Jeremiah 14:21

KJV

Do not abhor [us], for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.

KJV (with Strong's)

Do not abhor {H5006} us, for thy name's {H8034} sake, do not disgrace {H5034} the throne {H3678} of thy glory {H3519}: remember {H2142}, break {H6565} not thy covenant {H1285} with us.

Complete Jewish Bible

For your name's sake, do not spurn us; do not dishonor your glorious throne. Remember your covenant with us; do not break it.

Berean Standard Bible

For the sake of Your name do not despise us; do not disgrace Your glorious throne. Remember Your covenant with us; do not break it.

American Standard Version

Do not abhor us, for thy name’s sake; do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 14:21 is a fervent plea from the prophet Jeremiah, interceding on behalf of a sin-laden Judah facing severe drought and famine. Despite the nation's unfaithfulness, Jeremiah appeals to God's foundational character and covenant promises, imploring Him not to utterly reject His people, disgrace His own glorious name and throne, or break the solemn covenant He established with them. This verse encapsulates a desperate hope rooted not in human merit, but in the immutable nature and commitments of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of laments and prophetic pronouncements in Jeremiah 14, primarily concerning a devastating drought that has gripped Judah. The chapter opens with vivid descriptions of the parched land, suffering animals, and despairing people. Verses 1-6 describe the physical desolation, while verses 7-9 contain the people's initial confession of sin and a plea for God to act "for your name's sake." God's response in verses 10-12 is one of judgment, refusing to hear their prayers due to their persistent idolatry. However, Jeremiah continues to intercede, even challenging God's judgment (vv. 13-18), before delivering another profound lament (vv. 19-22). Jeremiah 14:21 is a pivotal moment within this lament, representing the prophet's most direct and profound appeal to God's character and covenant faithfulness, serving as a theological anchor amidst the despair.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Jeremiah's ministry (late 7th to early 6th century BCE) was one of profound political instability and spiritual decline for the kingdom of Judah. Caught between the rising powers of Egypt and Babylon, Judah often vacillated in its alliances, frequently turning to idolatry and syncretism, abandoning the covenant with Yahweh. The drought described in Jeremiah 14 was a severe judgment, often interpreted in the ancient Near East as a sign of divine displeasure. In Israelite theology, such natural disasters were understood as direct consequences of covenant disobedience, as outlined in the curses of the [Mosaic covenant](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The "throne of thy glory" likely refers to God's presence in the Temple in Jerusalem, which was the spiritual and political heart of Judah, and whose desecration or destruction would be seen as a profound disgrace to God's name among the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 14:21 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Jeremiah and Old Testament theology. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Reputation and Glory** is paramount, as Jeremiah appeals to God's honor among the nations, arguing that Judah's utter destruction would reflect poorly on Yahweh's power and faithfulness (cf. [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Name Vindicated")). Secondly, the **Enduring Nature of God's Covenant** is highlighted, even in the face of human infidelity. Despite Judah's repeated breaches, Jeremiah reminds God of His commitment, echoing the unconditional promises made to Abraham in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - God's Call to Abraham") and the foundational covenant at Sinai. Thirdly, the verse underscores the vital role of **Intercessory Prayer**, where a prophet or righteous individual stands in the gap for a sinful people, appealing to God's character rather than the people's merit. This reflects a deep understanding of God's justice tempered by His mercy, a tension often explored throughout Jeremiah's prophecies.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **abhor (Hebrew, _nâʼats'_):** From H5006, meaning "to scorn; abhor, (give occasion to) blaspheme, contemn, despise, flourish, [idiom] great, provoke." Jeremiah's plea "Do not abhor us" is a cry for God not to utterly reject or cast off His people as worthless or contemptible. It acknowledges the possibility of God's righteous indignation but appeals to His higher purpose and reputation, suggesting that such a complete abandonment would be perceived as scornful, thereby diminishing His own glory in the eyes of the nations.