Even your brothers--your own father's household--even they have betrayed you; even they have cried aloud against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you. Even your brothers—your own father’s household—This phrase highlights the personal betrayal Jeremiah experiences, emphasizing the deep pain of being opposed by one's own family. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, family loyalty was paramount, making this betrayal particularly poignant. This mirrors the experience of Jesus, who was also rejected by His own family and hometown ( Mark 6:4). The mention of "brothers" and "father's household" underscores the intimate nature of the betrayal, reflecting the broader theme of familial discord found throughout Scripture, such as in the stories of Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37). even they have betrayed you;
The act of betrayal by family members is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing the ultimate breach of trust. This betrayal can be seen as a type of Christ, who was betrayed by Judas, one of His closest followers (Matthew 26:14-16). The historical context of Jeremiah's time was one of political and social upheaval, where allegiances were often tested, and betrayal was not uncommon. This phrase serves as a reminder of the cost of prophetic ministry and the isolation that can accompany it. even they have cried aloud against you.
This indicates not just silent betrayal but active opposition. The act of crying aloud suggests public denunciation, which would have been humiliating and damaging to Jeremiah's reputation. In the biblical narrative, public outcry against God's prophets was a common occurrence, as seen with Elijah and others. This reflects the broader theme of the prophet's role as a voice against prevailing societal norms, often leading to conflict and persecution (1 Kings 19:10). Do not trust them,
This warning against trust highlights the necessity of discernment in relationships, especially when dealing with those who may appear supportive but harbor ill intentions. The Bible frequently advises caution in placing trust in humans rather than God (Psalm 118:8). This phrase serves as a reminder of the fallibility of human nature and the need for reliance on divine wisdom. though they speak well of you.
The contrast between outward speech and inward intent is a common biblical theme, emphasizing the deceitfulness of appearances. This echoes the warnings found in Proverbs about the dangers of flattering lips (Proverbs 26:24-25). In the context of Jeremiah's ministry, this serves as a caution against being swayed by superficial praise, which can mask true motives. This also foreshadows the experience of Jesus, who was praised by the crowds but later crucified (Luke 23:21). Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahThe prophet who is the speaker in this verse, expressing his lament and struggles with betrayal. 2. Jeremiah's BrothersRefers to Jeremiah's own family members who have turned against him, symbolizing betrayal from those closest to him. 3. Father’s HouseholdRepresents the immediate family and extended kin, emphasizing the depth of betrayal. 4. BetrayalThe act of being disloyal or treacherous, a central theme in this verse. 5. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, where Jeremiah prophesied and faced opposition. Teaching Points The Pain of BetrayalBetrayal by family or close friends can be one of the most painful experiences. Jeremiah's lament reminds us that even those closest to us can fail us. Trust in God Over ManWhile human relationships are important, our ultimate trust should be in God, who is unfailing and faithful. Discernment in RelationshipsWe must exercise discernment and wisdom in our relationships, understanding that not everyone who speaks well of us has our best interests at heart. Perseverance in FaithDespite betrayal and opposition, we are called to persevere in our faith and mission, as Jeremiah did. Forgiveness and ReconciliationWhile betrayal is painful, we are called to forgive and seek reconciliation, following the example of Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jeremiah's experience with betrayal by his family reflect the challenges we might face in our own relationships? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of trusting God over man in our daily lives? 3. How can we develop discernment to recognize when someone who speaks well of us may not have our best interests at heart? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to persevere in our faith when facing opposition or betrayal? 5. How can the examples of forgiveness and reconciliation in the Bible guide us in dealing with those who have betrayed us? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 41:9This verse speaks of betrayal by a close friend, similar to Jeremiah's experience with his family. Matthew 10:36Jesus speaks of a man's enemies being members of his own household, echoing Jeremiah's situation. Micah 7:5-6Discusses the unreliability of close relationships, paralleling the warning in Jeremiah 12:6. John 7:5Jesus' own brothers did not believe in Him, showing a New Testament parallel to familial betrayal. Genesis 37:4Joseph's brothers' jealousy and betrayal, providing a historical example of family betrayal. People JeremiahPlaces Anathoth, Jerusalem, Jordan RiverTopics Aloud, Although, Beautiful, Believe, Betrayed, Brethren, Brothers, Cried, Cry, Crying, Dealt, Fair, Faith, Family, Father's, Full, Fully, Household, Loud, Loudly, Multitude, Nice, Raised, Speak, Though, Treacherously, Trust, Untrue, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 12:6 5436 pain
5798 betrayal
5914 optimism
6109 alienation
8032 trust, lack of
8719 distrust
8841 unfaithfulness, to people Library Calms and Crises
'If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and though in a land of peace thou art secure, yet how wilt thou do in the pride of Jordan?'--JER. xii. 5, R.V. The prophet has been complaining of his persecutors. The divine answer is here, reproving his impatience, and giving him to understand that harder trials are in store for him. Both clauses mean substantially the same thing, and are of a parabolic nature. The one adduces the metaphor …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureAre You Prepared to Die?
"There is a land of pure delight, Where saints immortal reign; Infinite day excludes the night, And pleasures banish pain." There everlasting spring abides, And never-withering flowers; Death, like a narrow sea, divides This heavenly land from ours." Taking "the swelling of Jordan" to represent the precise time of death, the question really is, what shall we do when we come to die? "How wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?" I. We notice, in the first place, that this is an EXCEEDINGLY PRACTICAL …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 11: 1865 Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
It was a beautiful saying of Rabbi Jochanan (Jer. Ber. v. 1), that he who prays in his house surrounds and fortifies it, so to speak, with a wall of iron. Nevertheless, it seems immediately contradicted by what follows. For it is explained that this only holds good where a man is alone, but that where there is a community prayer should be offered in the synagogue. We can readily understand how, after the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of its symbolical worship, the excessive value attached …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. These two short treatises were found among Mr. Bunyan's papers after his decease. They probably were intended for publication, like his 'Prison Meditations' and his 'Map of Salvation,' on a single page each, in the form of a broadside, or handbill. This was the popular mode in which tracts were distributed; and when posted against a wall, or framed and hung up in a room, they excited notice, and were extensively read. They might also have afforded some trifling profit to aid …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation. …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 12:6 NIVJeremiah 12:6 NLTJeremiah 12:6 ESVJeremiah 12:6 NASBJeremiah 12:6 KJV
Jeremiah 12:6 Commentaries
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