Jeremiah 14:11

11 Then said the LORD unto me, "Pray not for this people for their good.

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 shouldest Thou be as a man amazed, 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.

10 Thus saith the LORD unto this people: "Thus have they loved to wander; they have not restrained their feet. Therefore the LORD doth not accept them; He will now remember their iniquity and visit their sins."

11 Then said the LORD unto me, "Pray not for this people for their good.

12 When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them; but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence."

13 Then said I, "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, the prophets say unto them, `Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine, but I will give you assured peace in this place.'"