17 "You will say this word to them, ' Let my eyes flow down with tears night and day , And let them not cease ; For the virgin daughter of my people has been crushed with a mighty blow , With a sorely infected wound . 18 'If I go out to the country , Behold , those slain with the sword ! Or if I enter the city , Behold , diseases of famine ! For both prophet and priest Have gone roving about in the land that they do not know .' " 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 .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:17-22
Commentary on Jeremiah 14:17-22
(Read Jeremiah 14:17-22)
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.