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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 12:1-6

The prophet doubts not but it would be of use to others to know what had passed between God and his soul, what temptations he had been assaulted with and how he had got over them; and therefore he here tells us, I. What liberty he humbly took, and was graciously allowed him, to reason with God concerning his judgments, Jer. 12:1. He is about to plead with God, not to quarrel with him, or find fault with his proceedings, but to enquire into the meaning of them, that he might more and more see... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 12:1

Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee ,.... The six first verses of this chapter properly belong to the preceding, being of the same argument, and in strict connection with the latter part of it. Jeremiah appears to be under the same temptation, on account of the prosperity of the wicked, as Asaph was, Psalm 73:1 only he seems to have been more upon his guard, and less liable to fall by it; he sets out: with this as a first principle, an undoubted truth, that God was... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 12:2

Thou hast planted them ,.... In the land of Canaan, fixed the bounds of their habitation, given them a firm and comfortable settlement; for all the good things, even of the wicked, come from God: yea, they have taken root ; as everything that is planted does not; but these did, though it was downwards in the earth, on which their hearts were set, and so were strengthened and established in their worldly circumstances: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit ; but to themselves, not to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 12:3

But thou, O Lord, knowest me ,.... The Lord knew him before he was born, Jeremiah 1:5 , he knew what he designed him for, and what use he would make of him; and he knew him now, and loved him, and cared for him, as his prophet; he knew his sincerity and faithfulness, and took notice of it, with what integrity he performed his office, and discharged his duty; and he knew that all his enemies said of him were scandal and reproach, lies and calumnies. Thou hast seen me ; his inside, his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 12:4

How long shall the land mourn ,.... The land of Judea, being desolate, and bringing forth no fruit, through the long drought that had been upon it: and the herbs of every field wither ; for want of rain to come upon it: for the wickedness of them that dwell therein ? this opens the cause, the reason of this dearth; it was the wickedness of the inhabitants of it: as the whole earth was originally cursed for the sins of men, so particular countries have had the marks of God's... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 12:5

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee ,.... The Targum introduces the words thus, "this is the answer which was made to Jeremiah the prophet, concerning his question; a prophet thou art, like to a man that runs with footmen, and is weary.' Then how canst thou contend with horses ? or with men on horses: the sense is, either as Kimchi gives it, thou art among men like thyself, and thou art not able to find out their secrets and their designs against thee (see ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 12:6

For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father ,.... The men of Anathoth; even they have dealt treacherously with thee ; by laying schemes, and consulting methods, to take away his life privately; his enemies were those of his own house; which is oftentimes the case of good men, and especially of such that are in public office: yea, they have called a multitude after thee ; a multitude of men, which they gathered together, and instigated to call after him in a clamorous and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 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. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 12:2

Thou art near in their mouth - They have no sincerity: they have something of the form of religion, but nothing of its power. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 12:3

But thou, O Lord, knowest me - I know that the very secrets of my heart are known to thee; and I am glad of it, for thou knowest that my heart is towards thee - is upright and sincere. read more

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