Jeremiah 14:9

9 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!

Jeremiah 14:9 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 14:9

Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied
Astonished, and so surprised as not to know what to say or do; or "asleep", as the Septuagint; taking no notice of us, and being altogether unconcerned what becomes of us; or, as one "dumb" ^F9; that will give no answer to our prayers: as a mighty man that cannot save?
who, though he is able to save, yet, through want of a heart or will, does not exert his power: yet thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us;
having his residence and dwelling in the temple at Jerusalem; and therefore was not a stranger and foreigner among them; and this carries in it an entreaty and an argument that he would not in his providence conduct towards them in such manner as though he was: and we are called by thy name;
the people of God, the Israel of God, and the like: leave us not;
in our distress and trouble, but deliver us out of it.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F9 (Mhdn) "obmutefactus", Fosterus, Mercerus,

Jeremiah 14:9 In-Context

7 Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You.

8 O Hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress, why are You like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays but a night?

9 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!

10 This is what the LORD says about this people: “Truly they love to wander; they have not restrained their feet. So the LORD does not accept them; He will now remember their iniquity and punish them for their sins.”

11 Then the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people.