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Jeremiah 12 · Grade 5

You Are Righteous, Yahweh

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Read and Think

Jeremiah 12 opens with one of the prophet's honest complaints. 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? Jeremiah affirmed God's justice before raising his question. The wicked seemed rooted and fruitful, near to God in their mouth but far from their heart.

God's reply is surprising. Instead of a full explanation, he warned Jeremiah that things would get harder. If running with footmen tired him, how would he contend with horses? If he felt secure only in a land of peace, how would he do in the thick growth of the Jordan? Even Jeremiah's brothers and his father's house had betrayed him. God called him to grow in endurance.

Then God spoke as a grieving owner. He had forsaken his house and given his beloved into the hand of her enemies. Many shepherds had trampled his vineyard and made his pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. The whole land is made desolate, because no man lays it to heart. Yet the chapter ends with mercy. God promised to return and have compassion on his people and even on neighboring nations, if they would diligently learn his ways.

Show What You Know

  1. What did Jeremiah affirm before asking his question?

  2. What did the thick growth of the Jordan picture?

  3. Why was the land made desolate?

  4. What hope did God offer even to the nations?

Crossword

31254

Across

  1. Then how can you contend with ____.
  2. I will pluck them up from off their ____.

Down

  1. If they will diligently learn the ways of my ____.
  2. I have cast off my ____.
  3. Yet how will you do in the pride of the ____.

Think About It

  1. Jeremiah questioned God while still trusting him. How can doubt and faith exist together in prayer?

  2. God promised compassion even to Israel's neighbors. What does that teach about the reach of God's mercy?

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.

  • What does near in their mouth mean?
  • How can our hearts stay close to God?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

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.