Jeremiah 11:14

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.

Therefore pray {H6419} not thou for this people {H5971}, neither lift up {H5375} a cry {H7440} or prayer {H8605} for them: for I will not hear {H8085} them in the time {H6256} that they cry {H7121} unto me for their trouble {H7451}.

"So you, [Yirmeyahu,] don't pray for this people! Don't cry or pray on their behalf, because I won't listen to them when they cry to me because of their troubles.

As for you, do not pray for these people. Do not raise up a cry or a prayer on their behalf, for I will not be listening when they call out to Me in their time of disaster.

Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me because of their trouble.

Commentary

Jeremiah 11:14 (KJV)

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.

Context

Jeremiah chapter 11 details God's covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, reminding them of the blessings promised for obedience and the curses for disobedience, as outlined in the Law of Moses. God highlights how the people have broken this covenant, turning to idolatry and evil practices. Because of their persistent rebellion and refusal to repent, severe judgment is announced. Verse 14 is a stark command given to the prophet Jeremiah, indicating that the people's fate is sealed, and divine judgment is inevitable. This command follows a lengthy indictment against Judah for their spiritual adultery and rejection of God's laws.

Key Themes

  • Cessation of Intercession: God specifically instructs Jeremiah to stop praying for the people, a strong indicator of the finality of the impending judgment.
  • Imminent Judgment: The refusal to hear prayer signals that the time for mercy through intercession has passed, and the time for punishment is at hand.
  • Consequences of Unrepentant Sin: The verse underscores the severe consequences of persistent disobedience and covenant breaking, leading to a point where even prayer for deliverance is rejected.
  • Divine Resolve: It reveals God's firm resolve to carry out the announced judgment due to the depth of the people's sin.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "pray" used here (palal) is a general term for prayer or intercession. The word for "cry" (tsa'aq) often implies an urgent cry for help or distress, highlighting the nature of the prayer God will not hear – pleas made when they are already in trouble. The phrase "I will not hear" uses the Hebrew word shama, which means not just to perceive sound but also to listen, understand, and respond favorably. Here, it signifies a refusal to acknowledge or act upon their pleas for rescue.

Cross-References

This is not the only time God tells a prophet to stop praying for His people when judgment is determined. Similar commands are found in Jeremiah 7:16 and Jeremiah 14:11, emphasizing the gravity of their sin and the certainty of the coming destruction. The idea that God will not hear the prayers of the wicked or those in persistent sin is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as Isaiah 1:15 and Proverbs 1:28, illustrating that while God is merciful, there are times when unrepentant sin creates a barrier to His hearing.

Reflection and Application

Jeremiah 11:14 serves as a solemn reminder of the seriousness of breaking covenant with God and the consequences of unrepentant sin. While God is always ready to hear the prayers of those who turn to Him in sincere repentance, this verse shows there can be a point of no return when judgment is decreed. It highlights the importance of responding to God's warnings and calls to repentance promptly. It also underscores the potential futility of crying out to God only when trouble arrives if a life of rebellion has preceded it. This verse should motivate believers to live in faithful obedience and to intercede for others while there is still time for repentance and mercy.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 7:16 (13 votes)

    ¶ Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.

  • Jeremiah 11:11 (11 votes)

    ¶ Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them.

  • Jeremiah 14:11 (10 votes)

    Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for [their] good.

  • 1 John 5:16 (10 votes)

    If any man see his brother sin a sin [which is] not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

  • Exodus 32:10 (7 votes)

    Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

  • Psalms 66:18 (6 votes)

    If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]:

  • Hosea 5:6 (5 votes)

    They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find [him]; he hath withdrawn himself from them.