Jeremiah 14:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Refrain for the sake of your name; do not bring destruction upon us. The prophet implores that if we are unworthy of forgiveness, for the sake of your glory, hold back your anger. Let not the nations ask, Where is their God (Psalms 113:10). You shall not demolish your glorious throne; you shall not abolish your covenant. Referring to the king's palace emphasizes the structures in place. You shall not violate your covenant. The covenant included this stipulation: if they remain faithful to My covenant, I will not withdraw My grace from them. The appeal is not for them to be free from hardship, but rather that they should not be completely cast aside.

Do not let us be brought to shame for the sake of Your name, and do not allow us to be dishonored. Recall the throne of Your glory and do not break Your covenant with us. When considering the throne of God's glory, we must remember not just the Jewish temple, which faced frequent destruction, but also every believer in whom, as Scripture reveals, ‘he brought his throne down to the ground.’ The glory of God's throne is diminished and eliminated when sins abound, causing offense to God. Nevertheless, it is upheld by God's mercy, which can be replaced by a harsh judgment if the Lord forsakes His covenant, through which He has assured us of our salvation.

Refrain from overwhelming us with misfortune, but instead direct your attention to your name, for it is through your name that we are recognized as your people. Do not let the throne of your glory be destroyed, which is emblematic of Jerusalem. In the holy Gospel, the Lord, while prohibiting oaths, stated: ‘Do not swear, “nor by Jerusalem, for” the throne “is the throne of the great King” (Matthew 5:35). It is there that God has revealed His presence. He reminds us of His covenant with our forefathers, indicating that idols provide no assistance, but it is He who sends rain from above, for all creation exists under His sovereignty. This is also affirmed in (Jer. 14:22) as it states that heaven will provide ‘its moisture. Are You not Lord?’ Furthermore, ‘Let us wait upon You, for You have created all these things.’