Judah’s Drought, vv. 1-6
A. cf Deuteronomy 28:15, 23-24
B. Canaanite religion worshiped Baal as the god of weather and rain. Israelitees were drawn to Baal worship because they wanted rain.
C. In search for water, they “covered their heads,” v. 3. Orientals cover their heads in deep grief and despair. It means “I cannot face it. Do not look on me in my sorrow.”
Jeremiah’s Prayer, vv. 7-9
A. Jeremiah confesses Judah’s sins, asking God to use drought to pressure people to repentance.
B. Jeremiah asks God not to be a stranger to Israel; He is their Hope and Savior.
C. Jeremiah pleads that God will not forsake Judah.
Judah’s Punishment, vv. 10-12
A. Because Judah loves to wander and run toward sin, God will punish them for their sins.
B. The Lord forbids Jeremiah to pray for Judah (see also Jeremiah 7:16-19 & 1 John 5:14-16).
C. God will punish them by sword, famine, and pestilence.
Judah’s Lying Prophets, vv. 13-16
A. God will punish the lying prophets for their deception.
B. God will punish also the people for believing their false prophecies.
C. Their dead bodies will litter the ground and defile the land.
Jeremiah’s Lamentation, vv. 17-22
A. Jeremiah weeps at the judgment that befalls Judah.
B. Jeremiah asks if God has completely rejected Judah forever and disgrace God’s glory.
C. Jeremiah confesses Judah’s wickedness.
D. Jeremiah acknowledges that neither false gods nor nature can provide rain, so he waits on God to give rain.
- “Vanities of the Gentiles” refers to the vain / useless false gods of the Gentiles.
- Bishop’s Bible: “the gods of the gentiles”
- Young’s Literal Translation: “the vanities of the nations”
Conclusion
The Lord forbade Jeremiah to pray for the people. By the end of the chapter, Jeremiah intercedes based on God’s Glory / Reputation. This is real prayer.
“Have you come to a very difficult, place? Are you in very sore trouble, – such trouble as you never knew before? Then wait upon the Lord; and if at first he does not answer you, and it seems as if the very gates of heaven are shut against you, still continue, to wait upon the Lord. Where else can you go if you turn away from him?” (Spurgeon)