Jeremiah 14:9

KJV

Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man [that] cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, [art] in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.

KJV (with Strong's)

Why shouldest thou be as a man {H376} astonied {H1724}, as a mighty man {H1368} that cannot {H3201} save {H3467}? yet thou, O LORD {H3068}, art in the midst {H7130} of us, and we are called {H7121} by thy name {H8034}; leave {H3240} us not.

Complete Jewish Bible

Why should you be like a man in shock, like a champion unable to save? You, ADONAI, are right here with us; we bear your name - don't leave us!

Berean Standard Bible

Why are You like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save? Yet You are among us, O LORD, and we are called by Your name. Do not forsake us!

American Standard Version

Why shouldest thou be as a man affrighted, as a mighty man that cannot save? Yet thou, O Jehovah, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 14:9 encapsulates a poignant lament from the prophet Jeremiah on behalf of Judah, a nation suffering under a severe drought and facing divine judgment due to its persistent sin. The verse expresses the people's bewildered anguish at God's apparent inaction, questioning why the Almighty seems "astonied" or powerless to save them. Despite this heartfelt plea, it simultaneously affirms their foundational identity as God's covenant people, reminding Him of His abiding presence "in the midst of us" and their unique status of being "called by thy name," culminating in a desperate cry for Him not to abandon them in their dire need.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 14:9 is situated within a series of laments and prophetic pronouncements concerning a devastating drought that has gripped Judah. The preceding verses ([Jeremiah 14:1-6](/jeremiah/14-1 "Jeremiah 14:1-6 - The Great Drought")) vividly describe the physical suffering of the land, people, and animals, establishing the dire circumstances that provoke this desperate prayer. Following this verse, Jeremiah continues his intercession, acknowledging the nation's sin ([Jeremiah 14:7](/jeremiah/14-7 "Jeremiah 14:7 - Acknowledging Sin")) but appealing to God's mercy and covenant faithfulness. The broader context of [Jeremiah 14](/jeremiah/14 "Jeremiah 14 - Drought, Famine, and Lament") reveals a dialogue between the prophet and God, where God initially refuses to relent, emphasizing the depth of Judah's apostasy, yet the prophet persists in his intercession, highlighting the tension between divine judgment and covenant hope.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Jeremiah's ministry (late 7th to early 6th century BCE) was marked by political instability, the decline of the Assyrian empire, and the rising threat of Babylon. Judah was caught between these great powers, often vacillating in its alliances and, more critically, in its faithfulness to Yahweh. Droughts were a common and devastating natural disaster in ancient Israel, often interpreted as divine judgment for covenant disobedience ([Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Curses for Disobedience")). The people's cry for God not to "leave us not" resonates with the cultural understanding of a covenant relationship where God's presence was paramount to national security and prosperity, and His withdrawal signified ultimate doom. Their identity as "called by thy name" was a profound cultural and theological marker, signifying ownership and intimate relationship, akin to a master's name on his servant or property.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah. It underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Human Suffering**, as the drought is understood as a consequence of sin, yet it elicits profound human anguish. It highlights the **Tension Between God's Immanence and Apparent Absence**, as the people grapple with a God who is "in the midst of us" yet seems "astonied" and unable to save. The theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Identity** is central, as the plea is rooted in Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing their status as His chosen people, "called by thy name" ([Isaiah 43:7](/isaiah/43-7 "Isaiah 43:7 - Called by God's Name")). Finally, it exemplifies the theme of **Lament and Intercession**, showcasing the prophet's role in voicing the people's despair and appealing to God's mercy despite their unworthiness, a recurring motif throughout the book, as seen in [Jeremiah 12](/jeremiah/12 "Jeremiah 12 - Jeremiah's Complaint").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **astonied (Hebrew, _dâham'_):** This primitive root signifies being "dumbfounded" or "struck with horror," leading to a state of being "astonished" or stunned into inaction. When applied to God in this context, it reflects the human perception of divine passivity in the face of immense suffering, as if God Himself is bewildered or paralyzed by the unfolding catastrophe, unable to intervene. It highlights the people's profound disorientation and struggle to reconcile God's omnipotence with their current reality.
* **mighty man (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This term denotes someone "powerful," a "warrior," a "champion," or a "valiant man." It conveys strength, capability, and the ability to act decisively, especially in battle or rescue. The juxtaposition of God being likened to a "mighty man" who "cannot save" creates a stark rhetorical contrast, intensifying the people's bewilderment and the perceived paradox of their situation: their all-powerful God appears impotent.
* **save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor," "to deliver," "to help," or "to rescue." It encompasses the full scope of divine deliverance, encompassing physical salvation from danger, spiritual salvation from sin, and the restoration of well-being. The people's lament questions why the God who is inherently capable of salvation seems to withhold it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied":** This rhetorical question expresses the people's profound confusion and pain. They perceive God as inactive, seemingly paralyzed or bewildered by their suffering, unable to respond to their desperate plight. This is a bold, raw expression of lament, questioning God's apparent detachment.
* **"as a mighty man [that] cannot save?":** This continues the rhetorical questioning, likening God to a powerful warrior who, paradoxically, is unable to deliver or rescue. The imagery emphasizes the people's feeling of utter helplessness and their struggle to reconcile God's known power with His perceived inaction in their time of crisis.
* **"yet thou, O LORD, [art] in the midst of us":** Despite the preceding lament, this clause pivots to an affirmation of God's covenant presence. It is a desperate appeal based on their foundational theological truth: Yahweh, the covenant God, dwells among His people. This serves as a reminder to God (from the human perspective) of His commitment and immanence.
* **"and we are called by thy name;":** This further grounds their appeal in their unique identity as God's chosen people. To be "called by thy name" signifies ownership, belonging, and a special relationship. It implies that God's reputation and honor are intrinsically linked to His people's welfare, and their suffering reflects upon His character.
* **"leave us not.":** This is the urgent, culminating plea. It is a desperate cry for God not to abandon them, not to withdraw His presence, protection, and provision. It underscores their utter dependence on Him for survival and their fear of complete divine withdrawal, which would signify ultimate destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 14:9 is rich in **Rhetorical Questions**, used to express profound confusion, anguish, and a challenging appeal to God ("Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save?"). This device allows the prophet to voice the people's desperate bewilderment without necessarily implying a lack of faith, but rather a struggle within it. The verse employs powerful **Simile** by comparing God to "a man astonied" and "a mighty man that cannot save," creating a vivid and ironic image of divine passivity that heightens the sense of despair. This **Irony** is central, as the all-powerful God is depicted in terms of weakness, starkly contrasting His true nature with the people's perception of His current inaction. The phrase "called by thy name" is a significant **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for God's character, reputation, authority, and covenant relationship, emphasizing the deep theological bond between God and Israel. The entire verse functions as a **Lament**, a form of prayer that expresses sorrow, complaint, and an appeal for divine intervention, characteristic of much of Jeremiah's prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 14:9 stands as a powerful testament to the human struggle with divine sovereignty and suffering. It reveals that authentic faith does not preclude honest questioning or expressions of deep anguish when God's actions (or perceived inaction) seem to contradict His character or promises. The people's lament, while bold, is rooted in a profound theological truth: God is present "in the midst of us," and His people are "called by thy name." This paradox—God's apparent distance juxtaposed with His covenant presence—invites believers to bring their raw emotions and intellectual struggles before the Lord, trusting that His faithfulness transcends immediate circumstances. It highlights the enduring tension between God's justice and His mercy, and the persistent hope that His covenant promises will ultimately prevail, even when judgment is being experienced.

