Jeremiah 14:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 14:22
22 Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 14 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, redemption, covenant. 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 14:22
22 Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.
Analysis
The prayer concludes with rhetorical questions exposing idols' impotence: 'Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O LORD our God?' The 'vanities' (hebel—emptiness, breath) refers to idols. Can they provide rain? No. Can heavens themselves give showers apart from God's command? No. Only 'thou, O LORD our God' controls weather. Therefore: 'therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.' The conclusion is sound: since only God controls nature, only He can relieve drought. The commitment to 'wait upon thee' expresses faith despite circumstances. This reflects proper theology: recognizing God's exclusive sovereignty leads to patient dependence.
Historical Context
Despite Judah's pursuit of rain through Baal worship (a fertility deity), only Yahweh controls weather. The drought itself proved Baal's impotence and Yahweh's sovereignty.
Reflection
- How does understanding God's exclusive sovereignty over creation affect prayer during crisis?
- What does it mean to 'wait upon' God when circumstances seem desperate?
- How do natural disasters expose the impotence of false gods and ideologies?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Jeremiah 5:24, Deuteronomy 32:21, Joel 2:23
- References Lord: Jeremiah 16:19, Psalms 130:5
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 10:15, Psalms 25:21, 135:7, Isaiah 30:23, 41:29