Jer 12:1-4 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Jer 12:1-4: 12:1-4 Jeremiah wondered why a just God did not immediately punish the wicked. Jeremiah could not stand the continued wickedness, yet he also grieved for the terrible human suffering that he saw coming (10:19-25 ). 12:1 Jeremiah affirmed the Lord’s justice when dealing with him in the past. However, since he was obedient, he could not understand why his life was being threatened. By contrast, those who were wicked and evil seemed to be prosperous and happy .

a12:1-4►

b10:19-25►

gIsa 46:10►

‏ Jeremiah 12:1-4

Summary for Jer 12:1-4: 12:1-4 ^a Jeremiah wondered why a just God did not immediately punish the wicked. Jeremiah could not stand the continued wickedness, yet he also grieved for the terrible human suffering that he saw coming (10:19-25 ^b). 12:1 ^c Jeremiah affirmed the Lord’s justice when dealing with him in the past. However, since he was obedient, he could not understand why his life was being threatened. By contrast, those who were wicked and evil seemed to be prosperous and happy.
12:2 ^d Jeremiah was irked that the Lord allowed evil people to become established and enjoy prosperity and happiness.
12:3 ^e Although Jeremiah’s words seem self-righteous, he was submissive to the Lord’s personal searching of his heart. Jeremiah was also angry enough to demand that his enemies suffer the fate they had intended for him. He hoped they would be butchered or slaughtered like helpless sheep. Jeremiah did not seem to desire their forgiveness or their return to the Lord.
12:4 ^f Jeremiah expressed feelings of helplessness; the Lord’s decree of desolation for the land seemed excessive. Jeremiah did recognize the evil of the people’s sneering claim that the Lord could not see the future (cp. Isa 46:10 ^g).