Jeremiah 14

1 This is ^{a14:1 The Heb. lacks This is} this message from the LORD that came ^{b14:1 The Heb. lacks that came} to Jeremiah concerning the drought:ISV — Jeremiah 14:1

2 “Judah mourns, and her gates languish. The people ^{c14:2 Lit. They} mourn for the land, and the cry of Jerusalem goes up.ISV — Jeremiah 14:2

3 Their nobles send their young people for water. They go to the cisterns, but they find no water. They return with their vessels empty. They’re disappointed ^{d14:3 Or ashamed} and dismayed, and they cover their heads in shame. ^{e14:3 The Heb. lacks in shame}ISV — Jeremiah 14:3

4 The ground is cracked, because there has been no rain in the land. The farmers are disappointed, ^{f14:4 Or ashamed} and they cover their heads in shame. ^{g14:4 The Heb. lacks in shame}ISV — Jeremiah 14:4

5 Even the doe in the field gives birth and then abandons her young ^{h14:5 The Heb. lacks her young} because there is no grass.ISV — Jeremiah 14:5

6 Wild donkeys stand on the barren hills. They pant for air like jackals. Their eyesight fails because there is no vegetation.”ISV — Jeremiah 14:6

7 LORD, even though our iniquities testify against us, do something for the sake of your name. Indeed, our apostasies are many, and we have sinned against you.ISV — Jeremiah 14:7

8 Hope of Israel, its deliverer in time of trouble, why are you like a stranger ^{i14:8 Or resident alien} in the land, like a traveler who sets up his tent for a night?ISV — Jeremiah 14:8

9 Why are you like a man taken by surprise, like a strong man who can’t deliver? You are among us, LORD, and your name is the one by which we’re called. Don’t abandon us!ISV — Jeremiah 14:9

10 This is what the LORD says to these people: “Yes, they do love to wander, and they haven’t restrained their feet. So the LORD won’t accept them now. He will remember their iniquity and punish their sin.”ISV — Jeremiah 14:10

11 Then the LORD told me, “Don’t pray for the welfare of these people.ISV — Jeremiah 14:11

12 Although they fast, I won’t listen to their cry, and although they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I won’t accept them. Instead, I’ll put an end to them with the sword, with famine, and with a plague.”ISV — Jeremiah 14:12

13 Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD, look! The prophets are saying to them, ‘You won’t see the sword and you won’t experience famine. Rather, I’ll give you lasting peace in this place.’”ISV — Jeremiah 14:13

14 Then the LORD told me, “The prophets are prophesying lies ^{j14:14 Or deception} in my name. I didn’t send them, I didn’t command them, and I didn’t speak to them. They’re proclaiming ^{k14:14 Lit. prophesying} to you false visions, worthless predictions, ^{l14:14 or divination} and the delusions of their own minds.ISV — Jeremiah 14:14

15 Therefore, this is what the LORD says about the false prophets who prophesy in my name, ‘There will be no sword and famine in this land’ (though I haven’t sent them): ‘By the sword and by famine these prophets will be finished off!ISV — Jeremiah 14:15

16 The people to whom they have prophesied will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword. There will be no one to bury them, their wives, their sons, or their daughters. I’ll pour out on them the ^{m14:16 Lit. their} judgment they deserve.’” ^{n14:16 The Heb. lacks they deserve}ISV — Jeremiah 14:16

17 “And deliver ^{o14:17 Lit. speak} this message to them: ‘Let tears run down my face, ^{p14:17 Lit. Let my eyes run down with tears} night and day, and don’t let them stop, because my virgin daughter—my people— will be broken with a powerful blow, with a severe wound.ISV — Jeremiah 14:17

18 If I go out into the field, I see those slain by the sword! If I go into the city, I see the ravages of the famine! Indeed, both prophet and priest ply their trade in the land, but they don’t know anything.’” ^{q14:18 The Heb. lacks anything}ISV — Jeremiah 14:18

19 Have you completely rejected Judah? Do you despise Zion? Why have you struck us, so that there is no healing for us? We hoped for peace, but no good came, for a time of healing, but there was only terror.ISV — Jeremiah 14:19

20 We acknowledge, LORD, our wickedness, the guilt of our ancestors. Indeed, we have sinned against you.ISV — Jeremiah 14:20

21 For the sake of your name ^{r14:21 i.e. your reputation} don’t despise us. Don’t dishonor your glorious throne. Remember, don’t break your covenant with us!ISV — Jeremiah 14:21

22 Can any of the worthless gods of the nations make it rain? Can the heavens themselves bring forth showers? Aren’t you the one who does this, ^{s14:22 The Heb. lacks who does this} LORD our God? So we hope in you, for you are the one who does all these things.ISV — Jeremiah 14:22