Why Do the Wicked Prosper? Navigating Jeremiah 12 with Coptic Orthodox Faith

Executive Summary

Jeremiah 12, a potent cry from the heart of the prophet, grapples with the age-old question: why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? This chapter delves into Jeremiah’s anguished complaint to God about the apparent injustice in Judah, particularly the flourishing of those who plot against him and defy God’s law. God’s response, though initially startling, offers profound insight into the nature of divine judgment and the trials faced by those who remain faithful. This commentary, viewed through the lens of Coptic Orthodox theology, unpacks the historical context, spiritual depth, and enduring relevance of Jeremiah 12, providing guidance for navigating life’s perplexing challenges. We’ll explore how this chapter connects to the broader narrative of salvation, echoes within patristic writings, and speaks to contemporary Christians struggling to reconcile faith with suffering.

Jeremiah, a faithful servant, finds himself questioning the divine order. His lament resonates with the cries of countless believers throughout history. This exploration is not merely an academic exercise; it’s a spiritual journey into the heart of faith, designed to strengthen our resolve and deepen our trust in God, even when circumstances appear bleak. Let us delve into this rich chapter and discover the wisdom it holds for us today. 📖

Commentary Sections

Jeremiah 12:1 – The Prophet’s Complaint

יָדַעְתִּי יְהוָה כִּי צַדִּיק אַתָּה מִמֶּנִּי אַךְ מִשְׁפָּטִים אֲדַבֵּר אוֹתָךְ מַדּוּעַ דֶּרֶךְ רְשָׁעִים צָלֵחָה שָׁלוּ כָּל־בֹּגְדֵי בָגֶד
(Yada’ti Yahweh ki tzadiq attah mimenni, akh mishpatim adabber ottakh, maddua derekh resha’im tzalechah, shalu kol-bogdei boged.)

KJV: Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

NKJV: Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You; Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?

Jeremiah begins with an affirmation of God’s righteousness (“tzadiq attah“). However, this confession is immediately followed by a challenge. He acknowledges God’s justice but questions the apparent injustice of the world. This isn’t disbelief, but a wrestling with faith, a desperate plea for understanding. The prosperity of the wicked and the happiness of those who deal treacherously (“bogdei boged“) deeply troubles him.

Spiritual Application: It is permissible, even encouraged, to bring our honest questions and doubts before God. Like Jeremiah, we can express our struggles while maintaining a fundamental belief in God’s goodness and sovereignty. Remember that faith isn’t the absence of doubt, but the courage to wrestle with it in God’s presence. Like in building a robust website, faith requires consistent effort and willingness to address underlying issues.

Jeremiah 12:2 – Rooted in Deceit

נְטַעְתָּם גַּם־שֹׁרֵשׁ הָלָכוּ גַּם־עָשׂוּ פֶרִי קָרוֹב אַתָּה בְּפִיהֶם וְרָחוֹק מִכִּלְיוֹתֵיהֶם
(Neta’tam gam-shoresh halakhu gam-‘asu peri, qarov attah befihem verachok mikkilyoteihem.)

KJV: Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.

NKJV: You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; They grow, yes, they bear fruit. You are near in their mouth But far from their mind.

Jeremiah paints a picture of the wicked not merely existing, but thriving. They are “planted” by God (in the sense that He allows it) and bear fruit. Yet, their devotion is superficial. God is “near in their mouth” (qarov attah befihem), meaning they may offer lip service or outward shows of piety, but He is “far from their reins” (verachok mikkilyoteihem), indicating their hearts and innermost thoughts are distant from Him.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius in *Contra Gentes* speaks of the difference between outward appearance and inner reality, mirroring Jeremiah’s observation. He writes, “Οὐ γὰρ τῷ φαινομένῳ κρίνεται ἡ ἀλήθεια, ἀλλὰ τῷ ἐσωτέρῳ λογισμῷ” (Ou gar to phainomeno krinetai hē alētheia, alla tō esōterō logismō) – “For truth is not judged by what appears, but by the inner reasoning.” (Athanasius, *Contra Gentes*, 33).

Spiritual Application: This verse warns against hypocrisy and superficial religiosity. True faith involves aligning our inner thoughts and desires with God’s will, not merely performing outward acts of devotion. We must examine our hearts and ask ourselves whether our love for God is genuine and deep-seated or merely a facade.

Jeremiah 12:3 – God Knows Their Hearts

וְאַתָּה יְהוָה יְדַעְתַּנִי תִּרְאֵנִי וּבָחַנְתָּ לִבִּי אֵלֶיךָ הַתִּקֵם כְּצֹאן לְטִבְחָה וְלִיּוֹם הֲרֵגָה הַקְדִּשֵׁם
(Ve’attah Yahweh yeda’tani tir’eni uvachanta libbi eleikha, hatiqem ketzon letivchah veliyom hareghah haqdishim.)

KJV: But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.

NKJV: But You, O Lord, know me; You have seen me, And tested my heart toward You. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, And prepare them for the day of slaughter.

