Jeremiah 9:12

ยถ Who [is] the wise man, that may understand this? and [who is he] to whom the mouth of the LORD hath spoken, that he may declare it, for what the land perisheth [and] is burned up like a wilderness, that none passeth through?

Who is the wise {H2450} man {H376}, that may understand {H995} this? and who is he to whom the mouth {H6310} of the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696}, that he may declare {H5046} it, for what the land {H776} perisheth {H6} and is burned up {H3341} like a wilderness {H4057}, that none passeth through {H5674}?

Who is wise enough to understand this? To whom has the mouth of ADONAI spoken, so that he can proclaim it? Why has the land perished and been laid waste like a desert, so that no one passes through?

Who is the man wise enough to understand this? To whom has the mouth of the LORD spoken, that he may explain it? Why is the land destroyed and scorched like a desert, so no one can pass through it?

Who is the wise man, that may understand this? and who is he to whom the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken, that he may declare it? wherefore is the land perished and burned up like a wilderness, so that none passeth through?

Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 9:12 is situated amidst the prophet Jeremiah's deep lamentations and pronouncements of impending judgment upon the kingdom of Judah. At this time, Judah was teetering on the brink of the Babylonian exile, a period of severe divine discipline. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 9:1-11) depict Jeremiah's sorrow over the people's widespread idolatry, deceit, and utter disregard for God's law. This verse poses a rhetorical question, challenging anyone to truly grasp the profound spiritual reasons behind the catastrophic desolation that was about to befall the land, turning it into a barren wilderness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Desolation: The verse directly addresses the coming destruction of the land, which will be "burned up like a wilderness." This desolation is not random but a direct consequence of Judah's persistent rebellion and covenant breaking. It highlights God's justice in responding to unfaithfulness.
  • Spiritual Blindness and Lack of Wisdom: The question, "Who is the wise man, that may understand this?" underscores the nation's spiritual ignorance. Despite the clear warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the people largely failed to understand *why* these calamities were happening. True wisdom, in this context, is not merely intellectual but spiritual discernment rooted in God's truth.
  • Prophetic Revelation: The phrase "to whom the mouth of the LORD hath spoken, that he may declare it" emphasizes that only those divinely appointed and inspired by God (like Jeremiah himself) can truly reveal the underlying reasons for the impending judgment. God reveals His purposes to His servants, the prophets (Amos 3:7).
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The perishing land is a stark manifestation of the curses outlined in the Mosaic Covenant for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15ff). Judah's failure to heed God's commands led to the ultimate consequence of exile and desolation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "perisheth and is burned up" uses strong imagery. "Perisheth" (ืึธื‘ึฐื“ึธื”, 'avdah) implies being utterly ruined, lost, or destroyed, often in the sense of a complete disappearance or cessation of existence. "Burned up" (ื ึดืฆึฐึผืชึธื”, nitz'tah) conveys the idea of being set on fire, laid waste, or scorched, vividly painting a picture of a land rendered uninhabitable and desolate, much like a scorched desert wasteland.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 9:12 serves as a powerful reminder for all generations:

  • Seek Spiritual Discernment: It is crucial to look beyond surface-level events and seek God's perspective on why things happen. True wisdom comes from understanding God's character, His warnings, and His purposes as revealed in His Word.
  • Heed God's Warnings: Just as Judah faced severe consequences for ignoring God's voice, we too must take seriously the warnings and instructions found in Scripture. Disobedience has consequences, both individually and collectively.
  • Value God's Messengers: Whether through the written Word or faithful teachers, God continues to speak. We are called to listen to those who declare God's truth, rather than relying on our own limited understanding or worldly wisdom.
  • Reflect on Justice and Grace: This verse highlights God's unwavering justice, but also His prior patience and warnings. Understanding the reasons for judgment can lead to repentance and a deeper appreciation for His grace.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hosea 14:9 (6 votes)

    Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

  • Psalms 107:43 (5 votes)

    Whoso [is] wise, and will observe these [things], even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.

  • Deuteronomy 32:29 (3 votes)

    O that they were wise, [that] they understood this, [that] they would consider their latter end!

  • Psalms 107:34 (3 votes)

    A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

  • Ezekiel 14:23 (2 votes)

    And they shall comfort you, when ye see their ways and their doings: and ye shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Jeremiah 16:10 (2 votes)

    ยถ And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt shew this people all these words, and they shall say unto thee, Wherefore hath the LORD pronounced all this great evil against us? or what [is] our iniquity? or what [is] our sin that we have committed against the LORD our God?

  • Jeremiah 16:13 (2 votes)

    Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, [neither] ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not shew you favour.