John Calvin Commentary Jeremiah 14:1

"The word of Jehovah that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought." — Jeremiah 14:1 (ASV)

Although the Prophet does not distinctly express that what had not yet happened was divinely revealed to him, it may still be easily gathered that it was a prophecy concerning what was future. Nothing is recorded in sacred history about this sterility; however, there is no doubt that God had afflicted the Jews in an unusual manner, as previously in the days of Ahab.

Since, then, a drought was near which would cause great scarcity, his purpose was to forewarn the Jews of it beforehand, so that they would know that the dryness did not happen by chance but was evidence of God’s vengeance. And we know that whenever any adversity occurs, its causes are sought in the world, so that hardly anyone regards the hand of Him who strikes.

But when there is a year of sterility, we consult astrology and think that it is due to the influence of the stars; thus, God’s judgment is overlooked. Since, then, people devise so many explanations by which they set aside the consideration of Divine judgment, it was necessary for the Prophet to speak of the sterility mentioned here before it happened, and point it out, as it were, with his finger, even though it was not yet apparent.

He therefore says that the word of God came to him concerning the words of restraints. Although דבר, deber, signifies a thing, a business, or a concern, what seems to be intended here is the contrast between דבר, deber, the word of God, and דברים, deberim, the words of men. For he says, על דברי הבצרות, ol deberi ebetserut, because the Jews, as is usual, would have many different discussions among themselves about the sterility: when anything uncommon or unexpected happens, everyone has their own opinion.

But the Prophet sets the word of Jehovah in opposition to the words of men, as if he had said, “They will inquire here and there about the causes of the scarcity; yet there will be only one cause, and that is, God is punishing them for their wickedness.”

He calls sterility prohibitions or restraints. For although God could in an instant destroy and mar whatever has come to maturity, yet, to show that all the elements are ready to obey Him, He restrains the heavens whenever He pleases; and thus He says, “In that day the heavens will hear the earth, and the earth will hear the corn, and the corn will hear men” (Hosea 2:21–22).

For since this order of things is set before us, it must be that whenever we are hungry, our eyes turn to the corn and bread. But corn does not come unless the earth is fruitful; and the earth cannot of itself produce anything unless it derives moisture and strength from the heavens. So also, on the other hand, He says, “I will make for you the heaven brass and the earth iron” (Leviticus 26:19).

Thus we see the reason for this word, prohibitions, by which the Prophet designates the dryness of the heavens and the sterility of the earth. For the earth, in a manner, opens its depths to us when it produces food for our nourishment, and the heavens also pour forth rain, by which the earth is watered. In the same way, God prohibits or restrains the heavens and the earth, and closes up His bounty, so as to prevent it from coming to us.