Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 8

Verses 1-22

Jeremiah 8:7 Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle 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 Scripture References - Note a similar statement by the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 1:3, “The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.”

Jeremiah 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.

Jeremiah 8:22 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 “Is there no balm in Gilead” Comments Balm is a tree resin that was used in remedial applications for restoring health and strength ( ISBE). [15] Note these insightful words from Frances J. Roberts:

[15] Alex. Macalister, “Balm,” in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, ed. James Orr (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., c1915, 1939), in The Sword Project, v. 1.5.11 [CD-ROM] (Temple, AZ: CrossWire Bible Society, 1990-2008).

“When I promised thee green pastures, I had not in mind religious activity. When I said, ‘Come, buy milk and honey without money nor price’, I was not challenging thee to fevered service, but to contemplative fellowship and collective communion. Only thus are souls made strong, and hearts made pure, and minds refreshed. Thy busyness wearies Me. Small wonder thou are thyself fatigued! Thy fretfulness grieveth Me. I long to take it from thee and give instead the balm of Gilead . By My ally. I will endue thee with life so dynamic that ye will serve Me before ye even have time to think to put forth the effort to do so…” [16]

[16] Frances J. Roberts, Come Away My Beloved (Ojai, California: King’s Farspan, Inc., 1973), 136.

Jeremiah 8:22 Comments Gilead was an agricultural area in the Transjordan that was known for its balm ( ISBE). [17] We see the Ishmaelites coming from Gilead with spices, balm and myrrh in Genesis 37:25. Thus, the prophet is asking where the balm is, for the people are not healed and delivered after they have prayed unto their gods.

[17] W. Ewing, “Gilead,” in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, ed. James Orr (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., c1915, 1939), in The Sword Project, v. 1.5.11 [CD-ROM] (Temple, AZ: CrossWire Bible Society, 1990-2008).

Genesis 37:25, “And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.”