Jeremiah 14:22

KJV

Are there [any] among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? [art] not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these [things].

KJV (with Strong's)

Are there {H3426} any among the vanities {H1892} of the Gentiles {H1471} that can cause rain {H1652}? or can the heavens {H8064} give {H5414} showers {H7241}? art not thou he, O LORD {H3068} our God {H430}? therefore we will wait {H6960} upon thee: for thou hast made {H6213} all these things.

Complete Jewish Bible

Among the nations' idols, can any make it rain? Can the skies, of themselves, send showers? Aren't you the one, ADONAI, our God? Don't we look to you? For you do all these things.

Berean Standard Bible

Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies alone send showers? Is this not by You, O LORD our God? So we put our hope in You, for You have done all these things.

American Standard Version

Are there any among the vanities of the nations that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O Jehovah our God? therefore we will wait for thee; for thou hast made all these things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 14:22 stands as a profound declaration of Yahweh's exclusive sovereignty over creation and a desperate plea for His intervention amidst a severe drought. It encapsulates Israel's turning from the "vanities of the Gentiles" – their powerless idols – to acknowledge the LORD, their God, as the sole provider of rain and the ultimate Creator of all things. The verse culminates in a commitment to wait upon Him, recognizing that true hope and sustenance rest only in the One who made the heavens and the earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 14 opens with a vivid description of a devastating drought, a clear sign of divine judgment upon Judah for its persistent apostasy and idolatry. The initial verses (Jeremiah 14:1-6) portray the widespread suffering of the people, animals, and the parched land. Following this, Jeremiah intercedes on behalf of the people, confessing their sins and pleading for mercy (Jeremiah 14:7-9). God's initial response is a stern refusal to hear their cry due to their deep-seated iniquity (Jeremiah 14:10-12). However, Jeremiah persists in prayer (Jeremiah 14:13-18), and the chapter culminates in a communal lament and confession (Jeremiah 14:19-22). Verse 22 serves as the climactic confession within this communal prayer, articulating a desperate yet hopeful turning point where the people finally acknowledge God's unique power and their utter dependence on Him, contrasting Him with the impotent idols they had previously pursued. It is a direct response to the dire circumstances and a recognition of the true source of life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Judah during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period marked by political instability, encroaching foreign powers (Assyria, Babylon, Egypt), and rampant spiritual decline. Idolatry, syncretism, and the adoption of pagan practices from surrounding nations were widespread, despite the warnings of prophets like Jeremiah. Rain was absolutely critical for the agricultural economy and survival of ancient Israel. Drought was a common form of divine judgment promised in the Mosaic covenant for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Consequences of Disobedience")). In the ancient Near East, many pagan deities, such as Baal, were worshipped as gods of fertility and rain. The rhetorical questions in Jeremiah 14:22 directly challenge the efficacy of these false gods, asserting Yahweh's exclusive control over natural phenomena and His unique status as the Creator, contrasting Him sharply with the "vanities" of the Gentile nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores **God's Sole Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, particularly over creation and natural processes. The ability to give rain is presented as an exclusive attribute of Yahweh, highlighting His unique power in contrast to human limitations or the impotence of idols, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 147:8](/psalm/147-8 "Psalm 147:8 - God Provides Rain"). Secondly, it exposes the **Futility and Emptiness of Idolatry**. The "vanities of the Gentiles" are revealed as utterly useless in times of crisis, unable to provide relief or sustenance, reinforcing the prophetic condemnation of false worship found throughout Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:5](/jeremiah/2-5 "Jeremiah 2:5 - Forsaking God for Worthless Idols")). Finally, the verse expresses a crucial theme of **Dependence and Hope in God**. The declaration "therefore we will wait upon thee" signifies a return to a posture of humble reliance on Yahweh, grounded in the recognition of His identity as the Creator ("for thou hast made all these [things]"). This acknowledges that true help comes only from the One who fashioned all existence, as celebrated in [Psalm 121:2](/psalm/121-2 "Psalm 121:2 - Our Help Comes from the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **vanities (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** H1892. This word signifies emptiness, breath, or futility. It denotes something transitory, unsatisfactory, and ultimately meaningless. Its use here powerfully conveys the utter worthlessness and inability of the pagan idols and practices to provide any real help or sustenance, especially in a crisis like drought. They are empty, powerless, and useless, incapable of affecting the natural world.
