Jeremiah 12 · Grade 4
Contending with Horses
Read and Think
Jeremiah began his prayer by saying God is righteous. Yet he wanted to plead a case. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? God had planted them and they bore fruit. God was near in their mouth, and far from their heart.
God's answer did not explain everything. It gave Jeremiah a challenge. If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? Even Jeremiah's own family had dealt treacherously with him. Jeremiah needed endurance for harder days ahead.
God also shared his grief. He spoke of his house, his heritage, and his vineyard being ruined by many shepherds. The land mourned because no man lays it to heart. Yet God promised compassion. After uprooting the nations, he would bring them back. If they learned the ways of his people, they would be built up among them.
Show What You Know
How did Jeremiah begin his prayer?
What was near in the people's mouth but far from their heart?
What did running with horses mean for Jeremiah?
What promise did God make to the nations?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- Jeremiah began his prayer by saying God is .
- had planted them and they bore fruit.
- If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with ?
- He spoke of his house, his , and his vineyard being ruined by many shepherds.
- The mourned because no man lays it to heart.
Think About It
Jeremiah's question was honest but respectful. How can we bring hard questions to God?
God answered by strengthening Jeremiah rather than explaining everything. Why might that be what we need sometimes?
Memory Verse
“You are righteous, Yahweh, when I contend with you; yet I would like to plead a case with you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are they all at ease who deal very treacherously?”
Jeremiah 12:1 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for listening to my questions. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- Who did God promise to bring home?
- How can we grow stronger in hard times?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.