Jeremiah 12:8
Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; it crieth out against me: therefore have I hated it.
Original Language Analysis
הָיְתָה
H1961
הָיְתָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
נַחֲלָתִ֖י
Mine heritage
H5159
נַחֲלָתִ֖י
Mine heritage
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
בַיָּ֑עַר
in the forest
H3293
בַיָּ֑עַר
in the forest
Strong's:
H3293
Word #:
5 of 11
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
נָתְנָ֥ה
it crieth out
H5414
נָתְנָ֥ה
it crieth out
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עָלַ֛י
H5921
עָלַ֛י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Amos 6:8The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.Hosea 9:15All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are revolters.
Historical Context
The lion image inverts expectations—Israel becomes predator rather than protected flock. 'Hatred' in biblical usage often indicates relational distancing rather than emotional antipathy (Malachi 1:2-3, Luke 14:26 uses similar language). God hasn't stopped loving Israel but has withdrawn protective relationship due to their hostile rejection. The forest lion roaring represents covenant people becoming God's opponents.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the lion imagery capture Israel's aggressive rejection of God?
- What does divine 'hatred' mean when applied to God's covenant people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse explains divine withdrawal: 'Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; it crieth out against me: therefore have I hated it.' The shocking imagery presents Israel as a lion roaring defiance against God. 'Crieth out against me' (natenak alay qolah) indicates hostile roaring, not pleading prayer. 'Therefore have I hated it.' The Hebrew saneti (שָׂנֵאתִי, hated) must be understood relationally—God's protective love has become wounding abandonment because of Israel's aggression toward Him. Israel treated God as enemy; He responds accordingly.