Jeremiah 14:19

KJV

Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion? 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!

KJV (with Strong's)

Hast thou utterly {H3988} rejected {H3988} Judah {H3063}? hath thy soul {H5315} lothed {H1602} Zion {H6726}? why hast thou smitten {H5221} us, and there is no healing {H4832} for us? we looked {H6960} for peace {H7965}, and there is no good {H2896}; and for the time {H6256} of healing {H4832}, and behold trouble {H1205}!

Complete Jewish Bible

Have you rejected Y'hudah completely? Is Tziyon loathsome to you? Why have you struck us irreparably? We looked for peace, but to no avail; for a time of healing, but instead found terror!

Berean Standard Bible

Have You rejected Judah completely? Do You despise Zion? Why have You stricken us so that we are beyond healing? We hoped for peace, but no good has come, and for the time of healing, but there was only terror.

American Standard Version

Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul loathed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and there is no healing for us? We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of healing, and, behold, dismay!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 14:19 is a profound and desperate lament from the people of Judah, voiced perhaps by the prophet Jeremiah himself, during a period of severe national crisis marked by drought, famine, and impending judgment. It expresses a deep sense of abandonment and confusion, questioning God's apparent rejection of His covenant people and His holy city, Zion. The verse starkly contrasts the people's fervent hope for peace and healing with the harsh reality of persistent trouble and the absence of any good, highlighting the shattering of their expectations and the profound spiritual and physical distress they endure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a significant section of Jeremiah (chapters 14-15) that primarily deals with a devastating drought and famine afflicting Judah, which Jeremiah interprets as divine judgment. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 14:1-12) describe the severity of the drought and the people's initial, albeit superficial, lament. Jeremiah 14:13-18 then introduces the problem of false prophets who proclaim "peace and truth" when God has declared otherwise, leading the people astray. Verse 19, therefore, serves as a poignant response to this false hope, revealing the painful reality that God's promised judgment is indeed unfolding. It marks a shift from a general description of suffering to a direct, anguished appeal to God, reflecting the people's growing despair as their superficial hopes are dashed. This lament sets the stage for God's subsequent, unyielding response in Jeremiah 14:20-15:4, where He reiterates His judgment due to their persistent sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah's prophecy is the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a tumultuous period for the Kingdom of Judah. The dominant world powers, Assyria and Egypt, were waning, and the rising Babylonian Empire posed an existential threat. Judah, caught between these powers, often sought alliances or relied on false assurances, rather than trusting in the Lord. The drought described in this chapter was not merely a natural disaster but was understood within the covenant framework of Deuteronomy as a direct consequence of disobedience (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Consequences of Disobedience")). The people's cry from "Zion" (Jerusalem), God's chosen dwelling place and the center of their worship, underscores the depth of their crisis of faith, questioning whether God had truly abandoned His covenant promises to His people, Judah, and His holy city. Their expectation of "peace" (Hebrew: *shalom*, encompassing wholeness, prosperity, and well-being) was a common hope, often falsely promised by prophets, but here it is starkly contrasted with the reality of "trouble," reflecting the severe consequences of their unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 14:19 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Lament and Despair**, as the people express profound grief and confusion over their suffering, directly questioning God's apparent rejection. This raw emotion is characteristic of biblical laments, found in passages like [Psalm 13](/psalms/13 "Psalm 13 - A Psalm of Lament"). Secondly, the verse grapples with **Divine Judgment and Discipline**, acknowledging God's active role in their affliction ("why hast thou smitten us?"). This recognition, though painful, signifies a dawning awareness that their suffering is a consequence of their sin, a theme echoed throughout Jeremiah, particularly in chapters detailing Judah's idolatry and rebellion (e.g., [Jeremiah 2](/jeremiah/2 "Jeremiah 2 - Israel's Apostasy")). Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Shattered Expectations**, as the people's longing for "peace" and "healing" is met with "no good" and "trouble." This stark contrast between their hopes and the grim reality demonstrates the futility of relying on false assurances or superficial repentance, a message Jeremiah consistently delivers (e.g., [Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Peace")). Finally, the lament touches upon the **Nature of God's Relationship** with His covenant people, as they question if He has truly "rejected Judah" and "lothed Zion," grappling with the tension between God's covenant faithfulness and His righteous judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rejected (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** This word, often translated as "spurn," "despise," or "abhor," carries a strong sense of utter contempt and dismissal. Its repetition in the KJV as "utterly rejected" (from the same root) intensifies the perceived finality of God's action. It implies a complete and decisive casting off, suggesting that God has turned away from Judah with disdain, a profound reversal of His covenant love and election.
