Jeremiah 14 FSI - HEAR, O EARTH

> [!title|noicon] **Jeremiah 14 Notes** > [[Jeremiah 13 FSI|<Prev]]   [[Jeremiah 15 FSI|Next>]] > [[Jeremiah 14|Verse list view]] > [Jeremiah 14:1](Jeremiah%2014.md#^1) note > > The word *dearth* is a synonym for *famine* or *drought*. Remember when Jacob and his entire family had to go down into Egypt because of the great famine in the land. And going from the promised land of Canaan into Egypt represents having to go into the world (Egypt) due to a lack of bread. This identifies with the great tribulation of our day. > > In [Amos 8:11](Amos%208.md#^11), [12](Amos%208.md#^12), [13](Amos%208.md#^13) we read about this spiritual famine in our day -- a dreadful famine of *hearing the Words of the Lord*. It's not that the Word of the Lord isn't available, but they have not been given the spiritual *ears* to *hear* it, so they aren't *listening* to it. They are listening to their own words so that they "faint for thirst," that is, they do not have the water of the true Gospel from which they would never thirst again ([Jn 4:14](John%204.md#^14)). ^jer14-1 > [Jeremiah 14:2](Jeremiah%2014.md#^2) note > > "Judah mourns" -- They are in deep sorrow. It's like they have lost a loved one, death is present there so they are mourning as people are dying. And Judah, again, spiritually represents the churches and congregations in our day, the visible kingdom of God on earth during the New Testament. > > "and the gates thereof languish; they are black unto the ground; and the cry of Jerusalem is gone up." -- They're being withered, they are being dried up, there is no life there due to the dearth or the famine ([v1](Jeremiah%2014.md#^1)). They are in deep and terrible trouble with God. All over the world no one is becoming saved in their midst, they are disappearing. So it's a time of great sorrow. So we see just how terrible the situation is during this great tribulation period. ^jer14-2 > [Jeremiah 14:3](Jeremiah%2014.md#^3) note > > "And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, *and* found no water; they returned with their vessels empty. . ." -- They're unable to bring in fresh water, the places of water are being dried out so people are dying. And this is the spiritual picture of what is happening in our day during this time of famine ([Am 8:11](Amos%208.md#^11), [12](Amos%208.md#^12), [13](Amos%208.md#^13)). > > ". . .they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads." -- To cover their heads is a figure of speech to indicate that someone has been shamed, so they have to *cover* their shame. We see this in [Esther 6:12](Esther%206.md#^12) when Haman was shamed after having to honor Mordecai as he himself wished to be honored, leading him through the streets of the capital as the second-in-command to the King. Then again we read in [Esther 7:8](Esther%207.md#^8) that they covered Haman's face as they were about to hang him. > > Another example is seen when David was driven out of Jerusalem barefoot with his head covered ([2 Samuel 15:30](2%20Samuel%2015.md#^30)) as he fled from Absalom. > > In [1 Corinthians 11:3](1%20Corinthians%2011.md#^3), [4](1%20Corinthians%2011.md#^4), [5](1%20Corinthians%2011.md#^5), [6](1%20Corinthians%2011.md#^6), [15](1%20Corinthians%2011.md#^15) we find that a woman is given her hair for a *covering*. And the woman represents the bride of Christ. Now the woman is married to a man, just as the bride of Christ is married to Christ. And Christ does not have any shame that must be covered, He is perfectly sinless as our victorious Savior. So His head (represented by the man) should not be covered. But the woman, the bride of Christ, has much shame of sin that must be covered. So the woman is a picture or portrait of the believers who must have their sins covered as provided by Christ Himself as our Covering. > > But returning to Jeremiah 14:3, we see that they must cover their heads because of their shame. They are ashamed and confounded, they do not have the covering of Christ in their midst any longer. ^jer14-3 > [Jeremiah 14:4](Jeremiah%2014.md#^4) note > > This verse continues the theme of the previous verse. God drives home the point that there is no rain in the earth, there is no Gospel and they are ashamed. Those who would normally plow the ground, those who normally sow the seed of the Gospel, do not have any fertile earth left in which to plant due to the drought and the famine. The ground is cracked, it is broken in pieces. God warned this would happen in [Deuteronomy 11:16](Deuteronomy%2011.md#^16), [17](Deuteronomy%2011.md#^17) -- those who do not listen to the Word of God will receive no rain and die, they will come under the spiritual famine of not hearing the Words of God ([Amos 8:11](Amos%208.md#^11), [12](Amos%208.md#^12), [13](Amos%208.md#^13)). ^jer14-4 > [Jeremiah 14:5](Jeremiah%2014.md#^5) note > > The *hind* is a female deer, a doe. In [2 Samuel 22:1](2%20Samuel%2022.md#^1), we see where David, a figure of