The Way of the Wicked Doesn’t Succeed
August 11, 2020
Commentary
Jeremiah struggled to understand why God allowed wicked people to prosper while the faithful suffered (vv. 1–4). He asked the Lord, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper?” Like Job and the psalmists before him, Jeremiah wrestled with the success of evil people. False prophets and unfaithful priests continued living comfortably even though they had turned away from God. The land’s vegetation withered, animals died, and the nation was spiritually dry while corrupt leaders continued to benefit from the suffering of others.
God answered Jeremiah by teaching him that the difficulties he faced were preparing him for greater trials ahead (vv. 5–6). The Lord compared Jeremiah’s present struggles to running with men on foot. If he became weary in smaller struggles, how would he endure greater challenges, like running against horses? God also asked how Jeremiah would stand in dangerous places if he stumbled in peaceful surroundings. God was strengthening Jeremiah’s faith and character for ministry. Jeremiah then announced God’s judgment upon the nation (vv. 7–13). Because the people had rejected the Lord, become rebellious and spiritually corrupt, God would allow enemies to destroy the land. As a result, the land would become desolate and empty.
God also revealed His mercy toward the nations (vv. 14–17). If the surrounding nations learned the ways of God and truly acknowledged the Lord instead of Baal, they would be established among His people. However, any nation that refused to listen and obey would face destruction. God declared, “But if they do not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation” (v. 17). The Lord’s judgment was certain, but His mercy was available to all who turn back and repent.
Application
When I see wicked people prosper, do I still trust God’s wisdom and timing? Am I allowing difficulties and trials to strengthen my faith and character? Do I remain faithful to God when life feels unfair or painful? Am I continuing to obey the Lord even during hard situations? Have I truly repented and returned to God?
Jeremiah 12:1–17 (NET)
1 Lord, you have always been fair whenever I have complained to you. However, I would like to speak with you about the disposition of justice. Why are wicked people successful? Why do all dishonest people have such easy lives?
2 You plant them like trees and they put down their roots. They grow prosperous and are very fruitful. They always talk about you, but they really care nothing about you.
3 But you, Lord, know all about me. You watch me and test my devotion to you. Drag these wicked men away like sheep to be slaughtered! Appoint a time when they will be killed!
4 How long must the land be parched and the grass in every field be withered? How long must the animals and the birds die because of the wickedness of the people who live in this land? For these people boast, “God will not see what happens to us.”
5 The Lord answered, “If you have raced on foot against men and they have worn you out, how will you be able to compete with horses? And if you feel secure only in safe and open country, how will you manage in the thick undergrowth along the Jordan River?
6 As a matter of fact, even your own brothers and the members of your own family have betrayed you as well. Even they have plotted to do away with you. So do not trust them even when they say kind things to you.
7 “I will abandon my nation. I will forsake the people I call my own. I will turn my beloved people over to the power of their enemies.
8 The people I call my own have turned on me like a lion in the forest. They have roared defiantly at me, so I will treat them as though I hate them.
9 The people I call my own attack me like birds of prey or like hyenas. But other birds of prey are all around them. Let all the nations gather together like wild beasts. Let them come and destroy these people I call my own.
10 Many foreign rulers will ruin the land where I planted my people. They will trample all over my chosen land. They will turn my beautiful land into a desolate wilderness.
11 They will lay it waste. It will lie parched and empty before me. The whole land will be laid waste, but no one living in it will pay any heed.
12 A destructive army will come marching over the hilltops in the wilderness. For the Lord will use them as his destructive weapon against everyone from one end of the land to the other. No one will be safe.
13 My people will sow wheat, but will harvest weeds. They will work until they are exhausted, but will get nothing from it. They will be disappointed in their harvests because the Lord will take them away in his fierce anger.
14 “I, the Lord, also have something to say concerning the wicked nations who surround my land and have attacked and plundered the land that I gave to my people as a permanent possession. I say: ‘I will uproot the people of those nations from their land and I will free the people of Judah who have been taken there. 15 But after I have uprooted the people of those nations, I will relent and have pity on them. I will restore the people of each of those nations to their own lands and to their own country. 16 But they must make sure to learn to follow the religious practices of my people. Once they taught my people to swear their oaths using the name of the god Baal. But then, they must swear oaths using my name, saying, “As surely as the Lord lives, I swear.” If they do these things, then they will be included among the people I call my own. 17 But I will completely uproot and destroy any of those nations that will not pay heed,’” says the Lord.
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