Jeremiah 11:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 11:14
14 Therefore 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.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 11 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, covenant, salvation. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 11:14
14 Therefore 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.
Analysis
This verse prohibits intercession: 'Therefore 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.' Jeremiah is forbidden to intercede—an unprecedented restriction for a prophet whose role included intercession (1 Samuel 12:23, Amos 7:1-6). 'Lift up cry or prayer' (rinnah utephillah) describes urgent supplication. The double prohibition emphasizes finality. God's refusal to hear their cry repeats verse 11. The time for intercession has passed; judgment is determined. This reveals limits to prophetic intercession when persistent rebellion exhausts divine patience.
Historical Context
This command appears three times in Jeremiah (7:16, 11:14, 14:11), each intensifying the prohibition. Moses successfully interceded after the golden calf (Exodus 32:11-14) and at Kadesh (Numbers 14:13-20). Samuel interceded regularly. But by Jeremiah's time, centuries of prophetic warning rejected, even Moses and Samuel couldn't change the outcome (Jeremiah 15:1). The prohibition distressed Jeremiah, who genuinely loved his people.
Reflection
- What circumstances might make intercession futile, and how do we know when that point is reached?
- How does this prohibition affect our understanding of intercessory prayer's effectiveness?
Cross-References
- Prayer: Jeremiah 7:16, 14:11, 1 John 5:16
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 11:11, 15:1, Exodus 32:10, Psalms 66:18, Hosea 5:6