Charles Ellicott Commentary Jeremiah 12:8

"My heritage is become unto me as a lion in the forest: she hath uttered her voice against me; therefore I have hated her." — Jeremiah 12:8 (ASV)

As a lion in the forest. — that is, fierce, wild, untamed, uttering its sharp yells of passion. That mood was utterly unlovable, and therefore, speaking after the manner of men, the love which Jehovah had once felt for it was turned to hatred.