Jeremiah 17:13
O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be put to shame; those who turn away from you shall be written in the earth, for they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living water.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights a stark contrast: names "written in the earth" will vanish like dust, unlike those etched in memory or even "written in heaven." This imagery powerfully illustrates that forsaking God means a fleeting existence, devoid of lasting significance, because true life flows only from Him.
Jeremiah has just contrasted the deeply rooted, steadfast character of those who trust in the LORD with the superficial, fleeting nature of those who trust in humankind. He now turns to direct address, lamenting the people's unfaithfulness and declaring that anyone who abandons God, the source of true life, will face ultimate shame and erasure. Their fleeting fame on earth will be forgotten, unlike the lasting inscription of those truly devoted to God.
When you leave God, your name and legacy might seem to vanish. But what does it truly mean to be 'written in the earth'?
Jeremiah contrasts those who forsake God with a vivid image: they will be 'written in the earth.' This isn't about permanent records; it's about transience.
Imagine writing a name in the dust or sand. A gentle breeze can wipe it away, leaving no trace. This is the fate of those who turn from God.
Unlike the enduring legacy of the faithful, whose names are written in heaven or perhaps carved in stone for eternity, those who abandon God find their significance and achievements quickly forgotten. Their hopes and pursuits are entirely earthbound, destined to fade.
Why does forsaking God lead to shame? Because it means turning away from the only true source of life and satisfaction.
The core reason for the shame and oblivion described is profound: 'because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.'
This imagery is powerful. God isn't just a distant authority; He is presented as the ultimate, life-giving source. 'Living waters' speaks of a continuous, fresh, and abundant supply – everything needed for spiritual life and fulfillment.
When people turn away from God, they are not simply rejecting a relationship; they are cutting themselves off from the very spring of life. It's like a river deciding to abandon its source – it will eventually run dry. The shame comes from the inevitable thirst and emptiness that follows such a devastating choice.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God (Yahweh), the self-existent, eternal, and holy Creator who enters into a relational bond with His people.
tiqvah · Hebrew Noun
A confident expectation and trust in God’s promises and faithfulness. It is not merely wishful thinking, but a firm reliance on the character of God.
bosh · Hebrew Verb
Disgrace or humiliation resulting from a failure to rely on God. It is the natural outcome of trusting in false gods or one’s own efforts rather than the Creator.
mayim chayim · Hebrew Noun phrase
A metaphor for God as the source of eternal life, refreshment, and spiritual sustenance. It contrasts with "broken cisterns" or dry places that cannot sustain life.
This verse comes from a prophet ministering during Judah's final, tumultuous decades leading up to and including the Babylonian exile. The 'writing in the earth' starkly contrasts with the enduring promises of God, a message that would have resonated deeply with a people facing the utter devastation of their homeland and the loss of their national identity.
c. 627 BC
Jeremiah Begins Prophesying
Jeremiah starts his prophetic ministry in Judah during the reign of King Josiah, a time of religious reform but also underlying political instability.
609 BC
Death of King Josiah
Josiah's death in battle at Megiddo marks a turning point, leading to a succession of less effective and increasingly pro-Egyptian or pro-Babylonian rulers in Judah.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar's forces conquer Judah, and a significant number of elite citizens, including members of the royal family and skilled workers, are taken captive to Babylon. This event begins the period of Babylonian dominance over Judah.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a revolt, Jerusalem is captured again, and King Jehoiachin along with more prominent citizens and artisans are exiled to Babylon. Jeremiah's prophecies during this period often address the exiles and those left behind.
This Psalm powerfully echoes Jeremiah's thought, stating that those who stray from God will perish and be utterly destroyed, highlighting the consequence of forsaking Him.
John 4:10Jesus uses the imagery of 'living water' when speaking with the Samaritan woman, directly connecting Himself to the ultimate source of spiritual life that Jeremiah contrasts with the 'broken cisterns' people turn to.
Job 19:23-24This passage offers a beautiful contrast to being 'written in the earth'; Job longs for his name to be inscribed in a book or on a rock forever, illustrating the profound difference between fleeting earthly fame and eternal remembrance with God.
Luke 10:20Jesus tells His disciples that their names are written in heaven, directly opposing the idea of being 'written in the earth,' and emphasizing the privilege and security of belonging to God's eternal kingdom.
barnesJeremiah 17:13: "O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters."
Shall be written in the earth - i. e., their names shall quickly disappear, unlike those graven in the rock forever Job 19:24 . A board covered with sand is used in the East to this day in schools for giving lessons in writing: but writing inscribed on such materials is intended to be…
clarkeJeremiah 17:13: "O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters."
Written on the earth - They shall never come to true honor. Their names shall be written in the dust; and the first wind that blows over it shall mar every letter, and render it illegible.
The verse highlights a stark contrast: names "written in the earth" will vanish like dust, unlike those etched in memory or even "written in heaven." This imagery powerfully illustrates that forsaking God means a fleeting existence, devoid of lasting significance, because true life flows only from Him.
Jeremiah has just contrasted the deeply rooted, steadfast character of those who trust in the LORD with the superficial, fleeting nature of those who trust in humankind. He now turns to direct address, lamenting the people's unfaithfulness and declaring that anyone who abandons God, the source of true life, will face ultimate shame and erasure. Their fleeting fame on earth will be forgotten, unlike the lasting inscription of those truly devoted to God.
Jeremiah has just contrasted the deeply rooted, steadfast character of those who trust in the LORD with the superficial, fleeting nature of those who trust in humankind. He now turns to direct address, lamenting the people's unfaithfulness and declaring that anyone who abandons God, the source of true life, will face ultimate shame and erasure. Their fleeting fame on earth will be forgotten, unlike the lasting inscription of those truly devoted to God.
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586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem for the final time, destroying the city and Solomon's Temple. The remaining population is largely exiled to Babylon, marking the end of the independent kingdom of Judah.
c. 586-538 BC
Exile in Babylon
The Judean people live in exile in Babylon. During this time, the prophetic message of Jeremiah, including his warnings and promises, would have been particularly relevant and likely preserved and transmitted.
"O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be put to shame; those who turn away from you shall be written in the earth, for they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living water." — The verse highlights a stark contrast: names "written in the earth" will vanish like dust, unlike those etched in memory or even "written in heaven." This imagery powerfully illustrates that forsakin…
