Jer 12:9 (only). If the Massoretic Text of this passage is correct, the tr can hardly be other than 'Is mine heritage unto me (i.e. to my sorrow [a dativus ethicus, Cheyne, ad toc.]) (as) a speckled bird of prey? Are (the) birds of prey against her round about?' (so, substantially, RV). The people of Israel is compared to a bird of prey, just as, on account of its hostility to Jehovah, it is compared in v. 3 to a lion. But, as a speckled bird attracts the hostile attention of other birds, Israel becomes a prey to the heathen. The rendering proposed by some, 'mine heritage is unto me the ravenous hy