Jeremiah 12:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And your brothers have turned their backs on you. How they lament your absence! They will have much to say about you, and sadly, some of that will be in malice. Do you perceive how a prophet is molded, acquiring wisdom as his bravery is awakened through actions and words? Remain steadfast: do not heed their words, for they claim *good things about you. I assure you, I remain concerned for your wellbeing; I hope that you will not be swayed by them, but instead wish for their transformation through patience. They have gathered behind you: disregard their assurances. Many, likely from the twelve tribes, who've already been held captive, have confronted the adversary. Thus, do not trust them when they speak kindly to you. Such was Rumpsack, who, speaking the Hebrew tongue, blasphemed God while pretending to offer guidance as though he genuinely cared for their welfare.

The lament of Jerusalem, specifically the weeping and wailing of the city, which grieves and expresses sorrow over its adversities.

Even your siblings and your family have turned against you, raising their voices in hostility. Do not trust their flattering words. He warns that you will be engulfed by the turbulent waters of the Jordan, and the numerous horsemen approaching from afar will wreak such havoc upon you that your own kin, the Edomites, and your family, along with Moab and Ammon, descendants of Lot, will show animosity in your time of need and turmoil, attacking you. Thus, be cautioned not to place your faith in them or rely on familial ties, for they will vent even greater rage against you than your adversaries. This can also be seen in light of the Savior, whose own brothers and household opposed Him, loudly declaring, ‘Crucify Him, crucify Him; we have no king but Caesar’ (John 19:15).

Even your own household has turned against you, and those who once supported you now shout from behind, joining forces against you. Many from the ten tribes, already taken captive, likely aligned themselves with your adversaries. “Thou shalt not believe when they speak good things unto thee.” This refers to Rapsacus, who spoke with blasphemy against God in the Hebrew language. After delivering this message, the prophet continues to proclaim dire prophecies regarding the ultimate downfall of the Jews, speaking forth as the voice of the Almighty.