Jeremiah 12

“Why does the way of the wicked prosper?” (v1). Jeremiah the prophet was attacked for speaking out about the rebellion of God’s people (ch 11). He was angry because it seemed like “the wicked” were winning; however, God showed him the true consequences of disobedience (v7-9). The Israelites would lose their beautiful land and be exiled, and even the “the beasts and the birds” in Israel, the land itself, would suffer because of the sins of God’s people (v4). Amazingly, God told Jeremiah that if the Israelites repented – even their neighbors! – He would forgive them and restore them (v16).

“I will again have compassion on them” (v15). God’s anger against sin is fierce, yet His mercy surpasses our expectations.