There was a severe drought in the time of Jeremiah and he prayed to the Lord as he confessed the sins of the people. He reminded God that they are His people, "the Hope of Israel, his Savior in time of trouble."
The Lord responded that He must judge the iniquities of the people. He told Jeremiah not to pray for them because He will not hear them when they fast or when they offer burnt offerings. The Lord said He would consume them "by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence."
Then Jeremiah said that the prophets have told the people that they will not see the sword or famine, but that they will have peace.
Therefore, God told Jeremiah that the prophets were not sent by Him, nor did He tell them to say those things. Instead, the prophets will be consumed by those very things -- "for I will pour their wickedness on them."
Finally, Jeremiah pleaded for the people by confessing their sins and asked God not to forsake them.
Remember, do not break Your covenant with us. Are there any among the idols of the nations that can cause rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are You not He, O Lord our God? Therefore we will wait for You, since You have made all these.
COMMENTARY
Chapter 14 is after the reign of Josiah and during the reign of Jehoiakim. The nation returned to their practice of idolatry. Therefore, God judged them swiftly by sending a severe drought. The land became "barren and unfruitful," just as the lives of the people.
When Jeremiah confessed the sins of the people to God, he included himself because he identified with them. When he told God about the other prophets, he needed to know if what they were saying was correct or incorrect. The Lord assured Jeremiah that He had not sent them.
Then God gave Jeremiah a message to give to the people that He was broken hearted over them, causing Jeremiah to weep. He gave a heartfelt message from God, which is what all believers should do when they share the Word of God with others.
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