The verses you’ve mentioned, Jeremiah 17:5-7, are part of a larger prophetic message in the Book of Jeremiah. This section is particularly known for its contrast between those who trust in humans and those who trust in God, highlighting the outcomes of these two different paths of trust. Here’s a deeper exploration of these verses:
Jeremiah 17:5-7
- Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.
- He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.
- Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
- He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Analysis
Trust in Humans vs. Trust in God: The passage begins by condemning those who place their trust in human strength and abilities (“trusts in man and makes flesh his strength”), indicating that such trust leads one’s heart away from the Lord. This act of trust is seen as a form of idolatry, where the reliance on human power and insight supplants the reliance on God. The consequence of this misplaced trust is a curse, symbolized by a barren existence (“like a shrub in the desert”) that is devoid of spiritual nourishment and prosperity.
The State of Those Who Trust in Humans: The individual who trusts in human strength is likened to a shrub in the desert, which is an environment lacking the water necessary for growth. This shrub does not get to “see any good come,” suggesting a life devoid of meaningful spiritual experiences or blessings from God. The imagery of dwelling in “parched places of the wilderness” and an “uninhabited salt land” further emphasizes the desolation and infertility of a life that rejects God as its source of strength.
The Blessing of Trusting in the Lord: In stark contrast, the person who trusts in the Lord is considered blessed. This trust is not just an intellectual assent but a deep-seated reliance on God as the source of all strength and provision. Such an individual is likened to a tree planted by water, with roots that delve deep into the stream. This metaphor signifies stability, resilience, and the ability to thrive even under adverse conditions (“when heat comes,” “in the year of drought”). The tree’s leaves remain green, and it continues to bear fruit, indicating a life of spiritual vitality and productivity.
Conclusion
Jeremiah 17:5-7 presents a clear dichotomy between two lifestyles: one that places its trust in human capabilities and another that finds its strength and confidence in the Lord. The former is portrayed as leading to a cursed, barren existence, while the latter results in a blessed, fruitful life. This contrast serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of placing one’s trust in God, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of strength, guidance, and sustenance in life. Through this prophetic word, Jeremiah calls his audience (and by extension, readers today) to reevaluate where their trust lies and to choose the path that leads to spiritual prosperity and blessing.
