Jeremiah 11:17 - Exposition

The Lord of hosts, that planted thee ; He who "planted" Israel (comp. Jeremiah 2:21 ) could also uproot it; and though, for the sake of his covenant with Abraham, he would not destroy it utterly, yet he could not but interpose as Judge to punish its manifold transgressions. Israel and Judah are mentioned together; for the prophets, so far as we know them from their works, did not recognize the separation of the two kingdoms. Against themselves ; rather, for themselves ; i . e . to please themselves.