Christ, escaped from the hand of Saul, a type or figure of Satan. So this chapter is really about the victory of Christ over sin and Satan. And then we read in [verses 33](2%20Samuel%2022.md#^33), [34](2%20Samuel%2022.md#^34) where David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, identifies himself with a female doe as he speaks of God's perfection of righteousness. And since David is a figure or picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, God is effectively tying this hind or this doe with Christ Himself. > > The grass illustrates the Gospel as it springs forth. The rain, the Gospel, comes down and vegetation comes forth ([Gen 1:11](Genesis%201.md#^11)). That represents God's salvation plan ([Deut 32:2](Deuteronomy%2032.md#^2)). The Gospel brings forth eternal life to those who become saved. See also [Psalm 23:2](Psalm%2023.md#^2) where the Hebrew word translated *green* is the same word translated *grass* in Genesis 1:11 (and here in Jeremiah 14:5), and as *herb* in Deuteronomy 32:2. > > Now Christ is intimately associated with the true believers -- they are His Body in a spiritual sense, they are one with Him through marriage as the bride of Christ. And even the visible kingdom of God though the churches and congregations may be represented by this doe as well. But when this doe abandons its calf in the field where there is no grass (because there is no rain, no Gospel water), it represents how there's no longer any hearing of the Word of God, there is spiritual famine and drought so that they are abandoned to eternal judgment. > > In [Lamentations 2:11](Lamentations%202.md#^11), [12](Lamentations%202.md#^12) we find a similar sad situation. When the Holy Spirit is no longer applying the Word of God, regardless of whatever sermon might be preached, those children who have not become saved are left to damnation, they're being set up for judgment, especially as they remain in the location congregations that have turned away from God. They are set up for spiritual death just as the hind that forsook and abandoned her fawn in the field to die. > > You see what a dramatic picture God is painting here? He is giving us a portrait of just how bad it is when He has forsaken the congregations for going after their own doctrines. It's like a wilderness there, it's barren, there isn't a leaf of grass out there to eat. Deer are birthing fawns and the only potential for them is immediate death. There is no food and they are abandoned. What is infinitely sad and terrible is that everything may look fine and wonderful as sermons are preached and as hymns and psalms are sung. But it is a place of death where the children are being led to die. To say this is the most terrible thing that could be said. But this is what God is teaching is the spiritual situation here. ^jer14-5 > [Jeremiah 14:6](Jeremiah%2014.md#^6) note > > The Hebrew word translated *grass* in this verse is more commonly translated *herb*, also seen in [Genesis 1:11](Genesis%201.md#^11) and other places. But it's another synonym for the life that comes as a result of the rain which represents the Gospel. So again, this is a time of great spiritual famine and drought, as terrible of a drought as we could *ever* imagine. > > "And the wild asses did stand in the high places" -- The wild asses have to do with the unsaved, with those who are not children of God. For example, in [Genesis 16:12](Genesis%2016.md#^12) we read about Ishmael as a wild man, someone who is not saved. This ties into [Exodus 13:13](Exodus%2013.md#^13) which reflects our condition before we are saved. We are like stubborn donkeys (unclean animals) that must be redeemed with a Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. And if the donkey was not redeemed the neck was to be broken, meaning it was to be killed. These wild asses did stand in the high places, and in this instance high places is translated from a Hebrew word that means *bare places*. And this fits the context from the previous verses where there is no vegetation due to the lack of rain, there is no Gospel and no life. > > ". . .they snuffed up the wind like dragons" -- The dragon, of course, has to do with Satan ([Rev 20:2](Revelation%2020.md#^2)). And in [Jeremiah 2:24](Jeremiah%202.md#^24) we saw a similar idea where the wild ass snuffs up the wind. And there it is speaking of a wild animal that is in heat. This is a nasty figure when it comes to people who are like an animal in heat that cannot be easily restrained. And here it ties in with Satan because that's how Satan is -- he's like a wild animal seeking whomever he may devour ([1 Pe 5:8](1%20Peter%205.md#^8)). It is a picture of insatiable spiritual lust, lusting after that which is altogether contrary to the Word of God: "We want what we want and we're going to have it." And this is speaking about those in the visible kingdom of God! > > ". . .their eyes did fail because *there was* no grass." -- In other words, they're