5 Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass.
5 Yea, the hind also calved in the field, and forsook it, because there was no grass.
5 Even the doe in the field forsakes her newborn fawn because there is no grass.
5 Even the doe abandons her fawn in the field because there is no grass -
5 Yes, the deer also gave birth in the field, But left because there was no grass.
5 Even the doe abandons her newborn fawn because there is no grass in the field.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:5
Commentary on Jeremiah 14:1-9
(Read Jeremiah 14:1-9)
The people were in tears. But it was rather the cry of their trouble, and of their sin, than of their prayer. Let us be thankful for the mercy of water, that we may not be taught to value it by feeling the want of it. See what dependence husbandmen have upon the Divine providence. They cannot plough nor sow in hope, unless God water their furrows. The case even of the wild beasts was very pitiable. The people are not forward to pray, but the prophet prays for them. Sin is humbly confessed. Our sins not only accuse us, but answer against us. Our best pleas in prayer are those fetched from the glory of God's own name. We should dread God's departure, more than the removal of our creature-comforts. He has given Israel his word to hope in. It becomes us in prayer to show ourselves more concerned for God's glory than for our own comfort. And if we now return to the Lord, he will save us to the glory of his grace.