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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 14 - Verse 19

14:19
Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul loathed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and there is no healing for us? we looked for peace, and there is no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!

Meaning

This verse from the book of Jeremiah expresses the pain and confusion of the people of Judah as they suffer under the hand of God's judgment. They question why God has seemingly abandoned them, why they are experiencing such suffering with no relief in sight. The use of rhetorical questions reflects their desperation and longing for peace and healing that seems out of reach. The mention of looking for peace and healing but finding trouble instead highlights the disappointment and despair they feel in their current situation. The verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance and restoration. It also speaks to the universal human experience of seeking comfort and relief in times of trouble, only to be met with more challenges. Despite the seemingly hopeless tone of the verse, it also opens the door to the possibility of redemption and renewal through turning back to God.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the prophet questions God's rejection of Judah and loathing of Zion. The word "rejected" in the original Hebrew can also be translated as "despised," emphasizing the depth of God's displeasure towards His people. The word "loathed" suggests a strong feeling of disgust or aversion. The use of these strong words conveys the profound despair and confusion of the people as they grapple with the suffering and lack of healing in their midst. The word "smitten" implies a violent and sudden blow, highlighting the severity of the affliction. The people express their longing for peace and healing, but instead, they find themselves in a state of trouble and distress. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of seeking His mercy and restoration.

American Standard Version

Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul loathed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and there is no healing for us? We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of healing, and, behold, dismay!
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