Jeremiah 17:7-8
“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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The repetition of "trusts" and "hope" isn't just for emphasis; it highlights that true reliance on God isn't a one-time act but a continuous, deep-seated way of life where God Himself becomes the very object and source of our hope. This depth goes beyond a simple feeling, suggesting a profound identification with God as our ultimate security and desire.
Jeremiah has just declared a curse on those who trust in mere humans, contrasting them with a flourishing tree by the river. This verse, then, pivots to reveal the profound blessing awaiting those who place their ultimate confidence and hope squarely in the Lord. It sets the stage for an extended metaphor describing the stability and fruitfulness of such a life, even amidst difficult times.
What does it really mean to trust in God? Jeremiah lays out the groundwork for a blessed life, starting with this essential practice.
Jeremiah 17:7 begins with a powerful declaration: 'Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD.' This isn't just a nice thought; it's the bedrock of a flourishing life.
What is 'Trusting'?
This kind of trust sets us apart, making us 'blessed' – a state of deep well-being and divine favor.
The verse doesn't just say we should trust God, but that 'whose hope the LORD is.' What's the crucial difference this makes?
The second part of the verse, '...whose hope the LORD is,' deepens our understanding of true trust. It’s not enough to trust in the Lord; the Lord Himself must be our hope.
God as Our Hope:
Understand the original words
baruk · Hebrew Adjective
A state of divine favor, prosperity, and spiritual well-being resulting from a right relationship with God and obedience to His Word. It implies a condition of happiness and security that is independent of external circumstances.
batach · Hebrew Verb
To rely on, lean upon, or place full confidence in someone or something. In a biblical sense, it denotes active faith and total dependence on God’s character and promises.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the Creator God of Israel, indicating His self-existence, eternity, and faithfulness to His people. It is the name revealed to Moses at the burning bush, emphasizing God's personal relationship with His creation.
Jeremiah speaks during the terrifying final days of Judah's independence, a time when political and military crises shattered the people's trust in flawed human alliances. This verse contrasts the deep, abiding blessing found in trusting God with the inevitable downfall of those who rely on shifting human power, a stark reality for those facing the impending Babylonian conquest.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian invasions
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to Assyria, and many are exiled. This marks an escalation of imperial power in the region and a warning to Judah.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah and besieks Jerusalem, but miraculously withdraws. This event highlights Judah's vulnerability and the potential dangers of relying on foreign alliances.
c. 605 BC
First deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Judeans to Babylon, including members of the royal family and skilled individuals. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
c. 597 BC
Second deportation to Babylon
Babylon deports more Judeans, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel. Jerusalem's destruction seems imminent as Babylonian power solidifies.
This Psalm echoes Jeremiah's sentiment by calling for all people to 'kiss the Son' (trust in God's Anointed) and find blessedness, directly linking trust in God's chosen King with receiving His favor.
Psalm 34:8This verse offers a direct encouragement to 'taste and see that the Lord is good' and to find blessedness in taking refuge in Him, mirroring Jeremiah's core message of finding security and favor through trust in the Lord.
Psalm 125:1This Psalm powerfully illustrates Jeremiah's point by stating, 'Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.' It visually connects steadfast trust with enduring stability, just as Jeremiah compares the blessed person to an unshakeable tree.
Proverbs 3:5-6This passage provides a practical guide to Jeremiah's theological statement, urging believers to 'trust in the LORD with all your heart' and promising that He will direct their paths, reinforcing the idea that divine guidance and blessing follow wholehearted trust.
Isaiah 40:31This verse offers a glorious outcome for those who wait on the Lord (a form of trusting), promising they will 'renew their strength,' 'mount up with wings like eagles,' and 'run and not be weary.' It expands on the 'blessedness' Jeremiah speaks of, showing the active, empowering results of such trust.
calvinJeremiah 17:7-8: "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is."
For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Et erit tanquam arbor plantata prope aquas, et prope rivum emittet (hoc est, quae emittit) radices suas, et non videbit cum veniet aestus, et erit f…
cambridgeJeremiah 17:7: "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is."
7 . hope ] lit. as mg. trust .
The repetition of "trusts" and "hope" isn't just for emphasis; it highlights that true reliance on God isn't a one-time act but a continuous, deep-seated way of life where God Himself becomes the very object and source of our hope. This depth goes beyond a simple feeling, suggesting a profound identification with God as our ultimate security and desire.
Jeremiah has just declared a curse on those who trust in mere humans, contrasting them with a flourishing tree by the river. This verse, then, pivots to reveal the profound blessing awaiting those who place their ultimate confidence and hope squarely in the Lord. It sets the stage for an extended metaphor describing the stability and fruitfulness of such a life, even amidst difficult times.
Jeremiah has just declared a curse on those who trust in mere humans, contrasting them with a flourishing tree by the river. This verse, then, pivots to reveal the profound blessing awaiting those who place their ultimate confidence and hope squarely in the Lord. It sets the stage for an extended metaphor describing the stability and fruitfulness of such a life, even amidst difficult times.
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This twofold declaration emphasizes that our trust must be placed on the LORD, and our ultimate expectation for everything good must be rooted in Him.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
Jerusalem is destroyed, the Temple is burned, and a final wave of Judeans is exiled to Babylon. This is a catastrophic national trauma, leaving many to question their future and God's faithfulness.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great overthrows Babylon. This event eventually leads to the decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.
"“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,…" — The repetition of "trusts" and "hope" isn't just for emphasis; it highlights that true reliance on God isn't a one-time act but a continuous, deep-seated way of life where God Himself becomes the ver…
