Jeremiah 12:1

CHAPTER XII

This chapter is connected with the foregoing. The prophet

expostulates with God concerning the ways of Providence in

permitting the wicked to prosper, 1-4.

It is intimated to him that he must endure still greater

trials, 5,

from his false and deceitful brethren, 6;

but that still heavier judgments awaited the nation for their

crimes, 7-13.

That God, however, would at length have compassion on them;

restore them to their land; and turn his judgments against

those that oppressed them, if not prevented by their becoming

converts to the true religion, 14-17.

NOTES ON CHAP. XII

Verse Jeremiah 12:1. Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee] The prophet was grieved at the prosperity of the wicked; and he wonders how, consistently with God's righteousness, vice should often be in affluence, and piety in suffering and poverty. He knows that God is righteous, that every thing is done well; but he wishes to inquire how these apparently unequal and undeserved lots take place. On this subject he wishes to reason with God, that he may receive instruction.