Understanding Jeremiah 14:7

Jeremiah 14:7 states: "O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee."

Verse Analysis

This verse captures a cry for mercy and an acknowledgment of sin before God. The prophet Jeremiah expresses the collective guilt of the people of Judah, recognizing their sins and the severity of their iniquities, while appealing to God's name and character for restoration.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the earnestness of Jeremiah's prayer, noting that despite the overwhelming weight of their guilt, the plea is directed towards God’s merciful nature. He points out that the acknowledgment of sin must precede any hope for divine intervention.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes the significance of God's name as a basis for mercy. He argues that the plea shows an understanding that, while the people are deserving of judgment, they call upon God's promise and reputation as a righteous God to act in their favor, reminding him of his covenant faithfulness.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke highlights the importance of humility and honesty in confession. He suggests that recognizing their 'backslidings' is critical for the people of Judah, indicating that they are aware of their distance from God. Clarke notes that genuine repentance is crucial for receiving forgiveness.

Key Themes

This verse resonates with several significant themes:

• Confession of Sin: Acknowledgment of wrongdoing is essential in biblical prayer.
• God’s Mercy: The hope for divine mercy despite human failures.
• The Nature of God: Appeals to God's namesake emphasize His character and commitments.

Bible Cross-References

Jeremiah 14:7 connects with multiple other scriptures that echo similar themes of sin, repentance, and divine mercy:

• Psalm 79:9: "Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!"
• Isaiah 43:25: "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins."
• 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
• James 5:16: "Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed."
• Proverbs 28:13: "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy."
• 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
• Lamentations 3:22-23: "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Conclusion

Jeremiah 14:7 encapsulates a deep understanding of human fallibility while also affirming the enduring nature of God's mercy. This verse, in conjunction with others, paints a comprehensive picture of interdependence between divine standards and human breaches, and it offers hope for restoration through genuine acknowledgment of sin.