blind. God has blinded their eyes, He has sent them strong delusion. Why? Because there is no grass, no herb, no Gospel that is being applied to their hearts. There is no life, no growth, they are in the bare places. ^jer14-6 > [Jeremiah 14:7](Jeremiah%2014.md#^7) note > > Here Jeremiah is speaking on behalf of God's visible people who are under His wrath, for Judah and Jerusalem, who today represent the local congregations or the visible kingdom of God who have gone their own way. And He is essentially asking if there can be any hope, if there is any possibility of averting this terrible situation that they are under the judgment of God. Isn't there somehow an alternative to this situation? This is not just a tiny little thing, it is a *tremendous* thing. Think of the many people who have put their trust in their churches and are going there faithfully week after week. "O LORD, can it be that You might still be there? There are many loved ones who are still there. We know that we deserve this, we know that we have sinned against Thee. Please continue to have mercy!" > > ". . .do thou *it* for thy name's sake:" -- "Oh LORD, act on our behalf. Take action for Thy Name's Sake. You are a merciful God, please act in mercy. Is there no hope, no possibility for our hope? We know we have backslidden and sinned against Thee. Hast Thou not been merciful toward us again and again and again? Is not this Thy nature that You will act? You are our Hope!" ([v8](Jeremiah%2014.md#^8)) ^jer14-7 > [Jeremiah 14:8](Jeremiah%2014.md#^8) note > > Continuing from verse 7, Jeremiah is pleading on behalf of Jerusalem (and the churches and congregations today), "O LORD, You are our Hope, You are *THE* Hope of Israel, the Savior thereof in time of trouble! We know there are many who have gone their own way, but we are still following after Thee." There are numerous incidents throughout the Bible and throughout the church age when God has acted and delivered in times of trouble. > > ". . .why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man *that* turns aside to tarry for a night?" -- This is parallel to what we read in [Jeremiah 9:2](Jeremiah%209.md#^2). God is like a stranger and a traveling man who tarries or lodges just for the night, as someone who is just passing through, as someone who doesn't have a permanent home there. He's done with the city and is going out into the world, into the wilderness according to Jeremiah 9:2. He has left His people and will not be with them anymore. This might remind us of what Jesus said in [Matthew 8:20](Matthew%208.md#^20) when Christ turned out from national Israel and had no home there at all -- He was outside in the wilderness and had no place to rest. The same applies to the local churches and congregations today as we approach the end of time when Christ leaves them and goes into the wilderness away from them, while continuing to save those in the highways and hedges so that there will be guests for the feast ([Lk 14:23](Luke%2014.md#^23)). > > And God Himself is the *Way* to Life, so He is the *Wayfarer* who is leaving them behind, on their own, to destruction. And again, as we'll see in [verse 9](Jeremiah%2014.md#^9), God is speaking about *His people* that He has left and has become a Stranger to them. This is what happens to the churches and congregations today as they have forsaken God. So Jeremiah is effectively asking God why He must do this. ^jer14-8 > [Jeremiah 14:9](Jeremiah%2014.md#^9) note > > "Why shouldest thou be as a man astonished, as a mighty man *that* cannot save?" -- The word *astonished* here means *dumbfounded*, and the Hebrew word is only used here in the Bible. And even though Christ has left them, He is still mighty. But if He has abandoned them He is a mighty Man Who cannot save because He cannot save if He is not Present. He has left them like the wayfaring traveler has gone into the wilderness so He is no longer there to save anyone. So this is the cry, "O LORD, You are King of Kings and Lord of lords and we need You! You are the Hope of Israel, the Savior in time of trouble!" > > "yet thou, O LORD, *art* in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not." -- This is a plea that is now empty. God has left them. Oh yes, He is there as the Judge. He is the One Who brings strong delusion that they might believe a lie for rejecting the Truth of the true Gospel. But He is no longer there as the Savior as they have turned aside to other, false gods, to false doctrines and to another authority than the Bible alone and in its entirety and comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But this is a plea for Him to return to save. "Remember, we are Your people, this is Your church. This is a divine institution that belongs to You. Leave us not!" But the grievous response is seen in verses 10-11. ^jer14-9 > [Jeremiah 14:10](Jeremiah%2014.md#^10) note > > He will *now* remember their iniquity and visit their sins. The time has come! He