"If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan? If you have raced with men on footThis phrase begins with a metaphorical challenge, drawing from the imagery of a footrace. The Hebrew root for "raced" (רוץ, "ruts") implies a sense of urgency and competition. In the historical context, Jeremiah is being reminded of the trials he has already faced among his fellow men, suggesting that these are merely preparatory challenges. The "men on foot" symbolize ordinary human struggles, emphasizing that the prophet's current trials are just the beginning of more intense challenges to come. and they have worn you out
The phrase "worn you out" (לָאוּ, "la'u") conveys exhaustion and weariness. This reflects Jeremiah's current state of fatigue from dealing with opposition and persecution. The historical context here is crucial, as Jeremiah faced significant resistance from his own people, who rejected his prophetic messages. This weariness is both physical and spiritual, highlighting the prophet's need for divine strength to persevere. how can you compete with horses?
The "horses" symbolize greater, more formidable challenges. In ancient times, horses were associated with power and speed, often used in warfare. The Hebrew word for "compete" (תִּתְחַרֶה, "tit'chareh") suggests striving or contending with something much stronger. This rhetorical question underscores the need for Jeremiah to prepare for even more daunting trials, implying that reliance on God's strength is essential to face these future challenges. If you stumble in a peaceful land
The "peaceful land" (בְּאֶרֶץ שָׁלוֹם, "be'eretz shalom") refers to a place of safety and tranquility. The Hebrew word "shalom" denotes peace, completeness, and well-being. This phrase suggests that if Jeremiah struggles in times of relative peace, he must consider how he will handle more turbulent situations. The historical context here is a reminder of the temporary peace in Judah before the impending Babylonian invasion. how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?
The "thickets of the Jordan" (בִּגְאוֹן הַיַּרְדֵּן, "big'on hayarden") refers to the dense, often dangerous brush along the Jordan River. This area was known for its wild animals and difficult terrain, symbolizing chaos and danger. The Jordan River itself is a significant biblical landmark, often representing transition and challenge. This imagery serves as a metaphor for the intense trials Jeremiah will face, urging him to trust in God's provision and strength. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. He often faced opposition and persecution for his prophecies. 2. Men on FootSymbolic of the challenges and adversities Jeremiah faced in his prophetic ministry, representing human-level struggles. 3. HorsesSymbolic of greater challenges and more intense trials that Jeremiah would face in the future, suggesting a need for greater endurance and faith. 4. Peaceful LandRepresents the current, less challenging circumstances in which Jeremiah finds himself, implying that more difficult times are ahead. 5. Thickets of the JordanA metaphor for more dangerous and difficult situations, possibly referring to the dense and challenging terrain near the Jordan River, symbolizing future trials. Teaching Points Endurance in FaithJust as Jeremiah was called to endure greater challenges, believers are encouraged to build spiritual endurance through daily faithfulness and reliance on God. Preparation for Greater TrialsThe verse serves as a reminder that current challenges are preparation for future, possibly more difficult, trials. Trust in God's strength is essential. Perspective on ChallengesUnderstanding that current struggles are part of God's refining process can help believers maintain a positive perspective and trust in His plan. Spiritual Growth through TrialsTrials are opportunities for growth. Embrace them as a means to deepen your faith and reliance on God. Trust in God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is sovereign over all circumstances, and He equips His people to face whatever lies ahead. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jeremiah 12:5 challenge you to view your current struggles in light of future challenges? 2. In what ways can you prepare spiritually for greater trials that may come your way, as suggested by the metaphor of racing with horses? 3. How do the "thickets of the Jordan" in your life shape your faith and reliance on God? 4. Reflect on a time when you felt worn out by "men on foot." How did God help you endure, and what did you learn from that experience? 5. How can the teachings in Hebrews 12:1-3 and James 1:2-4 help you develop endurance and perseverance in your spiritual journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Hebrews 12:1-3This passage encourages believers to run with endurance the race set before them, looking to Jesus as the ultimate example of perseverance. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27Paul speaks about running the race to win, emphasizing discipline and self-control, which connects to the idea of preparing for greater challenges. James 1:2-4James discusses the testing of faith producing perseverance, which aligns with the message in Jeremiah about preparing for greater trials. People JeremiahPlaces Anathoth, Jerusalem, Jordan RiverTopics Able, Canst, Compete, Confident, Contend, Fall, Fighting-men, Flight, Foot, Footmen, Fret, Growth, Hast, Horses, Jordan, Jungle, Manage, Peace, Pride, Raced, Rising, Run, Running, Safe, Secure, Security, Stumble, Swelling, Thick, Thicket, Thickets, Thinkest, Though, Thyself, Tired, Trusted, Trustedst, Wearied, Weary, Wherein, Wilt, Worn, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 12:5 5178 running 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 12:5 NIVJeremiah 12:5 NLTJeremiah 12:5 ESVJeremiah 12:5 NASBJeremiah 12:5 KJV
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