* **Gentiles (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** H1471. Refers to foreign nations or non-Israelite peoples. In this context, it specifically points to the pagan nations surrounding Israel whose idolatrous practices Judah had adopted. The "vanities of the Gentiles" are the false gods and religious systems of these nations, which Jeremiah consistently condemns as a betrayal of Yahweh.
* **cause rain (Hebrew, _gâsham'_):** H1652. A primitive root meaning "to shower violently" or "to cause to rain." This word directly addresses the central crisis of the drought. The rhetorical question challenges whether any pagan deity possesses the power to bring this essential life-giving element, underscoring that such power belongs exclusively to the true God.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068. The self-Existent or Eternal One; Jehovah, the covenant name of God, emphasizing His unchanging, self-sufficient nature and His unique relationship with Israel. This name contrasts sharply with the "vanities," asserting the true God's living and active presence.
* **wait (Hebrew, _qâvâh'_):** H6960. A primitive root meaning "to bind together" or "to collect"; figuratively, "to expect." This implies not just passive waiting, but an active, hopeful expectation, a confident reliance, and a patient endurance in God. It denotes a steadfast trust and a hopeful clinging to God amidst adversity.
* **made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** H6213. A primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." Here, it refers to God's act of creation, establishing His ultimate authority and control over all things, including the heavens and the rain. This serves as the foundational reason for the people's renewed hope and trust in Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Are there [any] among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain?"**: This is the first rhetorical question, directly challenging the efficacy of pagan idols. It asserts that the false gods worshipped by the surrounding nations (and tragically, by Judah itself) are utterly powerless to provide essential needs like rain. They are "vanities" – empty, worthless, and incapable of true action.
* **"or can the heavens give showers?"**: This second rhetorical question extends the challenge, implying that even the heavens themselves, without divine command, cannot independently produce rain. It reinforces the idea that the power over natural phenomena resides not in creation itself, nor in false deities, but solely with the Creator.
* **"[art] not thou he, O LORD our God?"**: This is the pivotal turning point, a direct affirmation and confession. After questioning the impotence of all other sources, the people acknowledge Yahweh (LORD), their covenant God, as the only one capable of providing rain and, by extension, all sustenance. This rhetorical question expects a resounding "Yes!"
* **"therefore we will wait upon thee:"**: This clause expresses the practical outcome of their realization. Because God alone is the true source of power and provision, the people commit to a posture of active, hopeful dependence on Him. This "waiting" is an act of faith and patient endurance.
* **"for thou hast made all these [things]."**: This final clause provides the theological basis for their hope and dependence. God's identity as the Creator of "all these things" (referring to the heavens, the earth, and all natural elements) confirms His absolute authority and ability to control them. Their hope is grounded in His omnipotence and His foundational role as the sovereign Maker.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 14:22 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message. The primary device is **Rhetorical Question**, employed twice at the beginning ("Are there [any] among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? [art] not thou he, O LORD our God?"). These questions are not seeking information but are designed to provoke thought and lead to an undeniable conclusion: only Yahweh is God. This creates a powerful **Contrast** between the impotence of "the vanities of the Gentiles" and the omnipotence of "the LORD our God." The phrase "vanities of the Gentiles" itself is an example of **Metonymy**, where "vanities" stands for the idols and false gods worshipped by the nations, emphasizing their inherent worthlessness. There is also a strong element of **Confession** and **Plea** in the verse, as the people articulate their recognition of God's sovereignty and their renewed commitment to Him. Finally, the concluding phrase, "for thou hast made all these [things]," serves as an **Appeal to Creation**, grounding God's power and their hope in His role as the ultimate Creator, a foundational theological truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 14:22 serves as a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty and the nature of true worship. It unequivocally declares that control over creation, especially life-sustaining elements like rain, belongs exclusively to Yahweh. This truth exposes the utter emptiness of idolatry, revealing that any object or entity worshipped apart from the Creator is a "vanity"—powerless, useless, and incapable of providing genuine help. The verse calls humanity to a posture of humble dependence, reminding us that our hope and sustenance must be rooted in the One who made all things. This foundational truth about God's creative power and exclusive authority is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, challenging all forms of human self-reliance and false worship.

