Israel’s false prophets and priests were prosperous and respected, and it frustrated God’s true servants, such as Jeremiah, to see it: “You are righteous, O Lord, though I complain to you. Nevertheless, let me speak with you about your judgments. Why does the way of wicked men prosper? All those who deal treacherously are at ease. You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit. You are near in their mouth, but far from their hearts” (Jer. 12:1–2). As far as we know, God never answered Jeremiah’s question as long as he lived.
David’s friend, Asaph, felt the same frustration: “Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; my steps were almost gone. For I was envious of those who are praised. I saw the happiness of wicked men, for there are no bonds on them until death, and their bodies are stout. They are not in trouble as other men are; neither are they plagued along with other men. Their eye stands out with fatness; they have more than heart can wish. They mock and speak wickedly of oppression; they speak loftily. Therefore, His people turn away [from truth] after them, and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. Behold, these are the wicked, always at ease; they increase in wealth. Truly, I have kept my heart clean for nothing, and washed my hands in innocence, for I am plagued all day long, and correction comes to me every morning. When I tried to understand this, it was hard for me, until I entered into God’s sanctuary; then, I considered their end” (excerpts from Ps. 73:1–17).
The end is all that really matters, and in the end, both Asaph and Jeremiah found eternal rest, while the false prophets and priests who prospered on earth were cast into Torment.
