Jeremiah 14:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 14:10
10 Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 14 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, worship, wisdom. 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 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 14:10
10 Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.
Analysis
God's response explains why intercession will fail: 'Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them.' The indictment is willful wandering: 'loved to wander' indicates deliberate choice, not mere drift. The phrase 'not refrained their feet' shows unrestrained pursuit of sin. The consequence: 'the LORD doth not accept them.' The following threat is severe: 'he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.' The time for patience has passed; now comes accounting. Divine memory of sin is judicial—comprehensive judgment follows.
Historical Context
Despite decades of prophetic warning and occasional reforms, Judah repeatedly returned to idolatry and injustice. This pattern of willful wandering exhausted divine patience, leading to irrevocable judgment.
Reflection
- What is the difference between spiritual drift and willful wandering?
- How does persistent, unrestrained sin eventually exhaust God's patience?
- What does it mean for God to 'remember' iniquity and 'visit' sins in judgment?
Word Studies
- Iniquity: עָוֹן (Avon) H5771 - Iniquity, guilt, punishment
Cross-References
- Sin: Jeremiah 31:34, Hosea 8:13, 9:9, Hebrews 8:12
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 6:20, Psalms 119:101, Amos 5:22