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Pentecost Season · Proper 25 · Year C

Sirach 35:12-17 or Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22

A Confession in Time of Drought

October 29, 2028

Old Woman Praying, Nicolaes Maes
Old Woman Praying, Nicolaes Maes, c. 1655Worcester Art Museum, Worcester
An old woman at a plain table with her hands together and the meal in front of her going cold while she finishes.The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and it will not rest until it reaches its goal. We acknowledge our wickedness; do not forsake us.Nicolaes MaesMaes, a pupil of Rembrandt, who painted old women at their devotions until it became his subject.Worcester Art Museum, WorcesterThe Worcester Art Museum.Worcester Art Museum, Worcester
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelLuke 18:9-14Lk 18:9-14
Epistle2 Tim. 4:6-8, 16-182 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18
Old TestamentJoel 2:23-32Jl 2:23-32Alt. OTSir. 35:12-17Sir 35:12-17 orJer. 14:7-10, 19-22Jer 14:7-10, 19-22
PsalterPs. 65Ps 65Alt. PsalmPs. 84:1-7Ps 84:1-7

Overview & Insights

"Yet you, O LORD, are in the midst of us... do not forsake us!" (Jeremiah 14:9)

Jeremiah voices Judah's communal lament and confession of sin during a devastating drought, pleading with God not to abandon the covenant people despite their unfaithfulness. The paired option, Sirach 35:12-17, teaches that God shows no partiality and hears the prayer of the humble and the wronged.

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Take it further: Sirach 35:12-17 or Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22

Commentary

Commentary on Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22Commentary on Jer 14:7-10, 19-22 Working Preacher

Notes that the lectionary turns this chapter into a back-and-forth dialogue between the people and God.

Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22 CommentaryJer 14:7-10, 19-22 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

A preaching angle on lament that does not receive the expected word of forgiveness.

Jeremiah 14 CommentaryJer 14 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

Verse-by-verse notes on the drought, the false prophets, and Judah's confession.

Jeremiah 14:7 CommentariesJer 14:7 Commentaries BibleHub

A composite of classic commentaries on the people's plea for mercy.

Jeremiah Commentaries & SermonsJer Commentaries & Sermons Precept Austin

A curated roundup of verse-by-verse resources on the whole book.

Background & Word Study

Jeremiah 14:7 InterlinearJer 14:7 Interlinear BibleHub

The Hebrew interlinear shows the covenant language behind the people's confession.

Jeremiah 14:7-10Jer 14:7-10 Sefaria

The Hebrew text of the lament alongside classic Jewish commentary.

Ben Sira 35:12-17 Sefaria

The Hebrew-tradition text of the paired Sirach option on God's impartial justice.

The Church Fathers

Catena on Jeremiah 14Catena on Jer 14 Catena

Patristic comments on Jeremiah's drought lament, gathered verse by verse.

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