Jeremiah 14:9

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

Context of Jeremiah 14:9

Jeremiah 14:9 is part of a profound lament and prayer offered by the prophet Jeremiah on behalf of the people of Judah. The chapter details a severe drought and famine that has gripped the land, bringing immense suffering to both people and animals. This crisis is understood by Jeremiah as a consequence of the nation's persistent sin and disobedience to God. Despite the dire circumstances and the impending judgment, this verse captures the people's desperate plea to the LORD, appealing to His covenant relationship with them and expressing their deep distress at His apparent inaction.

Key Themes in Jeremiah 14:9

  • Divine Inaction and Human Desperation: The verse opens with a rhetorical question expressing the people's bewilderment and pain: "Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save?" This powerful imagery portrays God as seemingly stunned or powerless in the face of their suffering, reflecting the depth of their despair and their struggle to reconcile their current reality with God's omnipotence.
  • God's Presence and Covenant Identity: Despite their questioning, the plea is anchored in a foundational truth: "yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name." This reminds God of His unique relationship with Israel, His chosen people, and His promise to dwell among them (Exodus 29:45). Being "called by thy name" signifies their identity as His possession and the unique privilege of being associated with the Almighty (2 Chronicles 7:14).
  • A Plea for Deliverance and Non-Abandonment: The verse culminates in a desperate cry: "leave us not." This is a heartfelt appeal for God not to abandon them in their time of dire need, a fear of complete divine withdrawal. It underscores their utter dependence on Him for salvation and survival amidst the devastating drought and impending judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The term "astonied" comes from the Hebrew word shamem (ืฉึธืืžึตื), which can mean desolate, appalled, dumbfounded, or struck with horror. It conveys a sense of being stunned into inaction or silence. When applied to God, it highlights the prophet's human perspective of God's apparent passivity. The phrase "mighty man that cannot save" uses the Hebrew gibbor (ื’ึดึผื‘ึผื•ึนืจ) for "mighty man" or "warrior." The juxtaposition of a powerful warrior being unable to "save" (Hebrew yasha, to deliver or help) is stark irony, emphasizing the people's feeling that their all-powerful God is paradoxically inactive, despite His inherent ability to deliver (Isaiah 59:1).

Practical Application

Jeremiah 14:9 offers profound insights for believers today. It teaches us that it is permissible to express honest lament and even questioning to God in times of severe distress and suffering. The people's cry, though born of desperation, is still rooted in an acknowledgment of God's identity and His covenant relationship. This verse encourages us to bring our deepest fears and confusion before the Lord, reminding ourselves and Him of His promises and His abiding presence. Even when circumstances suggest God is distant or inactive, we can cling to the truth that He is "in the midst of us" and we are "called by His name," trusting that He will ultimately not abandon His people.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 63:19 (5 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 59:1 (5 votes)

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

  • Numbers 11:23 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Numbers 14:15 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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.