Jeremiah 11:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 11:14
14 Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 11 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, covenant, obedience. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 11:14
14 Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.
Analysis
This verse prohibits intercession: 'Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.' Jeremiah is forbidden to intercede—an unprecedented restriction for a prophet whose role included intercession (1 Samuel 12:23, Amos 7:1-6). 'Lift up cry or prayer' (rinnah utephillah) describes urgent supplication. The double prohibition emphasizes finality. God's refusal to hear their cry repeats verse 11. The time for intercession has passed; judgment is determined. This reveals limits to prophetic intercession when persistent rebellion exhausts divine patience.
Historical Context
This command appears three times in Jeremiah (7:16, 11:14, 14:11), each intensifying the prohibition. Moses successfully interceded after the golden calf (Exodus 32:11-14) and at Kadesh (Numbers 14:13-20). Samuel interceded regularly. But by Jeremiah's time, centuries of prophetic warning rejected, even Moses and Samuel couldn't change the outcome (Jeremiah 15:1). The prohibition distressed Jeremiah, who genuinely loved his people.
Reflection
- What circumstances might make intercession futile, and how do we know when that point is reached?
- How does this prohibition affect our understanding of intercessory prayer's effectiveness?
Cross-References
- Prayer: Jeremiah 7:16, 14:11, 1 John 5:16
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 11:11, 15:1, Exodus 32:10, Psalms 66:18, Hosea 5:6