Jeremiah 14:11
Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
4 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּתְפַּלֵּ֛ל
unto me Pray
H6419
תִּתְפַּלֵּ֛ל
unto me Pray
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
5 of 9
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
בְּעַד
H1157
בְּעַד
Strong's:
H1157
Word #:
6 of 9
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
הָעָ֥ם
not for this people
H5971
הָעָ֥ם
not for this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 9
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
Cross References
Jeremiah 7:16Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.Jeremiah 11:14Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.
Historical Context
This command appears three times in Jeremiah (7:16; 11:14; 14:11), marking stages where judgment became irreversible. Even great intercessors like Moses or Samuel couldn't avert it (Jeremiah 15:1).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we understand prayer's relationship to God's sovereign decrees?
- What does it mean when God forbids prayer for certain people or outcomes?
- How should prophetic certainty about coming judgment affect intercessory prayer?
Analysis & Commentary
God explicitly forbids intercession: 'Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good.' This stunning command reveals that judgment is now fixed. The prohibition against praying 'for their good' indicates that what is coming, though painful, serves God's righteous purposes. This raises profound questions about the limits of intercessory prayer when God has decreed judgment. The Reformed understanding of God's sovereignty includes recognition that His decrees, once established, will not be overturned even by prayer. This doesn't negate prayer's importance but acknowledges its proper boundaries.