14:1 the severe drought One of the punishments for breaking the covenant (see Deut 28:22–24; Lev 26:18–19). Jeremiah has already likened national distress to a severe drought (see Jer 3:3; 12:4). Ancients understood drought as a sign of divine displeasure.

14:3 they find no water A drought functioned as a powerful symbol of national distress because it affected everyone. The rich upper classes have no better access to water than the average farmer.

they cover their heads A symbol of communal lament and mourning. Compare 2 Sam 15:30.

14:5 even the doe in the field Even the wildlife struggles to survive during a drought. The entire ecosystem suffers—all levels of life, all levels of human society.

14:6 jackals A canine species. The donkeys are panting like dogs.

14:7 our iniquities testify against us This communal lament could record the people’s genuine repentance, but it more likely shows Jeremiah interceding on their behalf. See Jer 14:11 and note.

Repentance

apostasies The Hebrew term here is related to the word for “to turn” or “return.” Compare 8:5 and see note on 5:6.

The Significance of “Shuv” in Jeremiah

14:8 its savior in time of distress Under the terms of the covenant, Yahweh should save. The implicit criticism in this appeal ignores the fact that the covenant was broken by the people when they disobeyed Yahweh and turned to other gods (see 11:14 and note).

14:9 like a warrior who is not able to help The standard explanation for defeat in the ancient Near East was that the local deity was not strong enough to save his people. Compare Ezek 8:12 and note. In this regard, the prophets’ assertions that Yahweh had allowed the Israelites’ defeat and even orchestrated it to judge them was an unorthodox concept (see Isa 59:1).

your name is called Appeals to Yahweh’s reputation and reminds Him that He will look weak for not saving His people. See previous note; Ezek 36:12 and note.

14:11 You must not pray for this people, for their happiness See Jer 7:16 and note; 11:14 and note. Yahweh reminds Jeremiah that he is not to intercede on behalf of the people. This suggests that vv. 7–9 reflects Jeremiah’s prayer on the people’s behalf, not their genuine repentance.

14:12 burnt offering and grain offering See 6:20 and note. Outward obedience to the rituals was meaningless without a change of heart. Compare Isa 1:13–15.

by the sword, and by the famine, and by the plague Three major disasters that would affect the entire land were invasion, drought and the resulting famine, and disease.

14:13 the prophets Jeremiah reports that prophets were declaring the opposite of what Yahweh just told him. Perhaps Jeremiah believes that Yahweh has intentionally given a false message to the other prophets (see 1 Kgs 22).

14:14 I have not sent them Yahweh directly refutes Jeremiah’s implicit accusation, declaring that the message from the lying prophets had not come from Him.

14:15 those prophets will perish Not only did Yahweh not send those prophets, He will judge them for their deceit just as He will judge all Judah for their sin.

14:17 Let my eyes melt with tears The true word from Yahweh is that He must judge, though it grieves Him to punish His people. Compare Jer 12:7–11.

14:18 both prophet and priest All religious leaders are responsible for misleading the people.

14:19 you completely rejected Judah Compare Lam 5:22. It is still unthinkable to Jeremiah that Yahweh would reject His chosen people.

14:20 We know, O Yahweh, our wickedness Confession of their past sins and the sins of previous generations.

14:21 for the sake of your name See note on Jer 14:9. If Yahweh cannot save for the sake of His people or Zion, He might be motivated to save to preserve His reputation. Compare Isa 51:9–10.

you must not dishonor your glorious throne He appeals to Yahweh to save His temple since it represents His earthly presence. See Jer 3:17 and note.

your covenant It was not Yahweh who was guilty of breaking the covenant, yet the people appeal to Him to keep His side of the agreement.