In contrast to the superficiality of the wicked, Jeremiah affirms God’s intimate knowledge of him. God “knows me” (yeda’tani), “has seen me” (tir’eni), and “tested my heart” (uvachanta libbi). He then implores God to deal with the wicked, comparing them to “sheep for the slaughter” (ketzon letivchah), destined for judgment.

Connection to Scripture: This verse echoes Psalm 139, which celebrates God’s omniscience and omnipresence. It also foreshadows the final judgment, where the wicked will face the consequences of their actions.

Spiritual Application: Take comfort in the fact that God sees and knows us intimately. He understands our struggles, our motivations, and our deepest desires. This knowledge provides both comfort and accountability. We should strive to live lives that are pleasing to Him, knowing that He sees beyond our outward appearances.

Jeremiah 12:4 – Lament for the Land

עַד־מָתַי תֶּאֱבַל הָאָרֶץ וְעֵשֶׂב כָּל־הַשָּׂדֶה יִיבָשׁ מֵרָעַת יֹשְׁבֵי בָהּ סָפְתָה בְהֵמָה וָעוֹף כִּי־אָמְרוּ לֹא יִרְאֶה אֶת־אַחֲרִיתֵנוּ
(Ad-matai te’eval ha’aretz ve’esev kol-hassadeh yivash mera’at yoshvei vah sapphtah behemah vaoof ki-amru lo yir’eh et-acharitenu.)

KJV: How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.

NKJV: How long will the land mourn, And the herbs of every field wither? For the wickedness of those who dwell in it, The beasts are consumed and the birds, Because they said, “He will not see our final end.”

Jeremiah’s lament extends beyond his personal suffering to the suffering of the land itself. The land “mourns” (te’eval ha’aretz), and the vegetation withers. This ecological distress is directly attributed to the wickedness of the people. The animals and birds suffer as well, because the people believe that God will not see their “final end” (et-acharitenu), suggesting a sense of impunity and denial of divine judgment.

Historical Context: Jeremiah’s ministry took place during a time of ecological degradation in Judah. Deforestation, overgrazing, and poor agricultural practices contributed to soil erosion and desertification. The prophet saw a direct connection between the people’s sin and the land’s suffering. This underscores the importance of stewardship and our responsibility to care for God’s creation.

Spiritual Application: We, too, must recognize the connection between our actions and the environment. Disregarding God’s creation is ultimately a form of disobedience. We are called to be good stewards of the earth, acting responsibly and sustainably to protect its resources for future generations.

Jeremiah 12:5 – A Call to Greater Trials

כִּי אֶת־רָגְלִים רָצְתָה וַתַּלְאוּךָ וְאֵיךְ תְּתַחֲרֶה אֶת־הַסּוּסִים וּבָאָרֶץ שָׁלוֹם אַתָּה בוֹטֵחַ וְאֵיךְ תַּעֲשֶׂה בִּגְאוֹן הַיַּרְדֵּן
(Ki et-raglim ratztah vattal’ukuha ve’eikh tetachareh et-hassusim, uva’aretz shalom attah voteach ve’eikh ta’aseh bige’on hayarden.)

KJV: 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?

NKJV: If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, Then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, in which you trusted, they wearied you, Then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?

God’s response to Jeremiah’s complaint is not one of immediate comfort, but a challenge. He asks, “If you have run with the footmen and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses?” This implies that Jeremiah’s current struggles are minor compared to what he will face in the future. The “swelling of Jordan” (bige’on hayarden) refers to the thickets and dangerous terrain along the Jordan River, symbolizing greater difficulties.

Spiritual Application: This verse is a reminder that spiritual growth often involves facing increasingly difficult trials. God doesn’t promise an easy life, but He does promise to be with us through every challenge. We must prepare ourselves for greater tests by remaining faithful in the face of smaller ones. As the Apostle Paul says in Romans 5:3-5, “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” ✨

Jeremiah 12:6 – Betrayal from Within

כִּי גַם־אַחֶיךָ וּבֵית אָבִיךָ גַּם־הֵמָּה בָּגְדוּ בָךְ גַּם־הֵמָּה קָרְאוּ אַחֲרֶיךָ מָלֵא אַל־תַּאֲמֵן בָּם כִּי־יְדַבְּרוּ אֵלֶיךָ טוֹבוֹת
(Ki gam-acheikha ubeit avikha gam-hemmah baghdu vakh gam-hemmah qaru achareikha male’ al-ta’amen bam ki-yedaberu eleikha tovot.)

KJV: For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

NKJV: For even your brothers, the house of your father, Even they have dealt treacherously with you; Yes, they have called a multitude after you. Do not believe them, Even though they speak smooth words to you.

The betrayal Jeremiah faces comes not just from strangers, but from his own family. “Even your brothers, the house of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you” (ki gam-acheikha ubeit avikha gam-hemmah baghdu vakh). This deepens his sorrow and highlights the pervasive corruption within Judah. God warns him not to trust them, even if they speak “smooth words” (yedaberu eleikha tovot).

Spiritual Application: This verse underscores the painful reality that betrayal can come from those closest to us. In such situations, it is crucial to rely on God’s discernment and not be swayed by superficial appearances. True loyalty and support come from those whose actions align with their words. We must always keep our guard up and trust in God’s protection.

