Chapter 17: Engraved Sin, Trust in Hashem, and the Call to Honor Shabbos
(27 Pesukim)
Overview
Chapter 17 contrasts Judah’s deep-rooted sin with the blessings of trusting in Hashem. It begins with a vivid image of guilt engraved on the heart and moves to a powerful teaching: those who rely on human strength are cursed, while those who trust in Hashem are blessed. Yermiyahu prays for healing and justice, and Hashem commands him to proclaim the importance of Shabbos observance at Jerusalem’s gates, promising prosperity for obedience and destruction for rebellion.
- Judah’s Sin Is Permanent (17:1-4)
- Hashem declares that Judah’s wrongdoing is not superficial—it is etched with an iron stylus and a diamond point on their hearts and even on the horns of their altars.
- Love for idolatry like children: Their attachment to idolatry is as strong as their love for their own children. High places and sacred groves remain centers of sin throughout the land.
- Their Punishment: Because of this, Hashem will strip them of their wealth and inheritance, handing them over to enemies in a foreign land. Hashem’s Anger: His anger burns like an unquenchable fire. “For you have kindled fire in My nostrils that shall burn forever.”
- Trust in Man vs. Trust in Hashem (17:5-8)
Hashem delivers a timeless principle:
- Arur Hagever Asher Yivtach Ba’adam: Cursed is the one who relies on human strength and turns away from Hashem. Such a person is like a barren shrub in a salty desert—isolated, lifeless, and blind to goodness.
- Baruch Hagever Asher Yivtach Bahashem: Blessed is the one who trusts in Hashem. They are like a tree planted by water, roots deep in a stream. Even in heat or drought, its leaves stay green, and it never stops bearing fruit.
- The Deceitful Heart and Divine Justice (17:9-11)
- The human heart is described as deceitful and desperately sick—beyond human understanding.
- Hashem judges the heart: Only Hashem can truly search the heart and test the inner being, rewarding each person according to their deeds.
- Stripping unjustified wealth: Those who gain wealth unjustly are compared to a bird that sits on eggs it never laid—riches will vanish, and shame will follow.
- Yermiyahu’s Prayer and Plea (17:12-18)
- Healing and strength: Yermiyahu turns to Hashem as his strength and refuge, asking for healing and deliverance. “Heal me, O Lord, then shall I be healed; help me, then I shall be helped, for You are my praise!” רפאני ה וארפא הושיעני ואושעה כי תהלתי אתה
- Those who left the living waters: “Hashem is the source of hope of Israel, all that forsake You shall marked out on the earth that they have forsaken the source of living waters – Ki Azvu Makor Mayim Chayim Es Hashem”
- Remaining faithful: The people said to Yirmiyahu, “Where is the word of Hashem? Let the curses that you speak of come now.” So, He reminds Hashem that he never sought disaster for the people and faithfully spoke His word.
He prays:
- “Do not let me be ruined; You are my shelter in evil times.”
- “Let my persecutors be shamed, not me; let them fall, not I. Bring upon them a day of calamity—double destruction.”
- The Command to Guard Shabbos (17:19-27)
Hashem sends Yermiyahu to the gates of Jerusalem, in which the kings of Judah come, to proclaim to the kings of Judah and all of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who come into these gates.:
- Do not carry burdens out of your house or perform labor on Shabbos.
- Keep the Shabbos day holy as commanded to your ancestors.
- But they did not listen, and they hardened their nape not to receive instruction.
Reward for obeying: If they obey, kings will continue to reign on David’s throne, and Jerusalem will flourish forever. People will come from all regions bringing offerings to Hashem’s house. “Then, kings and leaders seated on David’s throne will enter this city, accompanied by their officials, citizens of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; the city will continue to be populated. Individuals from Judah, areas surrounding Jerusalem, Benjamin, the lowland, the mountains, and the Negev will come, presenting burnt offerings, sacrifices, meal-offerings, frankincense, and thanksgiving offerings at the house of Hashem.”
Punishment for disobeying But if they refuse to sanctify the Shabbos, Hashem warns: A fire will blaze in Jerusalem’s gates and consume its palaces, and it will not be extinguished.
