Topical Bible: Jeremiah: The Prophet: Over the Prosperity of the Wicked

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Jeremiah, often referred to as the "weeping prophet," is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the impending judgment and exile of Judah. One of the recurring themes in Jeremiah's ministry is his struggle with the prosperity of the wicked, a theme that resonates with the age-old question of why the unrighteous often seem to thrive while the righteous suffer.

Jeremiah's Lament and Questioning

Jeremiah's personal lament over the prosperity of the wicked is poignantly expressed in Jeremiah 12:1-2 : "Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead with You; yet I would speak with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? You planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bring forth fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts."

In these verses, Jeremiah confronts God with a heartfelt inquiry, questioning the justice of allowing the wicked to flourish. This lament reflects a deep-seated struggle within the prophet, as he observes the apparent success and stability of those who disregard God's commandments, while the faithful endure hardship and persecution.

God's Response

God's response to Jeremiah's lament is both a challenge and a reassurance. In Jeremiah 12:5 , the Lord replies, "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?" Here, God encourages Jeremiah to prepare for even greater challenges, suggesting that the current trials are but a precursor to more significant tests of faith and endurance.

God's response implies that the prosperity of the wicked is temporary and that ultimate justice will prevail. The Lord assures Jeremiah that He is aware of the deeds of the wicked and that their judgment is certain, even if it seems delayed from a human perspective.

The Fate of the Wicked

Throughout the book of Jeremiah, the prophet delivers messages of impending judgment against the wicked. In Jeremiah 5:26-29 , the Lord declares, "For among My people are wicked men. They watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap; they catch men. Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. They have grown fat and sleek. Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it, and they do not defend the rights of the poor. Should I not punish them for these things? declares the LORD. Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?"

These verses underscore the certainty of divine retribution. The prosperity of the wicked is portrayed as a temporary state, one that will ultimately lead to their downfall and punishment. God's justice, though sometimes delayed, is inevitable and will be executed in His perfect timing.

Jeremiah's Faithfulness Amidst Injustice

Despite his struggles with the prosperity of the wicked, Jeremiah remains steadfast in his mission. He continues to proclaim God's messages, warning of the consequences of sin and calling the people to repentance. His life serves as a testament to the faithfulness required of God's servants, even when faced with apparent injustice and personal suffering.

Jeremiah's experience with the prosperity of the wicked offers a profound insight into the nature of faith and the sovereignty of God. It challenges believers to trust in God's ultimate justice and to remain faithful, even when the world seems to reward unrighteousness. Through Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, the Bible provides a powerful reminder that God's ways are higher than human understanding, and His plans are always for the ultimate good of those who love Him.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 12:1-6
Righteous are you, O LORD, when I plead with you: yet let me talk with you of your judgments: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? why are all they happy that deal very treacherously?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jeremiah
... His heart was wrung with anguish over the ruin ... our revenge on him." Lamentations
3:14; Jeremiah 20:7 ... But the faithful prophet was daily strengthened to endure. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 34 jeremiah.htm

Letter iii. --For 331. Easter-Day xvi Pharmuthi; iii Id. April ...
... forthwith falls into the cares of the world, he delivers himself over to his ... 4000] .'
Now a fire such as this laid hold of Jeremiah the prophet, when the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter iii for 331 easter-day xvi.htm

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
... No prophet commenced his labours with greater encouragement than ... seemed, then, every
reason for Jeremiah at first ... the house of David again ruled over the whole ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon ix jeremiah a lesson.htm

On Daniel. vi. On Susannah.
... the occasion of the manifestation of the blessed Daniel as a prophet. ... united with
Christ forsakes its faith, it is given over to perpetual ... [1348] Jeremiah 43:8 ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel vi on susannah.htm

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... all faithful rulers whom God sets over his church ... Zechariah, the second and greatest
prophet of the Restoration ... 4); so that Zechariah, like Jeremiah and Ezekiel ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

Approaching Doom
... far from trembling at the danger hanging over himself and his ... were still living in
the heart of Jeremiah, "as a burning fire," and the prophet was permitted ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 35 approaching doom.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... that they are buried beneath its ruins;" [Pg 372] compare Jeremiah 50:45. ... is made
here, is evident from ver.4, where the prophet passes over to the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ...
... to the earth whether Babylon was reigned over by Chaldeans ... 7. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and
the Revelation each declare that ... the period of which the prophet is speaking ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/we arrive now at a.htm

Daniel: a Pattern for Pleaders
... of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm ... of the
years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/daniel a pattern for pleaders.htm

Of the Two Kinds of Trials, which Come Upon us in a Three-Fold Way ...
... to Me, saith the Lord," [1417] and Jeremiah: "I have ... refused to return." [1419] And
the prophet seeing that ... the person of Jerusalem crusted all over with the ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xi of the two.htm