Jeremiah 8:7

Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.

Yea, the stork {H2624} in the heaven {H8064} knoweth {H3045} her appointed times {H4150}; and the turtle {H8449} and the crane {H5483} and the swallow {H5693} observe {H8104} the time {H6256} of their coming {H935}; but my people {H5971} know {H3045} not the judgment {H4941} of the LORD {H3068}.

Storks in the sky know their seasons; doves, swallows and cranes their migration times; but my people do not know the rulings of ADONAI!

Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD.

Yea, the stork in the heavens knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle-dove and the swallow and the crane observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the law of Jehovah.

Commentary

Jeremiah 8:7 KJV presents a poignant lament from God through the prophet Jeremiah, contrasting the instinctive obedience of migratory birds with the spiritual ignorance and disobedience of His chosen people, Judah.

Context

This verse is situated within a series of prophecies (Jeremiah 7-10) where God confronts the kingdom of Judah for its profound spiritual apostasy, false worship, and reliance on superficial religious practices rather than genuine repentance and obedience. Jeremiah repeatedly warns of impending judgment from the Lord due to their unfaithfulness. The people have rejected God's law and wisdom, preferring their own ways, leading to their moral decay and spiritual blindness. The comparison to birds highlights the unnaturalness of their rebellion; even animals, without divine revelation, adhere to the natural order God established, while Judah, given His law, fails to understand His righteous decrees.

Key Themes

  • Divine Wisdom vs. Human Folly: The verse starkly contrasts the inherent wisdom embedded in creation, where animals follow their natural instincts and cycles ("appointed times"), with the profound spiritual foolishness of Judah, who "know not the judgment of the LORD."
  • Ignorance of God's Judgment: A central message is the people's dangerous unawareness or willful disregard of the divine principles and consequences that govern their actions. This "judgment" (Hebrew: mishpat) refers not only to impending punishment but also to God's righteous law, His just decrees, and the moral order He expects.
  • Disobedience and Apostasy: The birds' obedience to nature's call serves as a powerful indictment of Judah's persistent rebellion against God's covenant and their failure to heed His warnings, a theme echoed throughout Jeremiah's prophetic ministry. For further insight into their spiritual state, consider Jeremiah 7:24, which speaks of their stubborn hearts.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew names for the birds mentioned—the chasidah (stork), tor (turtledove), sis (crane/swift), and deror (swallow)—each carry nuances. The stork, chasidah, is particularly ironic as its root relates to chesed, meaning "loving-kindness" or "faithfulness." The stork is faithful to its migratory patterns, a stark contrast to the unfaithfulness of God's people. The phrase "know not the judgment of the LORD" uses mishpat Yahweh, which encompasses God's righteous decrees, justice, and the established order of His moral universe, which they have failed to discern or obey.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 8:7 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual apathy and ignorance. It challenges us to reflect on whether we, like the ancient Israelites, are so caught up in worldly concerns or false securities that we fail to discern God's will, His warnings, and the principles by which He governs the world. Unlike the birds that instinctively follow their Creator's design, humanity has the capacity for rebellion. Therefore, we are called to actively seek and understand God's Word, to be sensitive to His guidance, and to live in obedience to His "judgment"—His righteous standards. Failing to do so can lead to unforeseen consequences, underscoring the importance of spiritual wisdom and discernment in our daily lives. This call to understanding is vital, much like the wisdom extolled in Proverbs 4:7, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom."

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 1:3 (10 votes)

    The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: [but] Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

  • Jeremiah 5:4 (5 votes)

    Therefore I said, Surely these [are] poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, [nor] the judgment of their God.

  • Jeremiah 5:5 (5 votes)

    I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, [and] the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, [and] burst the bonds.

  • Proverbs 6:6 (4 votes)

    ¶ Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

  • Proverbs 6:8 (4 votes)

    Provideth her meat in the summer, [and] gathereth her food in the harvest.

  • Isaiah 5:12 (3 votes)

    And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

  • Song Of Solomon 2:12 (3 votes)

    The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing [of birds] is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;