Jer 12:1-4 | JFB | STEP | He ventures to expostulate with Jehovah as to the prosperity of the wicked, who had plotted against his life ( ); in reply he is told that he will have worse to endure, and that from his own relatives ( , ). The heaviest judgments, however, would be inflicted on the faithless people ( ); and then on the nations co-operating with the Chaldeans against Judah, with, however, a promise of mercy on repentance ( ). 1. ( ). let me talk, &c.-- only let me reason the case with Thee: inquire of Thee the causes why such wicked men as these plotters against my life prosper (compare ; ; , ; ; Mal 3:15). It is right, when hard thoughts of God's providence suggest themselves, to fortify our minds by justifying God beforehand (as did Jeremiah), even before we hear the reasons of His dealings.

‏ Jeremiah 12:1-4

CHAPTER 12 Jr 12:1-17. Continuation of the Subject at the Close of the Eleventh Chapter.

He ventures to expostulate with Jehovah as to the prosperity of the wicked, who had plotted against his life (Jr 12:1-4); in reply he is told that he will have worse to endure, and that from his own relatives (Jr 12:5, 6). The heaviest judgments, however, would be inflicted on the faithless people (Jr 12:7-13); and then on the nations co-operating with the Chaldeans against Judah, with, however, a promise of mercy on repentance (Jr 12:14-17).

1. (Psa 51:4).

let me talk, &c.--only let me reason the case with Thee: inquire of Thee the causes why such wicked men as these plotters against my life prosper (compare Job 12:6; 21:7; Psa 37:1, 35; 73:3; Mal 3:15). It is right, when hard thoughts of God's providence suggest themselves, to fortify our minds by justifying God beforehand (as did Jeremiah), even before we hear the reasons of His dealings.

2. grow--literally, "go on," "progress." Thou givest them sure dwellings and increasing prosperity.

near in ... mouth ... far from ... reins--(Is 29:13; Mt 15:8). Hypocrites.

3. knowest me--(Psa 139:1).

tried ... heart--(Jr 11:20).

toward thee--rather, "with Thee," that is, entirely devoted to Thee; contrasted with the hypocrites (Jr 12:2), "near in ... mouth, and far from ... reins." This being so, how is it that I fare so ill, they so well?

pull ... out--containing the metaphor, from a "rooted tree" (Jr 12:2).

prepare--literally, "separate," or "set apart as devoted."

day of slaughter--(Jas 5:5).

4. land mourn--personification (Jr 14:2; 23:10).

for the wickedness--(Psa 107:34).

beasts--(Ho 4:3).

He shall not see our last end--Jehovah knows not what is about to happen to us (Jr 5:12) [Rosenmuller]. So the Septuagint. (Psa 10:11; Eze 8:12; 9:9). Rather, "The prophet (Jeremiah, to whom the whole context refers) shall not see our last end." We need not trouble ourselves about his boding predictions. We shall not be destroyed as he says (Jr 5:12, 13).