Jeremiah 12:7-13 – God’s Judgment on His Heritage

These verses describe God’s impending judgment on His “heritage” (nachalati), meaning the people of Judah. They have become like a lion in the forest, roaring against Him. He will abandon His house, forsake His inheritance, and give them into the hands of their enemies. The land will be desolate, and no one will consider it. V12 speaks of spoilers coming upon all high places in the wilderness, for the sword of the Lord shall devour from one end of the land to the other. V13: Many have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns; they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit; and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the Lord.

Spiritual Application: While frightening, we see God remains fair and just, even in judgment. It echoes Deuteronomy 28, the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. God’s warning extends beyond the physical destruction to their spiritual emptiness. We should be mindful of aligning our lives with God’s will to avoid this spiritual destitution.

Jeremiah 12:14-17 – Hope for Repentant Nations

These closing verses introduce a glimmer of hope. God promises that if the nations who oppressed Judah learn His ways and swear by His name, they will be “built in the midst of My people” (nivnu betoch ami). However, if they refuse to obey, they will be utterly plucked up and destroyed. This offers a path to redemption for those who were once enemies of God’s people. God’s mercy extends even to the gentiles who turn to Him. This is a foreshadowing of the universality of the Gospel.

Spiritual Application: It’s important to remember God is merciful, offering a path for redemption. We should emulate God’s mercy, opening our hearts to repentant sinners and offering them a chance to join the Body of Christ. These verses highlight God’s desire for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

Subtopic Sections

The Problem of Theodicy

Theodicy, the attempt to reconcile the existence of God with the existence of evil and suffering, is a central theme in Jeremiah 12. The chapter raises fundamental questions about divine justice and the apparent disparity between righteousness and reward.

• God’s Sovereignty: How can God be all-powerful and all-good if He allows evil to flourish?
• Free Will: Does human free will explain the prosperity of the wicked?
• Divine Justice: Is God’s judgment deferred, not absent?
• Suffering as Refinement: Does suffering refine the righteous?
• Eternal Perspective: Should we consider an eternal reward in heaven?
• The Mystery of God: Sometimes, God’s ways are beyond our human understanding. 📖

The Significance of Land

The lament for the land in Jeremiah 12:4 highlights the interconnectedness between the people, their actions, and the environment. This has profound implications for how we understand our role in the world.

• Stewardship: We are called to be responsible stewards of God’s creation.
• Environmental Consequences: Our sins have ecological repercussions.
• Sustainability: We must practice sustainable living for future generations.
• Respect for Creation: God’s creation is worthy of respect and care.
• Interdependence: Humans, animals, and the land are interconnected.
• Repentance and Restoration: Environmental restoration begins with repentance.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why does Jeremiah question God’s justice?

A: Jeremiah’s questions stem from his deep love for God and his anguish over the suffering he witnesses. His questioning is not a rejection of faith, but an expression of his struggle to reconcile God’s goodness with the reality of evil.

Q: What does God mean when He says, “If you have run with the footmen…”?

A: God is challenging Jeremiah to prepare for greater trials ahead. It means if you cannot handle minor challenges, how will you manage when serious trials present themselves? It’s a call to spiritual growth and resilience.

Q: How does Jeremiah 12 relate to Coptic Orthodox theology?

A: Jeremiah 12 echoes the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on persevering faith in the face of suffering, the importance of inner piety over outward appearances, and the belief in divine judgment and ultimate justice. The chapter encourages a deep, personal relationship with God, rooted in humility and a willingness to wrestle with difficult questions.

Q: What does it mean to be “near in their mouth but far from their mind”?

A: This refers to hypocrisy, where people may express devotion to God outwardly but their hearts are not truly committed. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our inner thoughts and desires with God’s will, avoiding mere lip service.

Conclusion

Jeremiah 12, a powerful exploration of why do the wicked prosper, resonates deeply within the Coptic Orthodox tradition. It reminds us that faith is not always easy or straightforward. It requires us to grapple with difficult questions, confront uncomfortable truths, and trust in God’s wisdom, even when we don’t understand His ways. The prophet’s experience affirms God’s enduring presence and guidance, even when suffering and apparent injustice abound.

The lessons from Jeremiah 12 challenge us to examine our own hearts, ensuring our devotion is genuine and deep-seated. They call us to be responsible stewards of creation, recognizing the interconnectedness between our actions and the environment. And they encourage us to persevere in faith, knowing that God sees and knows us intimately, and that ultimate justice will prevail. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, let us embrace the spirit of Jeremiah, wrestling with our doubts, clinging to our faith, and trusting in the unwavering love and justice of our Lord.🕊️

Tags

Jeremiah, Jeremiah 12, Theodicy, Coptic Orthodox, Suffering, Prosperity, Wicked, Justice, Faith, Bible Commentary

Meta Description

A Coptic Orthodox commentary on Jeremiah 12: exploring the question of why do the wicked prosper. Delve into faith, suffering, and God’s justice in this verse-by-verse analysis.