has abandoned them insofar as being their Hope of salvation, He does not accept them -- meaning they are without a Sacrifice in the Lord Jesus because they have wandered from Him and not refrained their feet from their own ways. Now He is there to bring judgment, to remember their iniquity and visit their sins. This is the terrible situation that prevails in the churches and congregations today and it is final. > > God warned about this at the time the book of the Law of the Lord was discovered after having been neglected for many years, and King Josiah understood from it that Judah had been most rebellious against God. And when he inquired of God, God indeed confirmed in [2 Chronicles 34:24](2%20Chronicles%2034.md#^24), [25](2%20Chronicles%2034.md#^25) that He would destroy Judah. And once King Josiah died in battle 23 years later, *then* God brought this to pass ([v28](2%20Chronicles%2034.md#^28)). The die had been cast in God's time, it could not be reversed regardless of the fact Josiah was probably the most God-fearing king of them all -- yet Judah had gone astray long before. So when "now" comes there is no stopping it, that's the way it will be. > > And this leads to the most terrible statement yet in verse 11. ^jer14-10 > [Jeremiah 14:11](Jeremiah%2014.md#^11) note > > This shows that we have been correct that Jeremiah has been praying on their behalf in verses 7-9. And the response of God is to not pray for this people, for their good. Finally the end has come. There's no change that is going to happen. There's no point in praying, "Could it be that the church age might continue a little longer? Could it be that the Gospel might still be blessed in a small way within the congregation? Could it be that it's not quite this bad, that God has completely left and is sending a strong delusion?" Of course, we can still pray for individuals, that God would bring them out. But they are not going to become saved within the congregation. God Himself is saying there is no hope, He is finished, they are under His wrath ([v12](Jeremiah%2014.md#^12)), we should not even bother to pray for another direction because this is His plan. ^jer14-11 > [Jeremiah 14:12](Jeremiah%2014.md#^12) note > > "When they fast, I will not hear their cry;" -- Fasting can mean 1 of 2 things in the Old Testament. In [Isaiah 58:3](Isaiah%2058.md#^3) - [4](Isaiah%2058.md#^4), their fasting refers to their hypocritical attempts to afflict their souls or to deny themselves in their desire to show God they are waiting upon Him. But God calls out their hypocrisy in this because it was not accompanied with a sincere attitude toward God. Then in [Isaiah 58:6](Isaiah%2058.md#^6), [7](Isaiah%2058.md#^7) God uses the language of sending forth the Gospel when speaking of the kind of fasting that He seeks. That is how we truly deny ourselves, we send forth the Word of God that the spiritually oppressed, hungry, poor, naked and so on might find spiritual relief in Christ. So in this sense, as they believe they are fasting (sending forth the Gospel), yet it is really their own kind of a gospel so God will not hear them to bring salvation. There is no more hope, their work is finished and God is done with them. > > ". . .and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them:" -- The first time we see this in the Bible is in [Genesis 4:3](Genesis%204.md#^3), [5](Genesis%204.md#^5), where God did not have respect toward Cain's offering. Why not? There wasn't anything wrong with the offering itself, but it wasn't offered out of a heart of sincerity toward God. Cain had a love for the ground, a love for what this world could produce, for the things of this present world. His trust, his longing -- everything about his nature -- was in what he could do in this world so God had no respect to his offering. And the next thing you know he murders his brother and is cast out by God. And that's what God is emphasizing here in Jeremiah 14:12 -- as they conduct themselves within their congregations God will not accept them -- their heart isn't truly ready to be obedient to the Word of God but to their church doctrines and to what *they* think is the truth. They aren't broken before God to listen to Word of God. > > > ". . .but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence." -- This 3-word phrase -- sword, famine and pestilence -- is used repeatedly in the Bible (e.g. [Jer 27:8 ](Jeremiah%2027.md#^8), [38:2](Jeremiah%2038.md#^2); [Eze 7:15](Ezekiel%207.md#^15)). And the number 3 has to do with the *purpose* of God. > > We've already seen from [verse 1](Jeremiah%2014.md#^1) that the [*famine* has to do with not hearing the Word of God](Jeremiah%2014%20FSI.md#^jer14-1), so that they don't understand the Word of God. > > The *sword* has to do with the wrath of God through His *Word* -- it is a two-edged sword that brings life to the one and death to the other ([Heb 4:12](Hebrews%204.md#^12); [Rev 1:16](Revelation%201.md#^16); [2 Cor 2:16](2%20Corinthians%202.md#^16)). > > We see these 3 again in 2 Samuel 24 when David sinned against the Lord in numbering the people against the will of God. God gave David the option of these 3 things, and David chose the *pestilence* that slew 70,000 men ([2 Samuel 24:10](2%20Samuel%2024.md#^10), [12](2%20Samuel%2024.md#^12), [13](2%20Samuel%2024.md#^13), [14](2%20Samuel%2024.md#^14), [15](2%20Samuel%2024.md#^15)). 