Jeremías 12:2

2 Los plantaste, y echaron raíces; progresaron, e hicieron fruto; cercano estás tú en sus bocas, mas lejos de sus riñones

Jeremías 12:2 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 12:2

Thou hast planted them
In the land of Canaan, fixed the bounds of their habitation, given them a firm and comfortable settlement; for all the good things, even of the wicked, come from God: yea, they have taken root;
as everything that is planted does not; but these did, though it was downwards in the earth, on which their hearts were set, and so were strengthened and established in their worldly circumstances: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit;
but to themselves, not to God; not fruits of righteousness or good works; they grow, not in grace and holiness, but in their worldly substance; and they brought forth fruit, not such as were meet for repentance, but they had great riches, and numerous families; and so the Septuagint and Arabic versions, "they produce children, and bring forth fruit." The Targum is,

``they become rich, yea, they possess substance.''

Thou art near in their mouth;
they often made use of the name of God, either in swearing by it, or praying to him in an external manner; they called themselves the Lord's people, and boasted of being his priests, and employed in his service; they took his covenant, and the words of his law, into their mouths, and taught them the people, and yet had no sincere regard for these things: and far from their reins;
from the affections of their hearts, and the desires of their souls; they had no true love for God, nor fear of him, nor faith in him. The Targum is,

``near are the words of thy law in their mouth, and far is thy fear from their reins.''

Jeremías 12:2 In-Context

1 Justo eres tú, oh SEÑOR, aunque yo dispute contigo; hablaré empero juicios contigo. ¿Por qué es prosperado el camino de los impíos? Tienen paz todos los que se rebelan completamente contra ti

2 Los plantaste, y echaron raíces; progresaron, e hicieron fruto; cercano estás tú en sus bocas, mas lejos de sus riñones

3 Y tú, oh SEÑOR, me conoces; me viste, y probaste mi corazón para contigo; arráncalos como a ovejas para el degolladero, y señálalos para el día de la matanza

4 ¿Hasta cuándo estará desierta la tierra, y marchita la hierba de todo el campo por la maldad de los que en ella moran? Faltaron los ganados, y las aves; porque dijeron: No verá él nuestras postrimerías

5 Si corriste con los de a pie, y te cansaron, ¿cómo contenderás con los caballos? Y si en la tierra de paz donde estabas quieto te cansaron, ¿cómo harás en la hinchazón del Jordán