The accomplishment of this blessing depends upon both Judah and the Gentiles reversing their past conduct. Then shall the believing Gentile be admitted within the fold of the true, because spiritual, Israel - Christ’s Church. read more
Jeremiah 12:16-17. If they will diligently learn the ways of my people If they will leave their idolatries, and learn of my people who lived among them to be worshippers of me the true God, and to swear by my name, The Lord liveth That is, pay that homage, which they owe to the Divine Being, to me, the living and true God: as they taught my people to swear by Baal As they drew in my backsliding people to join with them in the service of idols. Then shall they be built in the midst of... read more
Jeremiah’s complaint; God’s answer (12:1-17)As he thinks back on the treachery of the people of Anathoth, Jeremiah is prompted to complain to God. Innocent people suffer, whereas wicked people live at ease. Why is it, he asks, that God allows the wicked to prosper? God gives them life and food, and they grow fat and prosperous, though their hearts are far from God (12:1-2). Jeremiah, by contrast, remains true to God, yet he suffers. Indeed, the whole land suffers because of the sins of people... read more
as = according as. built = rebuilt. See note on Numbers 13:22 . read more
obey = hearken. saith the LORD = [is] Jehovah's oracle. 7-13. The beloved People. Themselves. 14-17. The beloved People. Their enemies. read more
Jeremiah 12:16. Then shall they be built, &c.— We have here a clear prophesy of the calling of the Gentiles; and though, after the return from Babylon, the Maccabees in particular were zealous to make proselytes to the law of Moses, it is certain that this and other similar promises had their full accomplishment only in the preaching of the Gospel. REFLECTIONS.—1st, The prosperity of the wicked has been a great temptation to more than one good man, Psalms 73:0. Jeremiah is staggered with... read more
16. swear by my name— (Jeremiah 4:2; Isaiah 19:18; Isaiah 65:16); that is, confess solemnly the true God. built—be made spiritually and temporally prosperous: fixed in sure habitations (compare Jeremiah 24:6; Jeremiah 42:10; Jeremiah 45:4; Psalms 87:4; Psalms 87:5; Ephesians 2:20; Ephesians 2:21; 1 Peter 2:5). read more
Death or life for Israel’s neighbors 12:14-17This prophecy about Israel’s neighbors anticipates chapters 46-51, which contain oracles against Gentile nations. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 12:16
Israel has been converted and restored, and if the other nations follow his example and swear by my name , i.e. adopt the religion of Jehovah (comp. Isaiah 19:18 ), they shall be rewarded by being suffered to dwell safely in Israel's midst. Observe the contrast with Jeremiah 12:14 . Before, Israel had dwelt amidst them to his own detriment; now they shall dwell amidst Israel to their profit. read more