Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 17

Verses 1-27

Once again Jehovah declared His determination to deal with the people in judgment, because of the defiant definiteness of their sin. That sin was "written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond." This declaration is followed by a contrast between the man who trusts in man and the "man who trusteth in Jehovah." The first dwells in the midst of desert desolation. The second is rooted by the springs of fruitfulness. This is true notwithstanding contrary appearances. Jehovah is the Searcher of hearts, and ultimately the folly of such as do wickedly must be manifest. To these words of Jehovah the prophet replied in a great affirmation of faith, and an equally great appeal of need. In grave peril he was conscious of the place of sanctuary, namely, right relationship to the uplifted throne of Jehovah. To forsake Jehovah was to forsake the fountain of living waters.

Yet the sense of need was very great, and Jeremiah appealed to Jehovah to give him His word, and to vindicate him in the sight of the people. He was then commissioned to stand in the gate of the people, and offer them the test of the Sabbath, being commanded to warn them of how their fathers failed in this respect, and also to declare to them that if they refused to hearken, the judgment must fall.