Jeremiah’s lament turns into intercession as he pleads on behalf of the people of Judah for mercy from the Lord. His prayer begins by acknowledging the sovereignty of the Lord. He recognizes that The way of a man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.
The language Jeremiah uses is very similar to Proverbs 16:9: The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
1 Even this proverb leaves open the nature of the plans that a man makes in his heart, suggesting that these plans can be filled with pride and rebellion. Jeremiah is not arguing for the innocence of the people, but rather that as mere creatures with very little control and with rebellious hearts, they are in desperate need of help and mercy from the one who ultimately directs and controls the circumstances of life.2 In the end, not even Judah’s stubborn rebellion will succeed in overthrowing the sovereign Lord’s plans to bless his people and the world.
23 Je le sais, ô Eternel! La voie de l'homme n'est pas en son pouvoir; Ce n'est pas à l'homme, quand il marche, A diriger ses pas.