Jeremiah 12
HALLJeremiah 12:5
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
If, striving with thine own townsmen at Anathoth, thou hast not prevailed, how shouldst thou think to do good upon them of Jerusalem? since there is no less difference betwixt them, in the heady course of their sins, than betwixt foot and horse: and, if in thine own quiet country they have wearied thee, how much
Jeremiah 12:7
I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage: I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hands of her enemies.
I, the Lord, therefore, have, for these wickednesses, forsaken my temple: I have left that, which was my professed heritage; and that people, which was the dearly beloved of my soul, being now degenerated, I have given up into the hands of the enemy.
Jeremiah 12:8
Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; &c.
That, which was my dear people, doth now rebel against me; and roar out against me and my prophets, like a lion in the forest; &c.
Jeremiah 12:9
Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour.
Hereupon, the enemies of my people come up against them, by my just instigation; and all nations come up round about, as birds are wont to come wondering about some strange fowl; and invite each other to the spoil. See chap. vi. verse 3.
Jeremiah 12:10
Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, &c.
I was once your pastor, saith God; but, since ye would not be guided by me, now ye shall have store of other manner of pastors; that shall lead you in your kind; that shall destroy my vineyard, &c.
Jeremiah 12:16
And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The Lord liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal: then shall they be built in the midst of my people.
I will make one Church of Jews and Gentiles; and if those nations shall frame themselves to the true worship of my name, and to the profession of the religion of my people, then will I establish them in my church, as true and lively members thereof.