceased, but to the promise and everlasting covenant of God. None but the true Israel make God their "hope." (Jer 17:13). turneth aside to tarry—The traveller cares little for the land he tarries but a night in; but Thou hast promised to dwell always in the midst of Thy people (2Ch 33:7, 8). Maurer translates, "spreadeth," namely, his tent.

The prayer. - Jeremiah 14:7 . "If our iniquities testify against us, O Jahveh, deal Thou for Thy name's sake, for many are our backslidings; against Thee have we sinned. Jeremiah 14:8 . Thou hope of Israel, his Saviour in time of need, why wilt Thou be as a stranger in the land, like a wayfarer that hath put up to tarry for a night? Jeremiah 14:9 . Why wilt Thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot help, and yet Thou art in the midst of us, Jahveh, and Thy name is named upon us - O leave us not!" The prophet utters this prayer in the name of his people (cf. Jeremiah 14:11). It begins with confession of sore transgression. Thus the chastisement which has befallen them they have deserved as a just punishment; but the Lord is besought to help for His name's sake, i.e., not: "for the sake of Thy honour, with which it is not consistent that contempt of Thy will should go unpunished" (Hitz.). This interpretation suits neither the idea of the name of God nor the context. The name of God is the manifestation of God's being. From Moses' time on, God, as Jahveh, has revealed Himself as the Redeemer and Saviour of the children of Israel, whom He had adopted to be His people, and as God, who is merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and of great goodness and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6). As such He is besought to reveal Himself now that they confess their backsliding and sin, and seek His grace.