70,000 represents the perfect completeness (7 x 10) of God's wrath in this instance, so the pestilence is a very big deal here. So when God says here in Jeremiah 14:12, "I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence," it is an enormous indictment. > > This is why God warns us to depart from Jerusalem in [Jeremiah 27:8](Jeremiah%2027.md#^8) and [38:2](Jeremiah%2038.md#^2), [3](Jeremiah%2038.md#^3). And Jerusalem today represents the churches and congregations that come under the wrath of God as they have fallen away from Truth. The Word of God comes to them as a judgment *Sword*, as a *famine* and as a *pestilence* as they are consumed. And God strictly warns us not to listen to those who do not understand this and encourage us to remain ([Jer 27:9](Jeremiah%2027.md#^9), [10](Jeremiah%2027.md#^10)). Are we to listen to them, or are we to listen to what God is teaching us here in the Bible regardless of how terrible this comes to our sensitivities, even to the point God has instructed us not to pray for them ([v11](Jeremiah%2014.md#^11))? What is our authority? We'll see this again in the next several verses, verses 13-16 of Jeremiah 14. ^jer14-12 > [Jeremiah 14:13](Jeremiah%2014.md#^13) note > > You can visit congregation after congregation and church after church today and they will flatly deny that they are under the wrath of God. They will reassure everyone not to listen to this "nonsense" (in their view). They will quote [Matthew 16:18](Matthew%2016.md#^18) in defense to say that the gates of hell will not prevail against their congregation, or against the visible church, not acknowledging that the visible church can indeed be overrun by Satan and come under the wrath of God (like we find in the warnings to the seven churches of [Revelation 2](Revelation%202.md) - [3](Revelation%203.md); [2 Thessalonians 2](2%20Thessalonians%202.md); [1 Peter 4:17](1%20Peter%204.md#^17) and [2 Peter 2:1](2%20Peter%202.md#^1), [2](2%20Peter%202.md#^2), [3](2%20Peter%202.md#^3)). And, in fact, we see where this has happened time and again throughout New Testament history. And it continue to happen right up until the end when God is finally finished with sending forth the Gospel through them as they reject the counsel of God in favor of their own gospels. > > God is teaching in [Matthew 16:18](Matthew%2016.md#^18) that He will indeed build His *eternal* church, *they* are safe and secure in Christ. But the local, visible, churches and congregations -- no, there is no such guarantee of eternal safety for them, but rather warnings to remain faithful and the sad reality that that will not happen all the way until the very end. So let's see what God says further about this in verse 14. ^jer14-13 > [Jeremiah 14:14](Jeremiah%2014.md#^14) note > > "Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name:" -- This is an awful indictment. And it's not just against the common people, He is speaking about the prophets -- the leaders, those who were particularly qualified, mandated and commissioned to declare the Word of God. They prophesy lies in God's Name, meaning they are not teaching the Truth from the Word of God but their own slant on it. Any time anyone says, "Thus saith the Lord," they'd better make sure they have done their homework, constantly praying for wisdom to be faithful to the Word and comparing spiritual things with spiritual, realizing that we need constant instruction, reproof and correction ([2 Ti 3:16](2%20Timothy%203.md#^16)). > > ". . .I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart." -- The word *divination* has to do with looking for a sign to divine the will of God. Any many look at this and that happening or occurrence to determine that God's blessing is upon them in a specific way. We must be careful not to trust in the deception of our own minds, as we read here in verse 14: "and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart." We must hold the Word of God above our own minds and above our own rational thinking. And this is where we are today -- all kinds of pastors assure their congregations that all is well based on the visible circumstances of membership size, or the presence of nice, smiling faces, or the money that comes in, or the success of their social projects and goals and so forth -- but they are far from faithfully declaring the Word of God. ^jer14-14 > [Jeremiah 14:15](Jeremiah%2014.md#^15) note > > "Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not," -- God reemphasizes what He declared in verse 14 -- these are prophets that prophesy *in His Name*. These aren't prophets who come with some strange religion of some kind, they're coming in the Name of Christ. They pray the Lord's prayer, they baptize into the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the Name of Christ may be in their church building. They open and close their worship services in the Name of God and so on. It's all in the Name of God. But God sent them not because they have turned away from God and are bringing their own kind of a gospel with their own authority rather than the Authority of the Bible. > > ". . .yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed." -- They simply refuse to consider that they are under the wrath of God based on their own estimation. How dare anyone even suggest it? Yet God declares, "By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed." They are consumed because they are blinded to the Word of God and continue to go deeper into their sin ([2 Thes 2:11](2%20Thessalonians%202.md#^11)). It's one thing when God removes His hand and makes them prey to Satan who is the father of lies. But when God Himself objectively sets it up so that there is strong delusion that they will not understand, then you have something super deadly serious. What a terrible place to be. ^jer14-15 > [Jeremiah 14:16](Jeremiah%2014.md#^16) note > > Who is the Bible speaking about here? In Jeremiah 16 it speaks about those who will be thrown out into the streets and there will be none to bury them ([Jer 16:3](Jeremiah%2016.md#^3), [4](Jeremiah%2016.md#^4)). In this context, it's very clear that those who will be destroyed with their bodies lying there and not being buried are those who are under the wrath of God. > > But then we read a similar statement in [Revelation 11:3](Revelation%2011.md#^3), [4](Revelation%2011.md#^4), [7](Revelation%2011.md#^7), [8](Revelation%2011.md#^8), [9](Revelation%2011.md#^9). In this context, it is speaking about the true believers within the congregations who have been silenced because God is finished with the churches and congregations. So they have been destroyed or driven out and silenced by their congregations. In [John 16:2](John%2016.md#^2) Christ equates this with being killed, with being dead as they are driven out. And there is no one who will bury them -- which is a very crass, course and terrible way to indicate the total anger and distaste of the world and of the churches against them. It is to leave them to the birds and to the animals to feed upon them and to expose their dead bodies to shame. It's one thing to kill someone, but it's another level entirely to not bury them -- it's like they are worse than dung, they are not worthy of a proper burial. > > So in this regard, Jeremiah 14:16 speaks of those in the churches who prophesy unto them (to the true believers) and driving them out, causing them to be cast out of the congregations to their shame like they are under the curse, as bad as bad can be so they will not do them the honor of providing them a burial. But we must remember that those who are prophesying are prophesying lies in God's Name ([v14](Jeremiah%2014.md#^14)) to drive them out, they are false ministers of righteousness that are actually coming under the power of Satan -- see [Psalm 79:1](Psalm%2079.md#^1), [2](Psalm%2079.md#^2), [3](Psalm%2079.md#^3), [4](Psalm%2079.md#^4) for a direct parallel. > > So the result of the rebellion of the church leaders, the prophets who prophesy lies in God's Name (bringing their own kind of a gospel out of the deception of their own hearts - [v14](Jeremiah%2014.md#^14)) is that it drives out the true believers from their midst. They are cast out into the streets of Sodom and Egypt ([Rev 11:8](Revelation%2011.md#^8)). ^jer14-16 > [Jeremiah 14:17](Jeremiah%2014.md#^17) note > > This goes back to the theme we've seen emphasized several times in Jeremiah. God again wants us to recognize that the end of the church age is in no way happy for Him at all -- it is very *grievous* to Him that His judgment is upon them ([Jer 9:1](Jeremiah%209.md#^1)). This is a time of *great sorrow* that they are coming with the deceit of their own heart, out of their divinations ([v14](Jeremiah%2014.md#^14)), so that He must cut them off and consume them ([v15](Jeremiah%2014.md#^15)). And we, too, must never look with disgust or anger, we must also weep for how terrible this is when they cannot see it. It is an exceedingly doleful message. So God is weeping as when Christ wept over Jerusalem in [Matthew 23:37](Matthew%2023.md#^37). God's patient goes on and on and on, but finally there's a carefully designed timetable that God has worked out from the foundations of the earth so that God eventually says, "No more, it is time for judgment." And when we read [verses 10](Jeremiah%2014.md#^10) - [11](Jeremiah%2014.md#^11) we see that the time has come. ^jer14-17 > [Jeremiah 14:18](Jeremiah%2014.md#^18) note > > "If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword!" -- We