Jeremiah 14:1
The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָיָ֤ה
H1961
הָיָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דִּבְרֵ֖י
The word
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֖י
The word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ
that came to Jeremiah
H3414
יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ
that came to Jeremiah
Strong's:
H3414
Word #:
6 of 9
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Palestine's agriculture depended entirely on seasonal rains. Drought brought economic collapse, famine, and death. Several droughts are mentioned in Jeremiah's ministry, interpreted as covenant curses for unfaithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How should believers understand natural disasters in light of God's providence and purposes?
- What does drought as metaphor teach about spiritual barrenness when God's blessing is withdrawn?
- How can physical deprivation drive people to seek God or alternatively, to blame Him?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse introduces a prophetic oracle concerning drought ('that which came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth'). The Hebrew 'battsa'rot' refers to times of drought and famine, understood in covenant theology as divine judgment (Deuteronomy 28:23-24). Drought serves as both literal crisis and metaphor for spiritual barrenness when God withdraws blessing. The phrase 'the word of the LORD' emphasizes that even natural disasters carry divine message and purpose. Reformed theology sees God's sovereignty extending over weather and agricultural conditions, using them to call His people to repentance.