Jeremiah 14:21

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

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.

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

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.

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

Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 14:21 is part of a profound lament and intercession offered by the prophet Jeremiah on behalf of the people of Judah during a severe drought and famine. This period was marked by widespread suffering, but also by the nation's persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. Despite God's declared judgment due to their sins, the prophet appeals to God's character and covenant faithfulness, pleading for mercy rather than total abandonment. The preceding verses in chapter 14 describe the dire physical conditions and the people's confession of sin, setting the stage for this desperate plea.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Appeal to God's Name and Glory: The primary argument in this verse is "for thy name's sake." This highlights the profound biblical concept that God's actions are often motivated by His own honor, reputation, and glory among the nations. The prophet argues that if God were to utterly forsake His people, it might be perceived by others as a weakness or inconsistency on God's part, thereby "disgracing the throne of thy glory." This throne represents God's sovereign rule and the place of His manifest presence, particularly in Jerusalem.
  • Divine Faithfulness to Covenant: The plea, "break not thy covenant with us," underscores the enduring nature of God's agreements with His people. Despite Judah's repeated breaches of the Mosaic covenant, Jeremiah reminds God of His unconditional promises made to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and the foundational covenant that established Israel as His chosen nation (Exodus 19:5-6). The prophet appeals to God's faithfulness, not the people's merit.
  • Intercessory Prayer: This verse exemplifies the power and posture of intercessory prayer, where a mediator pleads for others, appealing to God's attributes and past promises. Jeremiah, burdened by the nation's plight and their spiritual state, stands in the gap, demonstrating a deep love for his people and a profound understanding of God's character.

Linguistic Insights

The word "abhor" (KJV) translates the Hebrew verb na'ats (ื ึธืึทืฅ), which means to spurn, despise, or treat with contempt. The prophet is asking God not to completely reject or cast off His people as if they were worthless. The term "covenant" is berit (ื‘ึฐึผืจึดื™ืช), a foundational concept in the Old Testament, signifying a solemn, binding agreement or treaty between God and humanity, characterized by promises and responsibilities.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 14:21 offers enduring lessons for believers today. It teaches us the importance of appealing to God's character, His unwavering faithfulness, and His glory when we pray, especially during times of distress or when confessing sin. Our hope and basis for petition are not found in our own righteousness, but in who God is and His eternal promises. This verse also encourages us to engage in intercessory prayer for our communities and nations, recognizing that God's reputation is often tied to how He interacts with His people and the world. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in judgment, God remembers His covenant and offers a pathway to restoration based on His immutable nature.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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.
โ† Back