* **lothed (Hebrew, _gâʻal'_):** This primitive root signifies a deep detestation or abhorrence, implying a visceral disgust. When applied to God's "soul" (Hebrew: *nephesh*, often referring to the inner being, mind, or desire), it conveys the shocking idea that God's very being is repulsed by Zion. This is a powerful expression of the people's fear that their sin has made them an abomination to the Holy One, severing the intimate bond He once shared with His chosen city.
* **trouble (Hebrew, _bᵉʻâthâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to fear" or "to be terrified," this noun denotes fear, terror, dismay, or sudden destruction. It stands in stark contrast to the "peace" and "healing" for which the people longed. The appearance of "trouble" instead of the desired good signifies not merely a lack of well-being, but an active, terrifying, and overwhelming calamity that has befallen them, confirming their worst fears of divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion?"**: This opening rhetorical question expresses profound anguish and confusion. The repetition of the idea of rejection, first of the people ("Judah") and then of the sacred city ("Zion"), underscores the depth of their perceived abandonment. It reflects a crisis of faith, as the people grapple with the possibility that God, who had chosen them and promised to dwell among them, has now turned away in disgust.
* **"why hast thou smitten us, and [there is] no healing for us?"**: This clause shifts from questioning God's disposition to questioning His action and its consequence. "Smitten" implies a direct, forceful blow, acknowledging God's active hand in their suffering. The follow-up, "no healing for us," highlights the persistent and incurable nature of their affliction, whether physical (drought, famine, disease) or spiritual (broken relationship with God, lack of restoration).
* **"we looked for peace, and [there is] no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!"**: This final, climactic part of the verse presents a stark and devastating antithesis. The people's earnest expectation and longing ("we looked for") for "peace" (comprehensive well-being, *shalom*) and "healing" (*marpêʼ*, recovery from affliction) are met with the crushing reality of "no good" and the sudden, terrifying appearance of "trouble." This demonstrates the complete reversal of their hopes, emphasizing the severity of their plight and the undeniable presence of divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 14:19 is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, employed at the outset ("Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion? why hast thou smitten us?"). These are not questions seeking information, but rather expressions of deep distress, confusion, and desperate appeal, highlighting the people's inability to reconcile their suffering with their understanding of God's character. **Parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "Judah" and "Zion," and the repeated questioning of God's rejection and loathing. This reinforces the comprehensive nature of the perceived abandonment. The verse also employs powerful **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, most notably between "peace" and "no good," and "time of healing" and "behold trouble!" This stark juxtaposition underscores the shattering of expectations and the grim reality of their situation. Furthermore, the phrase "hath thy soul lothed Zion?" utilizes **Personification**, attributing human emotions and an inner "soul" to God, making His perceived rejection feel intensely personal and painful to the supplicants. The sudden exclamation "behold trouble!" serves as an **Exclamatory Shift**, emphasizing the abrupt and unwelcome reality that has replaced their longed-for relief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 14:19 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical tradition of lament, where the afflicted boldly bring their grievances and confusion before God. It reflects a deep understanding of covenant theology, where blessings and curses are contingent upon obedience and disobedience (cf. [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). The people's cry acknowledges God's sovereignty over their suffering, even as they question His perceived abandonment. This lament, however, is not a rejection of God, but rather a desperate plea within the covenant relationship, a yearning for God to remember His promises and restore His favor. It highlights the tension between God's righteous judgment against sin and His enduring faithfulness to His people, a tension that ultimately points to the need for genuine repentance and divine intervention.

* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Mercies Endure") - Despite the deep lament and suffering, the prophet acknowledges God's unfailing mercies and faithfulness.
* [Psalm 42:9](/psalms/42-9 "Psalm 42:9 - Why Have You Forgotten Me?") - A similar cry of a soul questioning God's apparent forgetfulness amidst distress.
* [Isaiah 1:5-6](/isaiah/1-5 "Isaiah 1:5-6 - The Wounds of Israel") - Depicts the spiritual sickness of Israel and Judah, with no healing or soundness, paralleling the "no healing for us" in Jeremiah.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 14:19 offers profound insights into the human experience of suffering and the nature of our relationship with God during times of crisis. It validates the authenticity of lament, demonstrating that it is not only permissible but often necessary to express our deepest anguish, confusion, and even our questions to God when we feel abandoned or overwhelmed by trouble. The people's shattered expectations serve as a stark reminder that true peace and healing are not found in superficial assurances or misplaced hopes, but in genuine repentance and a radical reorientation of our lives toward God. This verse challenges us to examine where we place our hope, urging us to seek God's will and trust in His ultimate faithfulness, even when His discipline feels severe and the path to restoration seems unclear. It calls us to move beyond superficial faith to a deeper, more honest engagement with God, acknowledging His sovereignty even in our pain, and trusting that His purposes, though sometimes mysterious, are always just and ultimately redemptive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you "looked for peace" or "healing" but found "trouble" instead?**
* **How do you respond when God's actions or apparent inaction seem to contradict your understanding of His character?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of honest lament in our prayer life?**
* **How can we discern between false hopes and genuine, God-given peace and healing in our own lives and in society?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Jeremiah 14:19?**

Answer: The primary message of Jeremiah 14:19 is a desperate lament from the people of Judah, expressing their profound anguish and confusion over God's apparent rejection and the persistent suffering they endure. It highlights the shattering of their hopes for peace and healing, replaced instead by unrelenting trouble, serving as a stark acknowledgment of divine judgment. It underscores the tension between their expectations and the harsh reality of their unfaithful actions leading to covenant curses, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

**Does this verse suggest that God truly abandoned Judah and Zion?**

Answer: While the verse expresses the *people's perception* that God has "utterly rejected Judah" and "lothed Zion," it does not mean God has permanently abandoned His covenant promises. Instead, it reflects the severity of His disciplinary judgment, which felt like abandonment to the suffering people. Throughout Jeremiah, God reiterates His intention to punish their sin but also promises future restoration for a remnant, demonstrating His enduring faithfulness even in judgment (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:3](/jeremiah/31-3 "Jeremiah 31:3 - God's Everlasting Love")). The lament is an expression of their pain and confusion, a cry from within the covenant relationship, rather than an objective theological declaration of God's final abandonment.

**How does "peace" (shalom) in this verse contrast with "trouble"?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 14:19, "peace" (Hebrew: *shalom*) refers to a comprehensive state of well-being, wholeness, prosperity, security, and harmonious relationships, both with God and with others. It's the ideal state of flourishing. In stark contrast, "trouble" (Hebrew: *bᵉʻâthâh*) signifies fear, terror, dismay, and sudden calamity. The verse highlights that the people's longing for *shalom* was met not just with its absence, but with its direct opposite—an active, terrifying, and destructive reality, demonstrating the complete reversal of their expectations due to their unfaithfulness. This is a common theme in Jeremiah, where false prophets promised *shalom* when God's judgment was imminent (e.g., [Jeremiah 8:11](/jeremiah/8-11 "Jeremiah 8:11 - False Peace Proclaimed")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 14:19, with its raw lament and desperate cry for healing and peace amidst overwhelming trouble, finds its ultimate fulfillment and answer in Jesus Christ. The people's question, "Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion?", echoes the profound sense of abandonment that Jesus Himself experienced on the cross, crying out, "[My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" (Matthew 27:46). In that moment, Christ bore the full weight of humanity's sin, experiencing the very rejection and "loathing" that Judah feared, so that we might never be utterly cast away. The longing for "healing" and "peace" in Jeremiah is met in Christ, who is our true *shalom*, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility and reconciling us to God (cf. [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the ultimate physician who brings spiritual healing from the sickness of sin, offering a remedy that the law could not provide (cf. [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")). Where Judah looked for peace and found trouble, believers in Christ find true and lasting peace, not as the world gives, but a peace that surpasses all understanding (cf. [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace") and [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). His suffering and death transform the "trouble" of sin and judgment into the "good" of salvation and eternal life, fulfilling the deepest longings expressed in this ancient lament.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Lamentations 5:22

But thou hast utterly rejected us; thou art very wroth against us.

Jeremiah 8:15

We looked for peace, but no good [came; and] for a time of health, and behold trouble!

1 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Jeremiah 6:30

Reprobate silver shall [men] call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.

Jeremiah 15:18

Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, [which] refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, [and as] waters [that] fail?

Psalms 78:59

When God heard [this], he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:

Job 30:26

When I looked for good, then evil came [unto me]: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.