know from [Matthew 13:38](Matthew%2013.md#^38) that the field is *the world*. So this statement indicates that God's final judgment is worldwide in nature, this is going on throughout the entire world. Wherever we go there is spiritual death and destruction where the Gospel has been silenced and God's judgment is there. And we see this in the delusion that is spread wide throughout the world in our day. > > "and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine!" -- The word translated *sick* here is only used 5 times in the Bible. A couple of times it is translated *diseases*. So this verse could be rendered, "behold them that are diseased with famine, or diseased because of the famine." In [Psalm 103:1](Psalm%20103.md#^1), [2](Psalm%20103.md#^2), [3](Psalm%20103.md#^3), we see that being *healed of our diseases* relates spiritually to *being forgiven of our iniquity*. That is, when we become saved God speaks of it as being healed of the disease of sin ([Mt 8:17](Matthew%208.md#^17)). God is not focused on the physical diseases of this world because we can be very sick with a physical disease and yet become saved. And the disease of sin is the most terrible disease of all -- it is actually what brings death -- the second death. > > And remember this *famine*, beginning from [verse 1](Jeremiah%2014.md#^1) of this chapter, is spiritual and has to do with *not hearing the Word of God* ([Am 8:11](Amos%208.md#^11), [12](Amos%208.md#^12), [13](Amos%208.md#^13)) in the churches and congregations. What this really means is that there is no salvation being accomplished through the preaching of the Word, it is not bringing about healing of the spiritually sick because God has left them and is no longer there to apply the Word. There is a famine of *hearing* the Word of God, and the only way to benefit from the Word is for God to apply it to the heart. This is very parallel to when Jesus preached, He was the most perfect Preacher and yet hardly anyone became saved during that time because the Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out to apply the Word. > > Now here in Jeremiah 14:18, God is speaking of those who are diseased with famine as being *in the city*, that is, it is in Jerusalem where they are in deep rebellion against God and under His wrath. And, as we've said many times now Jerusalem during the New Testament period represents the churches and congregations, the visible representation of the kingdom of God, not the eternal church that is safe and secure in Christ forevermore. It is in Jerusalem that they are full of diseases because of the spiritual famine, there is no healing of their spiritual sickness, that is, there is no salvation taking place. There is the virulent disease of sin that cannot be cured, it can only be multiplied because there is no more forgiveness there ([2 Thes 2:11](2%20Thessalonians%202.md#^11), [12](2%20Thessalonians%202.md#^12)). > > ". . .yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not." - See [Matthew 7:21](Matthew%207.md#^21), [22](Matthew%207.md#^22), [23](Matthew%207.md#^23). Many will stand in utter surprise and consternation thinking they were of the kingdom of God and upholding Christ's Name, just to find themselves cast out by Christ Himself to their total shock and dismay. They thought they were sons of God, that they were ambassadors and emissaries of the Lord Jesus, the chosen people, the elect of God who had the Bible and had nothing to do with Satan. And yet here in verse 14 it is the spiritual rulers, those who should have known the the Word of God best who were spiritually accountable to God for the congregations. But they have been preaching, "Peace, peace," when there was no peace, when things were not well with their souls at all. They are totally deluded that all is well when it is absolutely not so. ^jer14-18 > [Jeremiah 14:19](Jeremiah%2014.md#^19) note > > Before looking at this verse specifically, read through the remaining four verses of this chapter for context: [19](Jeremiah%2014.md#^19), [20](Jeremiah%2014.md#^20), [21](Jeremiah%2014.md#^21) and [22](Jeremiah%2014.md#^22). Here God is showing the mindset of those within the congregations. They are perplexed, but ultimately, it is as though they are attempting to put the problem onto God and not onto themselves. > > "Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? has thy soul loathed Zion?" -- This is like saying, "But we're Judah! We're the kingdom of God! We are Zion, the chosen people! And have you, God, rejected us?" It's as if they're putting the finger back onto God. It's like a pastor today saying, "We are a divine institution established by God Himself. So are you suggesting that God would reject us?" as though even the thought of that possibility is utter blasphemy. > > ". . .why hast thou smitten us, and *there is* no healing for us? we looked for peace, and *there is* no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!" -- They do know