Jeremiah 14:11

11 The Lord said to me: Do not pray for the welfare of this people.

Jeremiah 14:11 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 14:11

Then said the Lord unto me
To the prophet; now the Lord gives a more direct answer to him, and to his prayers and intercession for the people; which he forbids, saying, pray not for this people for their good;
or "for good things", as the Septuagint; for rain, that the famine might cease; and for deliverance from their enemies, that they might not go into captivity; for these things were determined upon by the Lord: he does not forbid him praying at all for them, or for their repentance and reformation; or for spiritual good things for them, for eternal life and salvation for the remnant of his own people among them; but not for external good things for the bulk of them.

Jeremiah 14:11 In-Context

9 Why should you be like someone confused, like a mighty warrior who cannot give help? Yet you, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not forsake us!

10 Thus says the Lord concerning this people: Truly they have loved to wander, they have not restrained their feet; therefore the Lord does not accept them, now he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins.

11 The Lord said to me: Do not pray for the welfare of this people.

12 Although they fast, I do not hear their cry, and although they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I do not accept them; but by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence I consume them.

13 Then I said: "Ah, Lord God! Here are the prophets saying to them, "You shall not see the sword, nor shall you have famine, but I will give you true peace in this place.' "