Study Questions:

1. How severe was the drought in Judah during Jeremiah’s time? (Jeremiah 14:3-6)

2. Which previous leaders of Israel does God mention in His message to Jeremiah? (Jeremiah 15:1)

3. Which king of Israel is mentioned as the cause of apostasy? (Jeremiah 15:6)

Commentary and Reflection:

Jeremiah 14 and 15 describe a severe drought, the Lord’s words of rebuke to the people, Jeremiah’s suffering and intercession, and his dialogue with God.

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary estimates that the drought occurred in the first decade of Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry. It is likely the same drought mentioned in Jeremiah 3:3: “Therefore the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter rain. You have had a harlot’s forehead; you refuse to be ashamed.” (Jeremiah 3:3)

Jeremiah intercedes for the people during the great drought. The weight of the situation is heavy upon him. He takes the liberty to cry out in prayer. The Lord is compassionate toward His servant; He understands him. Although God is all-powerful and sovereign, He takes the time to reason with him: “Thus says the Lord to this people: ‘Thus they have loved to wander; they have not restrained their feet. Therefore the Lord does not accept them; He will remember their iniquity now and punish their sins.’ Then the Lord said to me, ‘Do not pray for this people, for their good.’” (Jeremiah 14:10-11)

The phrase “they have loved to wander, they have not restrained their feet” refers to the people’s infidelity. They go here and there; they do not remain steadfast in their faith, in the temple, or true worship. They like experimenting with idol worship. It is like a husband who does not stay with his wife but “wanders” seeking affection elsewhere.

In Jeremiah 14:12, God again expresses that ceremonies, worship, and offerings cannot replace obedience. Obedience is the evidence of a surrendered heart, and that is what God requires. A surrendered person may sin but remain in their faith, repent, and receive forgiveness. Someone can approach God in their sinful condition and not be rejected. What is abominable is believing that ceremonies and offerings can replace obedience.

Jeremiah laments that false prophets are bringing messages more pleasant than his, which makes his situation even more difficult and uncomfortable.

He then publicly weeps and prays, interceding for Judah. The people can see that he is a genuine prophet who loves them and suffers with them, but he has a message he must deliver. The message is not his own; it comes from the Lord.

The Lord commands Jeremiah to tell the people that even if Moses and Samuel, who had previously interceded for the people and were heard, interceded now, they would not be heard because the people have passed the point where grace could reach them. Their probation had closed. The false religion introduced by Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, was deeply rooted in the people.

After delivering such a strong rebuke, Jeremiah again weeps and complains. He has not harmed anyone; all he has done is pray and intercede for the people. The message is not his responsibility; he is merely the messenger. Yet, everyone curses him.

He then declares the words that are the theme of this Bible reading plan: “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16)

The words of God, even when they are strong, are always good. When we receive His Word, His name is called upon us. When we receive His Word, we become His people.

The Lord encourages the prophet. His words also serve as encouragement and exhortation for us: “Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘If you return, then I will bring you back; you shall stand before Me; if you take out the precious from the vile, you shall be as My mouth. Let them return to you, but you must not return to them. And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you,’ says the Lord. ‘I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible.’” (Jeremiah 15:19-21)

Amen! May this promise be fulfilled in your life today. Have a blessed day!