Jeremiah 8:14

“Why do we sit still? etc.] In the country, where were barrenness and want of provisions; in the villages and unwalled towns, where they were exposed to the spoils and ravages of the enemy. These words, with what follow, are the words of the prophet, in the language of the Israelites, as Kimchi observes. Assemble yourselves; this is the gathering together, in order to be consumed, before threatened, which they themselves were made to do: and let us enter into the defenced cities; such as Jerusalem, where they thought they should be safe from their enemies: and let us be silent there; either promising themselves rest, quietness, and security; or suggesting that it would be right in them to say…”

“assemble--for defense. let us be silent--not assault the enemy, but merely defend ourselves in quiet, until the storm blow over. put us to silence--brought us to that state that we can no longer resist the foe; implying silent despair. water of gall--literally, "water of the poisonous plant," perhaps the poppy (Jer 9:15; Jer 23:15).”

“The people rouse one another to exertion. “Why,” they ask, “do we remain here to be overwhelmed?” They are ready now to follow the command given (see the marginal reference), but with the conviction that all hope is over. Let us be silent there - Rather, let us perish there, literally “be put to silence.” Water of gall - i. e., poison. The word rendered “gall” was probably the belladonna, or night-shade, to the “berries” of which the grapes of Israel were compared. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Why - The people at length seem to bethink themselves, and thus to bespeak each other. Silent - Keep close within our walls. Jeremiah 8:16”

“8:14-15 These people had heard Jeremiah publicly deliver the decree of the Lord; they now realized that they deserved their punishment because they had sinned against the Lord. Though their doom was sealed, they still did not seek forgiveness for their sins.”

“do: Kg2 7:3, Kg2 7:4 enter: Jer 4:5, Jer 4:6, Jer 35:11; Sa2 20:6 be silent: Lev 10:3; Psa 39:2; Lam 3:27, Lam 3:28; Amo 6:10; Hab 2:20; Zac 2:13 water: Jer 9:15, Jer 23:15; Num 5:18-24; Deu 32:32; Psa 69:21; Lam 3:19; Mat 27:34 gall: or, poison Jeremiah 8:15”

“The horrors of the approaching visitation. - Jer 8:14. "Why do we sit still? Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities, and perish there; for Jahveh our God hath decreed our ruin, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against Jahveh. Jer 8:15. We looked for safety, and there is no good; for a time of healing, and behold terrors. Jer 8:16. From Dan is heard the snorting of his horses; at the loud neighing of his steeds the whole earth trembles: they come, and devour the land and its fulness, the city and those that dwell therein. Jer 8:17. For, behold, I send among you serpents, vipers, of which there is no charming, which shall sting you, saith Jahve.…”