John Calvin Commentary Jeremiah 14:10

"Thus saith Jehovah unto this people, Even so have they loved to wander; they have not refrained their feet: therefore Jehovah doth not accept them; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins." — Jeremiah 14:10 (ASV)

The Prophet continues with the same subject, but he reproves the Jews more severely and shows what their sins were. He says then that they were given to inconstancy. By saying, “to wander,” לנוע lenuo, which means to move here and there, he no doubt mentions this inconstancy as a contrast to that quietness and rest of which Isaiah speaks when he says:

“Behold the Lord hath commanded, In returning and in confidence shall be your strength, in quietness and tranquillity” (Isaiah 30:15).

He then wished the Jews to adopt different plans, and not to run here and there when any danger was near, but to wait until he, according to his promise, came to their aid. Hence Jeremiah now accuses them of inconstancy, because they would not rely on God’s help and remain firm in their purpose, but ran here and there for vain assistance. Besides, a diabolical frenzy led them after idols, as Isaiah says in another place:

“Thou hast wearied thyself in thy ways and without profit” (Isaiah 47:13).

This fact is often mentioned by the prophets—that they were like roving harlots who seek lovers everywhere. For their alliances with the Egyptians and the Chaldeans cost them much, and yet they spared no expense. They could have waited quietly for the aid of God, which had been promised, but they did not.

We now perceive the meaning of the Prophet when he says that they loved to wander, or to move here and there, and that they did not restrain their feet. At first view, indeed, this seems to have been but a small offense. But if we consider its source—that they distrusted God and his power, and placed their safety in the Egyptians or the Chaldeans—it will appear to have been a shameful and intolerable sacrilege. Unbelief, then, is condemned here, for the Jews looked around for foreign aid and took no account of God.

Now, this passage is worthy of special notice, for unbelief is vividly portrayed here. It is indeed true that even the children of God are not so tranquil in their minds that they never fear, never become worried or anxious, or never dread danger. Yet, though the faithful are disturbed by much uneasiness, many cares, anxieties, and fears, God still always preserves them. The firmness of their faith continues within, even though they may apparently not only be shaken but even stagger and fall.

But God gives the unbelieving their just reward—those who detract from his power while they place their safety in men or idols—for they never find anywhere they may safely stand. They therefore weary themselves without any benefit.

On this account he says, “Therefore Jehovah will not be pleased with them,” that is, God will not give them courage. Indeed, he says, “He will now remember their iniquities and visit their sins.” In short, he teaches us that the wickedness of that people was so grievous that there was no room for God’s mercy. He later adds—