8 My inheritance has become to me like a lion in the forest. She roars at me; therefore I hate her.
8 Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; it crieth out against me: therefore have I hated it.
8 My heritage has become to me like a lion in the forest; she has lifted up her voice against me; therefore I hate her.
8 She's been, this one I held dear, like a snarling lion in the jungle, Growling and baring her teeth at me - and I can't take it anymore.
8 My heritage is to Me like a lion in the forest; It cries out against Me; Therefore I have hated it.
8 My chosen people have roared at me like a lion of the forest, so I have treated them with contempt.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 12:8
Commentary on Jeremiah 12:7-13
(Read Jeremiah 12:7-13)
God's people had been the dearly-beloved of his soul, precious in his sight, but they acted so, that he gave them up to their enemies. Many professing churches become like speckled birds, presenting a mixture of religion and the world, with its vain fashions, pursuits, and pollutions. God's people are as men wondered at, as a speckled bird; but this people had by their own folly made themselves so; and the beasts and birds are called to prey upon them. The whole land would be made desolate. But until the judgments were actually inflicted, none of the people would lay the warning to heart. When God's hand is lifted up, and men will not see, they shall be made to feel. Silver and gold shall not profit in the day of the Lord's anger. And the efforts of sinners to escape misery, without repentance and works answerable thereto, will end in confusion.