Add parallel Print Page Options

You planted them; they have taken root,
    they flourish and bear fruit as well.
You are upon their lips,
    but far from their thoughts.(A)
Lord, you know me, you see me,
    you have found that my heart is with you.(B)
Pick them out like sheep for the butcher,
    set them apart for the day of slaughter.[a]
How long must the land mourn,
    the grass of the whole countryside wither?
Because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it
    beasts and birds disappear,
    for they say, “God does not care about our future.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 12:3 Jeremiah calls the Lord to account for allowing the wicked to flourish while he himself is persecuted for his fidelity to the Lord’s mission; cf. 20:12. See Jesus’ judgment, Mk 9:42. The metaphors indicate that Jeremiah has even greater trials ahead of him.