Jeremiah 12:2

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 12:2

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

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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 12:2

Verse 2 When the happiness of the wicked disturbs our minds, two false thoughts occur to us, — either that this world is ruled by chance and not governed by God’s providence, or that God does not perform the office of a good and righteous judge when he suffers light to be so blended with darkness. But the Prophet here takes it as granted, that the world is governed by God’s providence; he therefore does not touch the false notion, which yet harasses pious minds, that fortune governs the world.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 12:1-2

The prosperity of the wicked. I. THE DIFFICULTY . The prosperity of the wicked was a difficulty of peculiar force to the Jews, since it seemed to contradict an item of their peculiar faith—the doctrine of temporal rewards and punishments. The difficulty is less to us Christians; but it is idle to deny its existence. It is threefold. 1. The success of wickedness . The treacherous plans of the wicked often succeed. Their violent actions are often unchecked and produce fatal... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 12:1-4

Moral difficulties with the providence of God. The tone of this address to Jehovah is strikingly contrasted with that to the men of Anathoth. To them he is as a lion or a brazen wall. To Jehovah he is as a fretful child, ignorant, willful, perverse, and requiring to be corrected. I. THE PROSPERITY OF THE WICKED A STUMBLING - BLOCK TO FAITH . ( Jeremiah 12:1 , Jeremiah 12:2 .) David even is envious over this, and many a saint has felt its bitterness in his soul.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 12:1-4

The prophet puzzled by the prosperity of the wicked. I. How THIS PUZZLE ARISES . It arises from the presence of a number of facts together, the coexistence of which the prophet finds it impossible to explain. 1. There is his assurance as to the character of Jehovah . He speaks confidently as to the Divine righteousness. Observe how it is the thing that he starts with. All our doubts will get cleared up in the end, however long the process may be, if only we start with the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 12:1-5

The prophet's complaint. The writings of the prophets are often as much historic as they are prophetic; historic of personal as well as national experiences, of inward thoughts and emotions as of outward incidents. In tracing the current of events, the writers disclose the workings of their own spirits, and in expounding and vindicating God's ways with Israel or with other nations, they indicate the method of his dealings with themselves. This was singularly true of Jeremiah, and we have... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 12:2

Far from their reins ; i.e. from their heart (the seat of strong impulses and desires); comp. Psalms 16:7 ; Psalms 26:2 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 12:2

(last clause) God near to the mouth but far from the life. I. IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE THE NAME OF GOD ON OUR LIPS WHILE THE THOUGHT OF GOD IS ABSENT FROM OUR MINDS . This is the case with mere formal worshippers, who use the language of devotion without realizing to themselves its meaning. The danger of it besets us all. Words come to be handled like coins, without any distinct recognition of what they represent. This applies especially to... read more

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