Jeremiah 12:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Is not the lair of the hyenas considered My possession? Some have interpreted it this manner. They argue that because the hyena is regarded as an unclean creature, it signifies that they have filled My dwelling with impurity. According to the Hebrew text, it can be understood as: “as a bird with many-colored plumage has become My possession,” meaning it enters the temple, revealing its various forms of wickedness. This uncleanness, this wildness, also manifests to Me, the heir; perhaps it may be accepted by men, but what about Me? Who will desire to inherit it? He also highlights the outward depravity, noting that there are numerous caves in the vicinity, serving not only as hideouts for men but also as dens for the most savage unclean animals that dwell in darkness.

The peacock is under My dominion, accompanied by the bird that surrounds it. The Lord refers to the Jewish synagogue as a peacock because the Jews, in alignment with the practices of the Gentiles, adorned themselves with representations of idols on their shoulders. In earlier times, God referred to the synagogue as a dove, but now, due to its separation from Him, He designates it as a peacock, a bird of many colors, for it has taken to making offerings to various idols. The bird that encircles it symbolizes the king of Babylon, who besieged Jerusalem with his forces, conquered it, and handed it over as spoil to the confederated nations.

Is not a bird of many hues My inheritance, Is not a bird fully adorned? Come, assemble all the creatures of the earth; hurry to the feast of destruction. LXX: Is not the lair of the jackal My possession, is not the surrounding cave? Gather all the beasts of the fields, and let them approach to consume it. The reference to a bird of many hues signifies the peacock. He indicates that Israel possessed such splendor and Jerusalem was embellished with such virtues that it lacked nothing of goodness.

In a previous passage, the Lord referred to the temple as a den of robbers due to the wrongdoings of those who ministered there. Here, He designates it as ‘a den of wickedness,’ encompassing not only the city itself but also the surrounding region of Judea, once again condemning the transgressions committed against Him, stating that it has turned into a den of wickedness for Him. He then foretells the utter desolation of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Go, gather to it all the beasts of the countryside, and let them come to tear it down.’ For the Romans, having gained authority over the world and assembling troops from various nations, executed some and took others captive. Moreover, the Prophet indicates that the teachers of the Law were the ones responsible for these iniquities; for he continues:

Lamenting the widespread iniquity among the people chosen by God, Jeremiah implores the Lord to deliver judgment upon the evildoers. In response, the Lord announces a fearful decree against them. To fulfill this, the Lord summons the nations outside His covenant; they will not only spill the blood of the wicked but will also leave their remains for the wild animals to consume, denying them a dignified burial. Thus, the Lord will abandon His own inheritance, subjecting it to this dire fate.