Verse 1

Is just. Hebrew, "judgment." Septuagint, "I will make my apology to thee." Jeremias had been grievously persecuted by his countrymen: he therefore mentions a subject which has been the source of much perplexity. The success of the wicked is a temptation for weak souls. See Job xxi., Psalm lxxii. 3., and Habacuc i. 13. (Calmet) --- The prophets often speak in their names, not being ignorant or doubtful of the justice of divine providence. (Worthington)

Verse 2

Reins. They have thy name in their mouth, but not in their heart, Isaias xxix. 13., and Matthew xv. 8.

Verse 3

Gather. God orders his prophet to announce the misery of the wicked.

Verse 4

Mourn? Is not this a proof of my providence in chastising Juda? This famine is specified [in] chap. viii. 13., and xiv. 4. (Calmet) --- Last end. Two letters seem to be transposed in Hebrew, as the Septuagint read "ways." (Kennicott) --- The impious blaspheme as if all were ruled by chance. (Calmet)

Verse 5

Horses. If thou hast been terrified at the threats of thy fellow-citizens, how wilt thou withstand those of Jerusalem? (Menochius) or he speaks to Juda, who would not be able to resist the Chaldeans, since the Philistines, &c., had routed the Jews, though destitute of cavalry. --- Jordan, or the nations of Ammon, &c., on that side. (Calmet) --- Protestants, "if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt," &c. (Haydock)

Verse 6

To thee. Edom, &c., made a league with Sedecias, which they broke. They always bore a hatred to the Jews, though sprung from the same stock, chap. xxvii. 1., and Lamentations iv. 21. (Calmet)

Verse 7

Soul; people, (Haydock) whose punishment was decreed. Say not, therefore, that the wicked always prosper.

Verse 9

As a. Septuagint, "a den of the hyena:" Alexandrian, "robbers." Grabe inserts, "or a den around it?" (Haydock) --- They have read auss, "a den," instead of hait, "a bird." Bochart, (iii. 11.) however, shews that the latter word denotes various wild beasts, and nearly follows the Septuagint. Though the inheritance be most charming, it shall not pass unpunished. (Calmet)

Verse 10

Pastors; princes of my people, as well (Haydock) as of the Chaldeans, chap. vi. 3.

Verse 11

Heart, to seek God and the cause of their misfortunes.

Verse 13

Fruits. They shall not satisfy your expectations or wants.

Verse 14

Land. Nabuchodonosor led the Ammonites, &c., into captivity, five years after the Jews. (Josephus, Antiquities x. 11.) (Calmet) --- After the children are chastised, the rod is burnt. (Worthington)

Verse 15

Land; the Jews, as well as their neighbours, chap. xlix. 6. (Menochius) (Isaias xxiii. 15., and Ezechiel xvi. 55.)

Verse 16

People. After the captivity, converts were more cherished. Yet the predictions concerning the call of the Gentiles were accomplished only by the preaching of the gospel. (Calmet)

Verse 23

CHAPTER XII.