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From H3519, meaning "properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness; glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able)." The "throne of thy glory" refers to God's majestic presence and sovereign rule, particularly as manifested in Jerusalem and the Temple. Jeremiah is arguing that if God were to allow His people and His dwelling place to be utterly disgraced, it would diminish the "weight" or splendor of His divine reputation among the nations, implying a failure of His power or faithfulness.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, meaning "a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league." This term refers to the solemn, binding agreement God made with Israel, particularly at Sinai, which established them as His chosen people with specific promises and responsibilities. Jeremiah's plea, "break not thy covenant with us," is a profound appeal to God's faithfulness to His own sworn word, even when His people have broken their side of the agreement. It highlights the enduring nature of God's commitment despite human infidelity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Do not abhor [us], for thy name's sake":** This opening clause is a desperate entreaty for God not to utterly despise or reject His people. The phrase "for thy name's sake" is a powerful theological argument, appealing not to the people's merit, but to God's own character, reputation, and honor. It suggests that God's actions are intrinsically tied to the revelation of His nature to the world, implying that a complete abandonment of Israel might be misconstrued as a weakness or inconsistency on God's part, thereby dishonoring His holy name.
* **"do not disgrace the throne of thy glory":** This continues the appeal to God's reputation. The "throne of thy glory" symbolizes God's sovereign rule, His majestic presence, and His ultimate authority, often associated with the Temple in Jerusalem. Jeremiah pleads that God would not allow this symbol of His divine majesty to be shamed or brought into disrepute, particularly in the eyes of the surrounding pagan nations who would interpret Judah's destruction as a defeat of their God.
* **"remember, break not thy covenant with us":** This final clause is a direct appeal to God's covenant faithfulness. The imperative "remember" (Hebrew: _zâkar_) is not a request for God to recall something He has forgotten, but rather to act in accordance with His past promises and commitments. It is a plea for God to uphold the _bᵉrîyth_, the solemn, binding agreement He made with Israel. Despite Israel's repeated breaches of the covenant, Jeremiah reminds God of His own unchanging character and the enduring nature of His divine oath, implying that God's faithfulness to His covenant is a cornerstone of His identity.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 14:21 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its profound appeal. The verse is primarily an **Appeal** and a **Lament**, expressing deep sorrow and a fervent request. The phrase "for thy name's sake" and "the throne of thy glory" are examples of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for God's entire character and reputation, and "throne of glory" represents His sovereign rule and presence. There is a strong sense of **Parallelism** in the repeated negative imperatives ("Do not abhor... do not disgrace... break not"), emphasizing the prophet's earnestness and the three facets of his plea. The request to "remember" is a common biblical idiom, functioning as a **Rhetorical Device** to evoke God's active intervention based on His past promises, rather than a literal lapse of memory. The entire verse is imbued with **Pathos**, a powerful emotional appeal, as Jeremiah pours out his heart for a people facing divine judgment, yet clinging to the hope of God's unwavering faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 14:21 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring nature of God's covenant faithfulness, even when His people are unfaithful. It underscores the profound theological truth that God's actions are ultimately driven by His own glory and the vindication of His holy name among the nations, rather than solely by human merit or demerit. The prophet's intercession reveals a deep understanding of God's character – His justice in judgment, but also His steadfast love and commitment to His promises. This appeal to God's reputation and covenant is a recurring theme in biblical laments and prayers, demonstrating that even in the darkest moments of sin and suffering, the hope for restoration rests squarely on who God is and what He has promised.

