All of the passages in this section so far have been interpreted as poetry, but Jeremiah 9:12–16 are considered by most commentators to be prose. As has already been seen in many other parts of the book, Jeremiah’s writing is strongly influenced by the book of Deuteronomy and its covenant theology. That influence can be clearly seen in this passage of prose.1 This passage (Jeremiah 9:12–16) has also been inserted to offer an explanation for the judgment spoken of in Jeremiah 9:10–11.2
The passage begins with a question, Who is the man so wise that he can understand this?
In other words, who can explain why the Lord’s judgment is coming to Judah? This is actually not a difficult question to answer, but the question is asked as a challenge to the so called wise man.
This is probably a reference to those who took on the role of political advisers and who claimed to have insight into the meaning of political events unfolding in and around Judah. The question, To whom has the mouth of the Lord spoken, that he may declare it?
seems to challenge those who claim to be the Lord’s prophets. The reference here is probably to the false prophets who have given the people a false sense of security with their assurances that the Lord is indeed not about to judge Judah.3
12 Où est l'homme sage qui comprenne ces choses? Qu'il le dise, celui à qui la bouche de l'Eternel a parlé! Pourquoi le pays est-il détruit, Brûlé comme un désert où personne ne passe?