Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 8

Verses 1-22

Theirs was a "perpetual backsliding;" and though oft pleaded with, they repented not, but "every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into battle" (Jeremiah 8:5-6).

Though they boasted of their wisdom, they had not the discernment of the migratory birds.

"Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle-dove and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but My people know not the judgment of the Lord" (Jeremiah 8:7).

Of the same character was the Lord's word to the scribes - “Can ye not discern the signs of the times?" (Matthew 16:3)

Yet they said, "We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us;" (Jeremiah 8:8) but the word of GOD was practically written in vain for them - not denied, as it is not always denied to be His Word today, by many who politely bow it out and profess veneration for it while walking in disobedience to it. "Peace, peace," (Jeremiah 8:11) such may say, but true peace there is not. Priest and people alike deal falsely with the Sacred Oracles; as a result, the time of visitation cannot be long delayed.

From ver. 14 of chap. 8 to the end of chap 10 we have a most touching lamentation over the fallen estate of the people who have been "put to silence" (Jeremiah 8:14) by GOD; that is, who are so clearly proven to be guilty before Him that they are speechless in His presence.

Jeremiah enters most deeply into all their feelings, even wailing with them, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved" (Jeremiah 8:20).

It is a temporal salvation that is referred to, of course. The day of GOD's patience with them as a nation is ended, and all hope is now vain. How striking is the impassioned cry, "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of My people recovered?" (Jeremiah 8:22) (See also Jeremiah 46:11). Alas, too deep is the wound for Gilead's balm to heal!