that something has happened, they know they are being smitten somehow. But it certainly can't be possible that God has utterly rejected them, they think. Again, it is very akin to [Matthew 7:21](Matthew%207.md#^21), [22](Matthew%207.md#^22), [23](Matthew%207.md#^23). ^jer14-19 > [Jeremiah 14:20](Jeremiah%2014.md#^20) note > > "We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, *and* the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee." -- They certainly understand from the Bible that they have sinned against God and that there are things that go on in the congregations that aren't what they ought to be. And they look back and can see some of the sins of their fathers, and back then the congregations were viable. So it's almost like they're saying, "What's so different about things now? We have to expect that we'll sin because we're not a perfect congregation, we know that we've sinned." > > But this isn't how we come to God. We come with a broken and a contrite heart in sackcloth and ashes, saying, "Oh, Lord, we have sinned and we *deserve* Thy wrath. Have mercy on us!" And we don't find this here, there isn't a brokenness and a calling for mercy. It's more like they are matter-of-factly saying, "God, You know all things. You designed us and You know that we're infected with sin from the beginning. So You can expect some wickedness in our lives, we aren't perfect. But certainly it doesn't call for there to be no peace for us. You're really being too judgmental or too harsh against us." Sadly, they have normalized sin to the point they aren't as disturbed by its prevalence, particularly in comparison to the way in which the world has cast off all restraint. ^jer14-20 > [Jeremiah 14:21](Jeremiah%2014.md#^21) note > > "Do not abhor *us*, for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory:" -- This is like saying, "Since we were a divine institution, if you abhor us You are trampling on Your Own Name, You are damaging Your Own reputation. We were created by You as a local congregation or denomination to uphold the Name of Christ. So if you abhor us You disgrace the throne of Thy Glory. We are the church where Christ rules and you will disgrace Your Own Kingdom if you bring judgment upon us." They're trying to manipulate God, as it were, by reversing the situation onto Him. But God must do this because of their sins. And He is weeping and mourning because of this ([Jer 9:1](Jeremiah%209.md#^1). > > ". . .remember, break not thy covenant with us." -- This, again, is as though they are saying, "Keep in mind, God, break not Thy covenant with us." They're insinuating that God is breaking His Own covenant, His Own Law, if they are brought under judgment -- when, in reality, it is very much in accordance with His Word as we see in the warnings to the 7 churches in [Revelation 2](Revelation%202.md) and [3](Revelation%203.md). They are effectively saying that He is committing sin by going against His Law in this, it is a terrible insult against God. ^jer14-21 > [Jeremiah 14:22](Jeremiah%2014.md#^22) note > > "Are there *any* among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers?" -- Rain in the Bible has to do with the Gospel, the water of which we will never thirst and that brings spiritual life, growth and vegetation to our souls. So they know that there is no salvation out there amongst the vanities and the emptiness of the world, of the nations. They understand the importance of God's relationship with them. So they are effectively saying, "You see, Oh Lord, we know this. So you're way too severe in Your condemnation of us, Your Own institution. How could You ever do this?" The whole theme here is that it is not *their* problem, it is not because of *their* sins. > > Remember how the Ninevites responded to the message that they were under God's judgment? They sat in sackcloth and ashes. They turned from their sins and besought the Lord that maybe it might be possible that He would have mercy, even though they didn't deserve it. But the churches, in their blindness and in their pride, think they are a pretty holy people, a saved membership for the most part. They simply close ranks together and say not to listen to the idea that God's wrath is upon them, "How could a good God do something like this?" > > "*art* not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these *things*." -- This is truly like saying, "God, you're the One Who made us. You have broken the covenant ([v21](Jeremiah%2014.md#^21)), You've turned away from Your people, You've maligned Your Own royal throne (also [v21](Jeremiah%2014.md#^21)). But we wait upon You, correct this situation and bring it back into a right relationship as we wait upon You." This again is manipulative language, but God knows the hearts and minds of those who are in rebellion against Him. And God responds to this beginning in the next chapter of Jeremiah. ^jer14-22 Tags: #Old_Testament #Jeremiah #Gods_judgment_on_His_people #FSI