Jeremiah 14:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Is there any nourishment found among the carved idols of the heathen? If you turn away from it, there is no one else to whom I can turn, as He says, for You alone are the true Lord. Let us seek Thy presence, O Lord, for You are the Creator of all things. In times of tribulation, it is crucial that we maintain our patience. Will not the heavens pour forth their rains, or are they not capable? We acknowledge that the elements alone cannot provide anything. Should we look for assistance elsewhere? Is it not You, O Lord? Will You transform us through the forgiveness of our sins?

Are there any among the idols of the nations that can provide rain? Is it possible for the sky itself to bring forth rain? It is indeed You, O Lord our God, whom we have eagerly awaited. For You are the Creator of all things. After speaking extensively, he revisits the essence of the prophecy, which states, ‘that it was the word of the Lord to Jeremiah concerning the words of the drought.’ Consequently, it is declared: since the false idols cannot generate rain, and even the heavens fail to supply it, we acknowledge You, O Lord our God, whom we have consistently looked to and placed our hopes and prayers before. You are the one who grants us rain; for every blessing and everything that is good comes solely from You, the Sovereign of all.

Cease, for the sake of Your name; do not burden us with misfortunes, and turn Your gaze not toward us, but upon Your name, for by that name we are designated as Your people. You will not eradicate the seat of Your majesty, the name assigned to Jerusalem. In the holy Gospel, the Lord, when 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 revealed His presence. He reminds us of His covenant with our ancestors, emphasizing that idols cannot provide assistance, but He bestows the rain that falls from above, for creation is governed by authority. This sentiment is encapsulated in the words, ‘Art Thou not Lord?’ and ‘Let us wait upon Thee, for Thou hast made all these things,’ as noted in Jeremiah 14:22, affirming that heaven will provide its moisture.