Jeremiah 12:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

You have established them, and they have taken root. You hear their voices together and their supplications, yet you do not bring them to judgment. In the toils of mortals they are not, as David observes, and among humanity they shall not be afflicted (Psalm 72:5). This raises a compelling question: why is this the case? In our current era, it seems understandable, given that the resurrection is recognized. What solace was there when the unjust thrived? All echo this sentiment. One asks, I witnessed the wicked elevated, towering like the cedars of Lebanon, yet upon closer inspection, it was not as such (Psalm 36:35). Conversely, it declares, You have planted them and made them firm, and Job acknowledges, You have not uprooted them (Job 21:10). How could you have passed by and not noticed? Additionally, there is mention of the swiftness of their downfall, highlighting how easily they can be eradicated by God, not gradually like the Assyrian forces. Thus, I turned around quickly and found him absent.

You have cultivated them, referring to the righteous plantings, which signifies the Jewish people and the ongoing legacy of their lineage from the faithful Abraham. However, at the cross, they presented the Lord with the fruit of their rebellion.

Lord, you are truly righteous, but even if I were to argue with you, I would still bring up matters of justice. Why is it that the path of the wicked seems to prosper, that those who are treacherous appear to thrive? You have planted them, and they have taken root, thriving in their ways; you are close to their lips but distant from their hearts. While this dispute is aimed at all who act unlawfully, it also echoes the concerns of the seventeenth Psalm, where the prophet declares, “The God of Israel is good to those who are pure in heart.” Yet I find myself stumbling, barely able to maintain my footing, filled with envy towards the lawless, as I witness the world thriving for the sinful (Psalm 73:1-3).

The Prophet, observing the flourishing of those who engage in deceit, earnestly requests insight into the reason for their success. Jeremiah 12:1. "Righteous art thou, O Lord, that I answer thee: but I will speak to thee in judgement." The Prophet acknowledges the righteousness of God's judgment and yet feels it necessary to raise the inquiry. "What is the path of the wicked?" "How can You endure those who commit iniquity?" (Jeremiah 12:2) "You have planted them, and they shall take root: children shall be born, and they shall produce fruit." Through this, he illustrates their prosperity, highlighting their sinful ways in the subsequent phrase. "You are near to their words, but far from their hearts." The Prophet asserts that they speak of Your name but lack a true remembrance of You in their thoughts.

A tree rooted by the waters, sustained by rich nourishment, yields plentiful fruit. Are not the unrighteous similar to this tree? They may profess their reverence for God with their words, yet their hearts are distant from Him. Despite this, they enjoy unmerited blessings, have descendants, and prosper in all their endeavors.