* [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession")
* [Psalm 79:9-10](/psalms/79-9 "Psalm 79:9-10 - A Plea for Deliverance")
* [Daniel 9:18-19](/daniel/9-18 "Daniel 9:18-19 - Daniel's Prayer for Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 14:21 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating personal and communal challenges. In times of distress, sin, or judgment, our ultimate hope and the basis for our prayers should not be found in our own righteousness or perceived worthiness, but in the unchanging character of God and His eternal promises. Like Jeremiah, we are called to appeal to God's glory and His covenant faithfulness, recognizing that His reputation is at stake in how He interacts with His people and the world. This verse encourages a posture of humble yet bold intercession for our communities and nations, acknowledging sin while clinging to the hope of God's mercy and restorative power. It reminds us that even when we have failed Him, God remembers His covenant and provides a pathway to grace rooted in His immutable nature.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah's appeal to God's "name's sake" and "glory" challenge or deepen your understanding of God's motivations and character?**
* **In what ways can you, like Jeremiah, appeal to God's covenant faithfulness in your prayers, especially when you feel distant from Him or are interceding for others?**
* **Considering the context of Judah's unfaithfulness, what does God's willingness to "remember" His covenant reveal about His patience and enduring love?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jeremiah appeal to God's "name's sake" and "throne of glory" rather than directly asking for mercy?**

Answer: Jeremiah's appeal is deeply theological and strategic. In the ancient world, a deity's reputation was tied to the prosperity and fate of their people. If God were to utterly abandon Judah, allowing them to be destroyed by foreign powers, it could be perceived by surrounding nations as a sign of His weakness or inability to protect His own, thereby "disgracing" His name and the "throne of His glory." Jeremiah is essentially arguing that God's own honor and the vindication of His unique power among the false gods of the nations depend on His continued faithfulness to Israel. This is a common theme in the Old Testament, where God acts "for His name's sake" (e.g., [Psalm 23:3](/psalms/23-3 "Psalm 23:3 - He restores my soul, for his name's sake")). It's a powerful and effective way to appeal to God's character, demonstrating a profound understanding of His ultimate purpose to reveal His glory to all the earth.

**What is the significance of the "covenant" in Jeremiah 14:21, given that Israel had repeatedly broken it?**

Answer: The "covenant" (Hebrew: _bᵉrîyth_) refers primarily to the Mosaic Covenant established at Sinai, but also implicitly to the unconditional Abrahamic Covenant. While Israel had indeed broken their side of the Mosaic Covenant through idolatry and disobedience, Jeremiah appeals to God's faithfulness to His own sworn promises. The prophet understands that God's covenant is not merely a conditional contract but a binding commitment rooted in His unchanging character. Even when human beings are unfaithful, God remains faithful to His word (cf. [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - He remains faithful")). Jeremiah's plea "break not thy covenant with us" is an appeal to God's steadfast love (_hesed_) and His commitment to His redemptive plan, which ultimately transcends Israel's immediate failures. It highlights that God's ultimate faithfulness is not dependent on human performance but on His own divine nature and purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 14:21, with its desperate plea for God to remember His covenant and not disgrace His glory, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, repeatedly broken by Israel's sin, pointed forward to a new and better covenant that would be established not on human obedience, but on divine grace. Jesus, as the mediator of the [New Covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant"), perfectly fulfills all the righteous requirements of the law and offers a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin (cf. [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")). God's "name's sake" and "throne of glory" are supremely vindicated not by sparing a sinful nation from judgment, but by providing a way for sinners to be reconciled to a holy God through the cross. The ultimate display of God's glory is seen in the self-giving love of Christ, who, though innocent, bore the disgrace and curse of sin (cf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Furthermore, Jesus serves as our great High Priest and perfect intercessor, standing in the gap for His people, just as Jeremiah did (cf. [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Intercedes")). In Him, God's covenant promises are not broken but eternally secured, demonstrating that God's faithfulness is ultimately to His own redemptive plan culminating in His Son (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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

Jeremiah 14:7

O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou [it] for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

Psalms 106:45

And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

Jeremiah 3:17

At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.

Daniel 9:15

And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.

Daniel 9:19

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

Jeremiah 17:12

¶ A glorious high throne from the beginning [is] the place of our sanctuary.

Psalms 89:39

Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant: thou hast profaned his crown [by casting it] to the ground.