Jeremiah 14:9
Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
This passage comes from a prayer during a catastrophic drought that brought famine and desperation to Judah (Jeremiah 14:1-6). The drought served as divine judgment for persistent idolatry and covenant violation. Jeremiah, though called to announce judgment, also served as intercessor—a tension that marked his entire ministry.
The historical context likely dates to the reign of Jehoiakim (609-598 BCE), a period marked by political instability, Egyptian and Babylonian threats, and spiritual apostasy. The people maintained external religious observance while their hearts remained far from God. The drought exposed their helplessness and the futility of their idols (Jeremiah 14:22).
God's response to Jeremiah's intercession was sobering: even if Moses and Samuel (Israel's greatest intercessors) prayed, judgment must proceed (Jeremiah 15:1). This illustrates that while God welcomes intercession, there comes a point when persistent rebellion exhausts divine patience. The historical parallel is profound—just as the drought preceded Babylon's invasion, spiritual drought precedes divine judgment. Yet God's promise of future restoration (Jeremiah 31-33) shows that judgment is not God's final word for His covenant people.
Questions for Reflection
- How should believers respond when God seems silent or inactive in the face of crisis?
- What does Jeremiah's honest, questioning prayer teach us about authentic communication with God?
- In what ways does bearing God's name create both privilege and responsibility for His people?
- How do we balance intercession for mercy with acceptance of God's righteous judgment?
- What does this passage reveal about the relationship between national sin and corporate suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? This verse represents Jeremiah's bold intercession during a severe drought and national crisis. The Hebrew word for "astonied" (damam, דָּמַם) means dumbfounded, stunned into silence, or helpless. Jeremiah questions why God would appear passive or powerless like a shocked human unable to act, or like a warrior (gibbor, גִּבּוֹר) who lacks strength to deliver.
The rhetorical question reveals both the prophet's perplexity and his underlying faith. Jeremiah knows God is mighty and can save, yet current circumstances make divine inaction seem inexplicable. This honest wrestling with God's apparent silence mirrors Job, the Psalmists, and Habakkuk—faithful believers struggling to reconcile God's character with His mysterious ways.
The affirmation "yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name" anchors Jeremiah's plea in covenant relationship. The phrase "called by thy name" (shem qara, שֵׁם קָרָא) indicates ownership and identification—Israel belongs to Yahweh and bears His reputation. The final cry "leave us not" (al taniach, אַל־תַּנִּחֵנוּ) pleads for continued divine presence despite deserved judgment. This prayer anticipates Christ's intercession for His people (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25).