Jeremiah 12: Navigating Trials and Trusting God's Plan
Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?
Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.
But thou, O Lord, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.
How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.
I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies.
Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; it crieth out against me: therefore have I hated it.
Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour.
Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.
They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.
The spoilers are come upon all high places through the wilderness: for the sword of the Lord shall devour from the one end of the land even to the other end of the land: no flesh shall have peace.
They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the Lord.
Thus saith the Lord against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.
And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.
And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The Lord liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.
But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the Lord.
Here is, I. Jeremiah's humble expostulation with God concerning the prosperity of the wicked, and God's answer to it (Jeremiah 12:1-6). II. A further declaration of the judgments that were coming upon the land for the wickedness of the people, and the great distress that all good people would be in in the prospect of these judgments (Jeremiah 12:7-13). III. A promise of favour to the neighbouring nations that should submit to God, and a threatening to root out and destroy those that should persist in their enmity to him, and to his people (Jeremiah 12:14-17).
Jeremiah 12:1-6
Here, we have, I. Jeremiah humbly pleading with God concerning the prosperity of the wicked. This is a common temptation to good people, and has been so ever since there was a Cain that prospered and an Abel that was murdered. The Psalmist was so perplexed with it that his feet were almost gone, Psalms 73:2. Job was so disturbed at it that he was driven to indecent language concerning the divine Providence. It is indeed a hard chapter in Providence, and requires a great deal of study, a good head, and a good heart, to understand it. Let us see how Jeremiah manages this difficulty. He does not speak unadvisedly with his lips, as Job did, nor entertain any hard thoughts of God, but addresses himself to him by way of humble expostulation, Jeremiah 12:1. He is far from quarrelling with God, but he desires to reason the case with him. "Righteous art thou, O Lord! and therefore I am sure thou wilt not do wrong; and, knowing this, I am encouraged to lay before thee a matter which I cannot well understand. I will plead with thee; give me leave to reason with thee concerning thy judgments, these dispensations of thy providence which seem to me not consistent with thy justice." Note, It is the privilege of those that know God to have liberty of access to him, and humbly to reason with him concerning his providences. We may ask why he acts thus and thus, provided we do it with a sincere desire to have our mistakes rectified and to be better informed. Now the thing that Jeremiah quarrels with in Providence is that the way of the wicked prospers, that they live at ease, and in outward plenty, and free from trouble; that they have what their hearts can wish for, and, as to this world, are as happy as they can desire to be. Nay, it is not only that they prosper, but they prosper in their wickedness; it is the way of the wicked that prospers. They succeed in their designs, and carry on their projects, and the more wicked they are the more they thrive. And, which is worst of all, they continue and confirm their prosperity; they are all at rest, are quietly settled and fixed in their possessions and enjoyments, and there is no change or trouble in their death. This is a sad thought to those that make the world their best things, that the worst men have commonly the best share of them.
Jeremiah 12 delves into the prophet's personal struggles with God's plan, the impending judgment on Judah, and a glimmer of hope for the Gentile nations. This chapter offers valuable lessons about trusting God's wisdom even when we don't understand His ways, and about God's ultimate justice and restoration.
Jeremiah's Complaint and God's Response (Jeremiah 12:1-6)
The chapter opens with Jeremiah expressing his bewilderment at the prosperity of the wicked (Jeremiah 12:1). He isn't accusing God of injustice, but he is struggling to reconcile God's righteousness with the apparent success of those who defy Him. "Righteous art thou, O Lord!… yet I would plead my case with you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?" (Jeremiah 12:1). This is a timeless question that echoes in the hearts of believers throughout history (see Psalms 73). Why do those who do wrong seem to flourish while the righteous often suffer?
Instead of directly answering Jeremiah's question, God responds with two challenging questions of His own (Jeremiah 12:5). The essence of God's reply is this: "If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?" (Jeremiah 12:5). God's point is that if Jeremiah is struggling with the current situation, how will he endure the even greater hardships to come? There will be even tougher times ahead, times when even his own family will betray him (Jeremiah 12:6). The message is clear: Jeremiah needs to strengthen his faith and trust in God, because the trials he faces now are just a prelude to what lies ahead.
This section serves as a reminder that God doesn't always explain His actions, nor is He obligated to. His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). Instead of demanding answers, we should focus on developing unwavering trust in His wisdom and sovereignty, especially during times of uncertainty.
Judgment on Judah (Jeremiah 12:7-13)
While Jeremiah grapples with his doubts, God continues to pronounce judgment on Judah. God uses vivid imagery to describe the wickedness of His people and the devastation that awaits them. He speaks of His "beloved homeland" being given into the hands of her enemies (Jeremiah 12:7), and of Judah becoming like a "lion in the forest" roaring against Him (Jeremiah 12:8). The invading Babylonian army is depicted as a "sword [of the LORD]" that will devour the land so completely that no one will escape (Jeremiah 12:12).
These verses serve as a stark warning about the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God. God's love and patience have limits, and persistent wickedness will ultimately lead to judgment.
Hope for the Nations (Jeremiah 12:14-17)
The chapter concludes with a promise of both judgment and restoration, not just for Israel, but for the Gentile nations. Those nations that turn from their rebellion and follow the Lord will be "built up" in the midst of His people (Jeremiah 12:16). However, those nations that refuse to listen will be "completely uprooted and destroyed" (Jeremiah 12:17). This promise will find its ultimate fulfillment during Jesus Christ's millennial kingdom.
This ending provides a glimmer of hope amidst the pronouncements of doom. It demonstrates God's desire for all people to turn to Him and experience His salvation. It underscores the universal scope of God's love and His willingness to extend mercy to those who repent.
Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?
Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.
But thou, O Lord, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.
How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.
I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies.
Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; it crieth out against me: therefore have I hated it.
Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour.
Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.
They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.
The spoilers are come upon all high places through the wilderness: for the sword of the Lord shall devour from the one end of the land even to the other end of the land: no flesh shall have peace.
They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the Lord.
Thus saith the Lord against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.
And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.
And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The Lord liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.
But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the Lord.
Here is, I. Jeremiah's humble expostulation with God concerning the prosperity of the wicked, and God's answer to it (Jeremiah 12:1-6). II. A further declaration of the judgments that were coming upon the land for the wickedness of the people, and the great distress that all good people would be in in the prospect of these judgments (Jeremiah 12:7-13). III. A promise of favour to the neighbouring nations that should submit to God, and a threatening to root out and destroy those that should persist in their enmity to him, and to his people (Jeremiah 12:14-17).
Jeremiah 12:1-6
Here, we have, I. Jeremiah humbly pleading with God concerning the prosperity of the wicked. This is a common temptation to good people, and has been so ever since there was a Cain that prospered and an Abel that was murdered. The Psalmist was so perplexed with it that his feet were almost gone, Psalms 73:2. Job was so disturbed at it that he was driven to indecent language concerning the divine Providence. It is indeed a hard chapter in Providence, and requires a great deal of study, a good head, and a good heart, to understand it. Let us see how Jeremiah manages this difficulty. He does not speak unadvisedly with his lips, as Job did, nor entertain any hard thoughts of God, but addresses himself to him by way of humble expostulation, Jeremiah 12:1. He is far from quarrelling with God, but he desires to reason the case with him. "Righteous art thou, O Lord! and therefore I am sure thou wilt not do wrong; and, knowing this, I am encouraged to lay before thee a matter which I cannot well understand. I will plead with thee; give me leave to reason with thee concerning thy judgments, these dispensations of thy providence which seem to me not consistent with thy justice." Note, It is the privilege of those that know God to have liberty of access to him, and humbly to reason with him concerning his providences. We may ask why he acts thus and thus, provided we do it with a sincere desire to have our mistakes rectified and to be better informed. Now the thing that Jeremiah quarrels with in Providence is that the way of the wicked prospers, that they live at ease, and in outward plenty, and free from trouble; that they have what their hearts can wish for, and, as to this world, are as happy as they can desire to be. Nay, it is not only that they prosper, but they prosper in their wickedness; it is the way of the wicked that prospers. They succeed in their designs, and carry on their projects, and the more wicked they are the more they thrive. And, which is worst of all, they continue and confirm their prosperity; they are all at rest, are quietly settled and fixed in their possessions and enjoyments, and there is no change or trouble in their death. This is a sad thought to those that make the world their best things, that the worst men have commonly the best share of them.
Jeremiah 12 delves into the prophet's personal struggles with God's plan, the impending judgment on Judah, and a glimmer of hope for the Gentile nations. This chapter offers valuable lessons about trusting God's wisdom even when we don't understand His ways, and about God's ultimate justice and restoration.
Jeremiah's Complaint and God's Response (Jeremiah 12:1-6)
The chapter opens with Jeremiah expressing his bewilderment at the prosperity of the wicked (Jeremiah 12:1). He isn't accusing God of injustice, but he is struggling to reconcile God's righteousness with the apparent success of those who defy Him. "Righteous art thou, O Lord!… yet I would plead my case with you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?" (Jeremiah 12:1). This is a timeless question that echoes in the hearts of believers throughout history (see Psalms 73). Why do those who do wrong seem to flourish while the righteous often suffer?
Instead of directly answering Jeremiah's question, God responds with two challenging questions of His own (Jeremiah 12:5). The essence of God's reply is this: "If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?" (Jeremiah 12:5). God's point is that if Jeremiah is struggling with the current situation, how will he endure the even greater hardships to come? There will be even tougher times ahead, times when even his own family will betray him (Jeremiah 12:6). The message is clear: Jeremiah needs to strengthen his faith and trust in God, because the trials he faces now are just a prelude to what lies ahead.
This section serves as a reminder that God doesn't always explain His actions, nor is He obligated to. His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). Instead of demanding answers, we should focus on developing unwavering trust in His wisdom and sovereignty, especially during times of uncertainty.
Judgment on Judah (Jeremiah 12:7-13)
While Jeremiah grapples with his doubts, God continues to pronounce judgment on Judah. God uses vivid imagery to describe the wickedness of His people and the devastation that awaits them. He speaks of His "beloved homeland" being given into the hands of her enemies (Jeremiah 12:7), and of Judah becoming like a "lion in the forest" roaring against Him (Jeremiah 12:8). The invading Babylonian army is depicted as a "sword [of the LORD]" that will devour the land so completely that no one will escape (Jeremiah 12:12).
These verses serve as a stark warning about the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God. God's love and patience have limits, and persistent wickedness will ultimately lead to judgment.
Hope for the Nations (Jeremiah 12:14-17)
The chapter concludes with a promise of both judgment and restoration, not just for Israel, but for the Gentile nations. Those nations that turn from their rebellion and follow the Lord will be "built up" in the midst of His people (Jeremiah 12:16). However, those nations that refuse to listen will be "completely uprooted and destroyed" (Jeremiah 12:17). This promise will find its ultimate fulfillment during Jesus Christ's millennial kingdom.
This ending provides a glimmer of hope amidst the pronouncements of doom. It demonstrates God's desire for all people to turn to Him and experience His salvation. It underscores the universal scope of God's love and His willingness to extend mercy to those who repent.