Jeremiah 12

Jeremiah 12:1

WHen I] the Prophets complaint to God, seeing his enemies present prosperity: whereas he for all his fidelity, was continually persecuted and afflicted. The meaning is, I know that all that which thou dost appoint to be by thy providence is most just, yet will I a little alleage some reasons for my cause, because I would be cleared and instructed by thee Art thou]that is to say, there is nothing but hypocrisie in all the honour and service which they make a shew of doing to thee.

Jeremiah 12:4

How long] that is to say, wilt thou O Lord for ever suffer these wicked ones; who are the cause that the whole Countrey is ruined through thy wrath Not see] he doth not know nor doth not appoint what things should be fll s, every thing doth fall out accidentally and by chance.

Jeremiah 12:5

If thou] Gods answer to the Prophet, to set him right againe, and encourage him. The meaning is, if thou growest faint for particular and private, mens offences, what wilt thou doe, when thou must goe and contest with Princes, which Jeremiah did doe afterwards: and if thou hast not the free courage of a Prophet, but in time of peace and tranquillity, how wilt thou be able to bear the generall rge and overflowing of the wicked; like to the yeerly overflowing of Jordan, Joshua 3:15. 1 Chronicles 12:15. Jer. 49 19. & 50 44.

Jeremiah 12:6

Thy brethren] namely, the Priests, the inhabitants of Ahoth,s Jeremiah himselfe was Jeremiah 1. 1. & 11. 18. The meaning is, thou oughtest to strengthen thy selfe in me alone, for thou seest that thy prophecying doth exasperate thie owne Kinsmen, and Countrey-men, against thee.

Jeremiah 12:7

Beloved] that is to say, my Nation, which I once loved so well.

Jeremiah 12:8

Mine heritage] namely, my people, which I had taken for mine own, hath no longer been a flock of sheepe, but a company of wild beasts, enraged against me.

Jeremiah 12:9

A Bird] he seemes to meane a red Bird, speckled with blacke, which is very wilde, and solitary, delighting in darknesse, and when it comes to the light, other Birds flocke about it, and pking of it, doe pull off its feathers. The meaning is, seeing that my people imitate the nature of this bird, in loving darknesse, in strangenesse and bruitishnesse of customes, in savage minds, &c. I will cause their enemies to flock about them on everyside, and use them in like manner.

Jeremiah 12:10

Pastours] namely, Princes, and heads of armies, Jeremiah 6:3.

Jeremiah 12:11

To heart] that useth true spirituall wisedome, and doth maturely thinke upon preventing of my judgements by a true repentance.

Jeremiah 12:12

High places] namely, upon hils and valleyes fit for pasture, which ordinarily are most secure from invasions, being in solitary places, and har to come a.

Jeremiah 12:13

They have] the people of the Land have beene afflicted with scarcity and famine Ashamed] quite fallen from the hope which they had conceived.

Jeremiah 12:14

Neighbours] such as the Syrians, Moabites, Ammonites, Idumeans, &c. who came all to the spoyling of Judea, 2 King. 24. 2. Psal. 137. 7. and afterwards were likewise subdued, destroyed, and carried away into captivity by the Chaldeans The house] namely, the poore Jewes, which they shall keep prisoners, and in bondage amongst them.

Jeremiah 12:15

I will] a prophecie of the vocation of the Gentiles at the Messiah his comming.

Jeremiah 12:16

The waies] namely, Gods true Religion and service, and the holy conversation taught and kept in my Church To sweare by my] under which act is comprehended every other act of religious profession towards God, Pslam. 63. 11. Isaiah 45:23. Jerem. 4. 2. Built] that is to say, incorporated into my Church, which is the spirituall building of Gods habitation.