* [Exodus 29:45](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45 - God Dwells Among Israel")
* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My People Who Are Called By My Name")
* [Isaiah 59:1](/isaiah/59-1 "Isaiah 59:1 - God's Hand Is Not Shortened")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 14:9 offers profound pastoral comfort and challenge. It validates the human experience of lament, affirming that it is not only permissible but often necessary to voice our deepest fears, confusion, and even perceived abandonment to God. In moments of crisis, when God seems distant or inactive, this verse encourages us to anchor our prayers in His unchanging character and covenant promises. We are reminded that even amidst our questioning, our identity as those "called by His name" remains, signifying His ownership and our intimate relationship with Him. This truth compels us to persist in prayer, appealing to His faithfulness and trusting that He will ultimately not forsake His people, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. It teaches us to hold simultaneously the reality of our suffering and the unwavering truth of God's presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel God is "astonied" or seemingly inactive, and how does Jeremiah 14:9 encourage you to voice those feelings honestly to Him?**
* **How does remembering that you are "called by His name" and that He is "in the midst of us" provide comfort or challenge in times of distress?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the nature of lament and its role in a healthy spiritual life?**

### FAQ
**Does "Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied" imply God is truly surprised or powerless?**

Answer: No, this rhetorical question does not imply that God is literally surprised, confused, or powerless. Instead, it reflects the human perception and experience of God's apparent inaction or delay in intervention during a time of severe suffering. From the perspective of the people in their distress, God's usual swift and powerful deliverance seems absent, making Him appear "astonied" or "unable to save." It is a raw, honest expression of lament and bewilderment, not a theological statement denying God's omnipotence or omniscience. The prophet and the people are wrestling with the paradox of a powerful, present God who seems to be holding back His saving hand. This is a common theme in biblical lament, where the supplicant boldly questions God's ways while still clinging to His covenant identity, as seen in [Psalm 44:23-24](/psalm/44-23 "Psalm 44:23-24 - Why Do You Sleep, O Lord?").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 14:9, with its desperate plea for God not to abandon His people, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament laments often grapple with God's perceived absence or inaction, the New Testament reveals God's ultimate answer to the problem of suffering and abandonment through the incarnation. God did not "leave us not," but rather, in Christ, He fully entered "in the midst of us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). On the cross, Jesus, the true "mighty man" who *could* save, willingly experienced the ultimate abandonment, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). This moment of divine dereliction was not an act of powerlessness, but the very means by which God accomplished salvation, taking upon Himself the sin that separated humanity from God. Through Christ's sacrifice, those who believe are truly "called by thy name" as children of God ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God")), and are assured that God will never leave nor forsake them ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - I Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You")). The perceived "astonishment" of God in Jeremiah's time is overcome by the active, self-giving love of God in Christ, who fully identifies with human suffering and offers eternal deliverance.

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

Isaiah 63:19

We are [thine]: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.

Isaiah 59:1

¶ Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

Numbers 11:23

And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

Psalms 46:5

God [is] in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, [and that] right early.

Numbers 14:15

Now [if] thou shalt kill [all] this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,

Numbers 14:16

Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.

Jeremiah 15:16

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.