Jeremiah 14:11

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

Study Bible

Then the LORD said to me
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to the prophet Jeremiah. In the context of the Old Testament, prophets were often the mouthpieces of God, receiving divine messages to deliver to the people of Israel. This highlights the intimate relationship between God and His chosen prophets, as seen in other instances such as with Moses (Exodus 3:4) and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8). The phrase underscores the authority of the message that follows, as it is not Jeremiah's own words but a command from God.

Do not pray
Prayer is a significant aspect of the relationship between God and His people, often seen as a means of intercession and seeking divine intervention. In this context, God instructs Jeremiah not to intercede for the people, which is a stark departure from the usual role of a prophet. This command reflects the severity of the people's sin and the impending judgment. It echoes similar instructions given to other prophets, such as when God told Moses not to intercede for Israel after the golden calf incident (Exodus 32:10).

for the well-being of this people
The term "well-being" here refers to the peace and prosperity of the people of Judah. Historically, this period was marked by idolatry and rebellion against God, leading to the Babylonian exile. The refusal to allow intercession signifies that the people's actions have reached a point where divine judgment is inevitable. This is consistent with the covenantal relationship outlined in Deuteronomy, where blessings and curses are contingent upon obedience to God's law (Deuteronomy 28). The phrase also foreshadows the coming destruction and exile, as prophesied in earlier chapters of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 7:16).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry was marked by deep personal struggle and faithfulness to God's difficult commands.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will and judgments through His prophets. In this passage, He instructs Jeremiah not to intercede for the people.

3. The People of Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, who were in a state of rebellion against God. Their persistent idolatry and disobedience led to God's judgment.

4. Judah's Drought
The immediate context of Jeremiah 14 is a severe drought, symbolizing God's judgment and the spiritual barrenness of the people.

5. Intercession
The act of praying on behalf of others. Here, God explicitly tells Jeremiah not to intercede for Judah, highlighting the severity of their sin.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin has consequences that can reach a point where God's patience is exhausted. Persistent rebellion can lead to a divine decree where intercession is no longer effective.

The Role of the Prophet
Prophets are called to deliver God's message faithfully, even when it involves difficult truths. Jeremiah's obedience in not praying for the people demonstrates his commitment to God's will.

Understanding God's Justice
God's command not to pray for Judah's well-being underscores His justice. It reminds us that God's judgments are righteous and that He desires repentance over mere ritualistic prayers.

The Limits of Intercession
While intercession is powerful, there are times when God may instruct us to refrain, especially when it becomes clear that the individuals or groups are unrepentant.

Call to Repentance
This passage serves as a call to examine our own lives and ensure we are not in a state of rebellion against God. It encourages us to seek repentance and restoration before reaching a point of no return.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Jeremiah 14:11 teach us about the nature of God's patience and justice?

2. How does the command to Jeremiah not to pray for the people challenge our understanding of intercessory prayer?

3. In what ways can we discern when God might be calling us to stop interceding for a particular situation or person?

4. How can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah 14:11 to our own lives in terms of repentance and obedience?

5. What other biblical examples illustrate the limits of intercession, and how do they inform our prayer life today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 15:35
Samuel ceases to see Saul after God rejects him as king, illustrating a similar divine command to stop intercession due to persistent disobedience.

Ezekiel 14:14
Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were present, they could only save themselves by their righteousness, emphasizing the limits of intercession in the face of unrepentant sin.

1 John 5:16
Discusses sin leading to death and the limits of prayer for those who commit such sins, paralleling the idea of God setting boundaries on intercession.