Jeremiah 17
Jeremiah 17 emphasizes the consequences of Judah’s persistent sin and the resulting judgment from God. The chapter begins by highlighting the deeply rooted sin of the people, contrasting trust in human power with trust in the Lord. God’s message through Jeremiah points to the dangers of relying on human strength, the need for Sabbath observance, and the punishment awaiting those who ignore His commands. The chapter underscores the importance of repentance and unwavering faith in God.
Jeremiah 17:1-4 (NKJV)
1 “The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron; with the point of a diamond it is engraved on the tablet of their heart, and on the horns of your altars,
2 while their children remember their altars and their wooden images by the green trees on the high hills.
3 O My mountain in the field, I will give as plunder your wealth, all your treasures, and your high places of sin within all your borders.
4 And you, even yourself, shall let go of your heritage which I gave you; and I will cause you to serve your enemies in the land which you do not know; for you have kindled a fire in My anger which shall burn forever.”
Judah’s sin is depicted as deeply embedded, etched into their hearts as if with an iron tool, symbolizing its permanence and severity. The people have passed down idolatry to their children, worshiping idols on high places. God warns that, as a result, they will lose their cherished land and treasures. Judah will serve foreign nations as a consequence of their persistent rebellion, enduring God’s wrath for abandoning His covenant.
Jeremiah 17:5-8 (NKJV)
5 Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord.
6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited.
7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.”
God contrasts two types of people: those who trust in human power and those who place their trust in Him. Those relying on human strength are like desert shrubs, barren and unfruitful. In contrast, those who trust in God are likened to a tree by the water, flourishing and fruitful even in adversity. This passage reinforces the blessings of faith in God and the desolation that comes from relying solely on human strength.
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NKJV)
9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?
10 I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.”
The human heart is deceitful, often leading people astray. God alone understands the true intentions of the heart and mind, judging each person accordingly. His judgment is based on actions and intentions, revealing that nothing is hidden from Him. This emphasizes God’s role as the ultimate Judge, who discerns truth beyond mere appearances.
Jeremiah 17:11 (NKJV)
11 “As a partridge that broods but does not hatch, so is he who gets riches, but not by right; it will leave him in the midst of his days, and at his end he will be a fool.”
The partridge, symbolizing someone who gains wealth unjustly, faces disappointment as their riches ultimately slip away. The imagery of the partridge's eggs failing to hatch illustrates how ill-gotten gains do not provide lasting security. Such individuals find themselves destitute and disgraced, illustrating the futility of unjustly acquired wealth.
Jeremiah 17:12-13 (NKJV)
12 “A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.
13 O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake You shall be ashamed. Those who depart from Me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters.”
Jeremiah exalts God’s eternal throne, symbolizing His power and the sanctity of His presence. God is the only hope for Israel, yet those who turn away will face shame and loss. Forsaking God, the true source of life, leads to a shallow existence. This contrast stresses the importance of faithfulness and reliance on God for spiritual sustenance.
Jeremiah 17:14 (NKJV)
14 “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise.”
Jeremiah turns to God for healing and salvation, recognizing that only God can restore and save completely. His appeal reflects faith and personal reliance on God as the ultimate source of life and wholeness. Jeremiah’s words emphasize that God deserves praise as the one who truly heals and delivers.
Jeremiah 17:15-18 (NKJV)
15 Indeed they say to me, “Where is the word of the Lord? Let it come now!”
16 As for me, I have not hurried away from being a shepherd who follows You, nor have I desired the woeful day; You know what came out of my lips; it was right there before You.
17 Do not be a terror to me; You are my hope in the day of doom.
18 Let them be ashamed who persecute me, but do not let me be put to shame; let them be dismayed, but do not let me be dismayed. Bring on them the day of doom, and destroy them with double destruction.”
Jeremiah acknowledges the ridicule he faces for proclaiming God’s words, as people doubt the coming judgment. He remains steadfast in his role as a shepherd for God, asking God to protect him from shame and terror. Jeremiah’s prayer calls for justice against his persecutors, seeking God’s deliverance in his time of need, while affirming his faith in God’s judgment.
Jeremiah 17:19-23 (NKJV)
19 Thus the Lord said to me: “Go and stand in the gate of the children of the people, by which the kings of Judah come in and by which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem;
20 and say to them, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, you kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who enter by these gates.
21 Thus says the Lord: “Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;
22 nor carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day, nor do any work, but hallow the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.
23 But they did not obey nor incline their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear nor receive instruction.”
God commands Jeremiah to proclaim His message at the city gates, where Judah’s leaders and people pass. He warns them to honor the Sabbath by refraining from work, a commandment their ancestors disregarded. Despite previous warnings, the people’s stubbornness persists, reflecting their resistance to God’s instructions. The call to honor the Sabbath emphasizes obedience and reverence for God’s commandments.
Jeremiah 17:24-27 (NKJV)
24 “And it shall be, if you heed Me carefully,” says the Lord, “to bring no burden through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but hallow the Sabbath day, to do no work in it,
25 then shall enter the gates of this city kings and princes sitting on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they and their princes, accompanied by the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and this city shall remain forever.
26 And they shall come from the cities of Judah and from the places around Jerusalem, from the land of Benjamin and from the lowland, from the mountains and from the South, bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices, grain offerings and incense, bringing sacrifices of praise to the house of the Lord.
27 But if you will not heed Me to hallow the Sabbath day, such as not carrying a burden when entering the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle a fire in its gates, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.”
God promises blessings if Judah observes the Sabbath, including a continued Davidic line, security, and prosperity. If they obey, the people of Judah would honor God with offerings and worship, establishing Jerusalem as a lasting city. However, neglecting the Sabbath will result in destruction, with fire consuming Jerusalem’s gates and palaces. This call to obedience highlights the importance of honoring God’s commandments and the consequences of disobedience.