Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJeremiah 17

The Guilt of Judah.In this section, God responds to the people’s question, What is our iniquity, and what is our sin?(Jeremiah 16:10 ). God shows that Judah’s guilt is clear and undeniable. Their sins are not only obvious to God but also deeply rooted in their hearts. Because they refuse to repent, judgment is certain. The people will lose their treasures and their land, and they will be taken into captivity. This is the result of their own choices and stubbornness.v. 1–2: God says that the sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars(Jeremiah 17:1 ). Their sins are permanent and cannot be erased. Even their children remember the altars and groves where idols were worshipped (Jeremiah 17:2 ). This shows that idolatry is deeply rooted in their lives, as familiar and dear to them as their own children.

v. 3: Because of their sin, God says He will give away their treasures and wealth to others. My mountain in the field, thy substance and all thy treasures will I give to the spoil. The land that was meant to be holy has been used for sin, so now it will be taken away and given to strangers. What people use for sin, God will turn into spoil for others.

v. 4: God says, Thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage that I gave thee; and I will cause thee to serve thine enemies in a land which thou knowest not. The people will lose their land and be forced to serve their enemies in a foreign country. This is because they have kindled God’s anger, which will burn until they repent. Sin causes people to lose the blessings God has given them, but if they turn back to Him, there is hope for restoration.

True and False Confidence; Deceitfulness of the Heart; Unlawful Gains.These verses teach important lessons for everyone, not only for the people of Judah. Jeremiah warns that trusting in people or in ourselves instead of in God will only lead to disappointment and trouble. True blessing comes from putting our confidence in the Lord

v. 7–8: But blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord

v. 9–10: Jeremiah reminds us, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?(Jeremiah 17:9 ). We cannot fully understand our own hearts, but God says, I the Lord

v. 11: Jeremiah warns, As the partridge sits on eggs and hatches them not; so he that gets riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool. If someone gains money in a dishonest way, it will not bring real security or happiness. In the end, that person will lose it all and realize too late that trusting in wealth instead of God is foolish (Luke 12:19–20 ).

God's Justice Acknowledged; The Prophet's Appeal to God.In these verses, Jeremiah spends time alone with God, thinking deeply and praying. He praises God for His justice and holiness and asks God for help and comfort. Jeremiah also shares his pain about the people’s stubbornness and their refusal to listen to God’s warnings. He remains faithful to his calling, even when others mock or threaten him, and he asks God for strength and protection to continue his work.v. 12: Jeremiah honors the special privilege God gave His people. He says, A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary. The temple in Jerusalem was a sign of God’s presence and rule. It was God’s throne on earth, making Jerusalem the city of the great King. This was a reason for the people to value and respect God’s worship and their relationship with Him.

v. 13: Jeremiah admits that God is right to let judgment fall on those who turn away. He says, O Lord

v. 14: Jeremiah prays, Heal me, O Lord

v. 15: Jeremiah complains that the people mock him. They say, Where is the word of the Lord

v. 16: Jeremiah appeals to God, saying he has stayed true to his calling. I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee; neither have I desired the woeful day. Although the people make his job hard, he has not run away or wished for their destruction. He has spoken God’s message faithfully, even when it was unpopular.

v. 17: Jeremiah asks God to be his comfort. Be not a terror unto me: thou art my hope in the day of evil. He prays that even when trouble comes, God will not frighten him but instead give him hope and courage.

v. 18: Finally, Jeremiah prays that his enemies will be put to shame, not him. Let them be confounded, but let not me be confounded...bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction. He wants those who fight against God’s truth to be defeated, so that God’s justice can be clearly seen by all.

Sabbath-Sanctification.In these verses, Jeremiah is told to preach about keeping the Sabbath holy. God commands him to deliver this message in public places, especially at the city gates where many people gather, including the rulers. God’s message about the Sabbath is not only a general reminder to obey, but also a clear instruction about a specific commandment. If the people obey and honor the Sabbath, they will receive blessings; if they ignore it, they will face judgment. This teaching was important for the whole nation, from the king to the common people.v. 19–20: God tells Jeremiah to stand at the gate where the kings of Judah enter and also at all the gates of Jerusalem. He must announce to the kings, the officials, and all the people: Hear the word of the Lord

v. 21–22: God commands, Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day—do not carry loads in or out of your houses, or do any work, but instead, hallow the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers(Jeremiah 17:21–22 ). The Sabbath is meant to be a day of rest and worship, not business or labor. God’s people should be careful to keep this command, setting aside worldly work to focus on Him.

v. 23: God reminds them that their ancestors did not obey this command. They obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction. Because people in the past ignored the Sabbath, religion and respect for God declined. This was a reason for God’s anger.

v. 24–26: God promises blessings if the people will keep the Sabbath holy. If they listen and do no work on the Sabbath, then kings and princes will continue to enter Jerusalem in glory, and the city will remain forever (Jeremiah 17:24–26 ). The land will be full of people, and offerings and sacrifices will be brought to the temple. When people honor God, the whole community—government, city, country, and church—will flourish.

v. 27: God warns that if they do not listen and continue to break the Sabbath, He will bring judgment. I will kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched(Jeremiah 17:27 ). If the people ignore God’s command, the city will be destroyed by fire. This warning was fulfilled later when Jerusalem was captured and burned by the Babylonians.