Jeremiah 14:9

“Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, etc.] Astonished, and so surprised as not to know what to say or do; or “asleep”, as the Septuagint; taking no notice of us, and being altogether unconcerned what becomes of us; or, as one “dumb”f298; that will give no answer to our prayers: as a mighty man that cannot save? who, though he is able to save, yet, through want of a heart or will, does not exert his power: yet thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us; having his residence and dwelling in the temple at Jerusalem; and therefore was not a stranger and foreigner among them; and this carries in it an entreaty and an argument that he would not in his providence conduct towards them in such manner…”

“astonied--like a "mighty man," at other times able to help (Isa 59:1), but now stunned by a sudden calamity so as to disappoint the hopes drawn from him. art in the midst of us-- (Exo 29:45-46; Lev 26:11-12). called by thy name-- (Dan 9:18-19) as Thine own peculiar people (Deu 9:29).”

“Astonied - The word may possibly mean “one who is taken by surprise and loses his presence of mind.” return to 'Top of Page'”

“Astonished - In such disorder through some great passion, that he is able to do nothing. A mighty man - Like a man who in his own nature is strong, but through sickness so weakened, that he cannot put forth any strength for the succour of his friends. Yet - Yet (saith the prophet) thou art in the midst of us; of the whole land, according to what God had declared, Num 5:3, Num 35:34. Defile not the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the Lord dwell among the children of Israel. Jeremiah 14:10”

“cannot: Num 11:23, Num 14:15, Num 14:16; Psa 44:23-26; Isa 50:1, Isa 50:2, Isa 51:9, Isa 59:1 art: Exo 29:45, Exo 29:46; Lev 26:11, Lev 26:12; Deu 23:14; Psa 46:5; Isa 12:6; Zac 2:5; Co2 6:16; Rev 21:3 we are called by thy name: Heb. thy name is called upon us, Jer 15:16; Isa 63:19; Dan 9:18, Dan 9:19 \*marg. leave: Sa1 12:22; Psa 27:9; Heb 13:5 Jeremiah 14:10”

“The pleader makes further appeal to God's almighty power. It is impossible that Jahveh can let Himself look like a man at his wit's end or a nerveless warrior, as He would seem to be if He should not give help to His people in their present need. Since the time of A. Schultens the ἁπ. λεγ. נדהם is rendered, after the Arab. dahama, to make an unforeseen attack, by stupefactus, attonitus, one who, by reason of a sudden mischance, has lost his presence of mind and is helpless. This is in keeping with the next comparison, that with a warrior who has no strength to help. The passage closes with an appeal to the relation of grace which Jahveh sustains towards His people. ואתּה comes in…”