* [Psalm 135:6-7](/psalm/135-6 "God Does What He Pleases")
* [Acts 14:15-17](/acts/14-15 "God Gives Rain and Fruitful Seasons")
* [Isaiah 44:9-10](/isaiah/44-9 "The Folly of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 14:22 offers a timeless and piercing challenge to our contemporary lives. In a world brimming with distractions and false promises, it compels us to examine where our ultimate hope and trust truly lie. Just as ancient Judah was tempted to rely on pagan deities or human strength for rain, we often look to financial security, political systems, technological advancements, or even self-help philosophies as our ultimate providers. This verse calls us to recognize these as modern "vanities"—incapable of delivering true peace, lasting security, or ultimate fulfillment. It beckons us to pivot, as Judah eventually did, from these fleeting sources to the unchanging, all-powerful God who "has made all these things." Our response, like theirs, should be a conscious decision to "wait upon" Him, cultivating a posture of patient expectation, faithful reliance, and humble prayer, knowing that He alone holds sovereign control over all circumstances and is the true source of every good gift. This waiting is not passive resignation but an active, hopeful trust in His providential care and unfailing power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vanities" in my life or culture do I sometimes look to for security or provision, instead of God?**
* **How does recognizing God as the sole Creator of "all these things" deepen my trust in His ability to meet my needs?**
* **What does it practically look like for me to "wait upon" the LORD in my current circumstances?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to surrender control and acknowledge God's exclusive sovereignty?**

### FAQ

**What are the "vanities of the Gentiles" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "vanities of the Gentiles" refer to the false gods, idols, and pagan worship practices of the nations surrounding Israel. The Hebrew word `hebel` (vanity) implies emptiness, breath, or futility, emphasizing that these idols are lifeless, powerless, and utterly useless. Unlike the living God, they cannot intervene in the natural world or provide any genuine help, especially in a crisis like a drought. This concept is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, condemning the worship of anything other than the one true God (e.g., [1 Kings 18:26-29](/1_kings/18-26 "Elijah Challenges Baal Worship")).

**Why is the ability to "cause rain" so significant in this context?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, rain was absolutely essential for agriculture and survival. Drought was a severe judgment, often seen as a direct consequence of disobedience to God's covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 11:16-17](/deuteronomy/11-16 "Warning Against Idolatry and Drought")). Many pagan deities, such as Baal, were worshipped as gods of fertility and rain. By asking if the "vanities of the Gentiles" can cause rain, Jeremiah highlights the impotence of these false gods and unequivocally asserts Yahweh's exclusive sovereignty over creation and natural phenomena. It underscores that only the true God has the power to give or withhold life-sustaining rain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 14:22, with its powerful declaration of God's sole sovereignty over creation and His unique ability to provide, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's "LORD our God" is fully revealed in the person of Jesus, who is the Creator through whom "all things were made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "All Things Made Through Him")). Just as the people of Judah looked to Yahweh for life-giving rain, we look to Christ for spiritual life and sustenance, for He is the "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "Jesus Offers Living Water")) and the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The futility of the "vanities of the Gentiles"—any false god or human endeavor—is fully exposed in the light of Christ's perfect sufficiency. He alone has authority over creation, demonstrated by His calming of storms ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm")) and His miraculous provision. Our "waiting upon" the LORD, as expressed in Jeremiah, becomes a confident trust and active reliance upon Jesus, who is the ultimate embodiment of God's power, provision, and faithfulness. In Him, we find not just physical rain, but the spiritual outpouring and eternal life that truly satisfies, for "in him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Christ Holds All Things Together")).

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

Joel 2:23

Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first [month].

Jeremiah 5:24

Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.

Psalms 135:7

He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

Isaiah 30:23

Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.

Deuteronomy 32:21

They have moved me to jealousy with [that which is] not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with [those which are] not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

Jeremiah 51:16

When he uttereth [his] voice, [there is] a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

Job 38:26

To cause it to rain on the earth, [where] no man [is; on] the wilderness, wherein [there is] no man;