Jeremiah 12:5 — Meaning and Application

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. {toward...: Heb. with thee}

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.

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?

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. {they have called...: or, they cried after thee fully} {fair...: Heb. good things}

I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies. {the dearly...: Heb. the love}