Jeremiah 14:8

8 O hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why should you be like a stranger in the land, like a traveler turning aside for the night?

Jeremiah 14:8 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 14:8

O the hope of Israel
The author, object, ground, and foundation of hope of all good things, both here and hereafter; in whom Israel had been used to hope in times past, and had great encouragement so to do, ( Psalms 130:7 ) or, "the expectation of Israel" F6; whom they looked for to come: the Saviour thereof in time of trouble;
the Saviour of all men in a way of providence, but especially of the true Israel of God, of them that believe; who, though they have their times of trouble and affliction, by reason of sin, Satan, and wicked men, and other things, yet the Lord saves and delivers them out of them all in due time: why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land;
or, a "sojourner" F7; who abides but for a while; and it not being his native place, is not so solicitous for the welfare of it. Jerome interprets this of Christ when here on earth, who was as a stranger, and unknown by men; see ( Psalms 69:9 ) ( Matthew 8:20 ) ( 25:43 ) and the other characters; of the hope of Israel,
and the Saviour, well agree with him, ( 1 Timothy 1:1 ) ( Colossians 1:27 ) ( Acts 13:23 ) and as a wayfaring man;
or "traveller" F8: that turnest aside to tarry for a night?
that turns into an inn to lodge there for a night, and that only; and so is unconcerned what becomes of it, or the people in it; he is only there for a night, and is gone in the morning. Thus the prophet represents the Lord by these metaphors, as if he was, or at least seemed, careless of his people; and therefore expostulates with him upon it, as the disciples with our Lord, ( Mark 4:38 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F6 (larvy hwqm) "expectatio Israel", Pagninus, Montanus, Cocceius.
F7 (rgk) "quasi colonus", Grotius; "advena", Gataker.
F8 (xrak) "tanquam viator", Pagninus, Montanus, Schmidt.

Jeremiah 14:8 In-Context

6 The wild asses stand on the bare heights, they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail because there is no herbage.
7 Although our iniquities testify against us, act, O Lord, for your name's sake; our apostasies indeed are many, and we have sinned against you.
8 O hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why should you be like a stranger in the land, like a traveler turning aside for the night?
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.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.