Jeremiah 17:17

KJV

Be not a terror unto me: thou [art] my hope in the day of evil.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be not a terror {H4288} unto me: thou art my hope {H4268} in the day {H3117} of evil {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So do not be my ruin, you, my refuge on the day of disaster.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not become a terror to me; You are my refuge in the day of disaster.

American Standard Version

Be not a terror unto me: thou art my refuge in the day of evil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:17 encapsulates a deeply personal and fervent plea from the prophet Jeremiah to Yahweh, revealing his profound vulnerability and unwavering faith amidst intense persecution and the impending national catastrophe. In a period when Judah faced divine judgment and Jeremiah himself was a target of hostility for delivering God's unpopular message, this verse captures his desperate need for God's steadfast presence and protection, declaring the Lord as his sole refuge and enduring hope in the face of overwhelming adversity and the "day of evil."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 17:17 is strategically placed within a pivotal theological discourse in Jeremiah 17, which meticulously contrasts the outcomes of human reliance versus divine trust. The chapter begins with a stark depiction of Judah's ingrained sin (Jeremiah 17:1-4), followed by a powerful antithesis: the cursed state of those who trust in human strength, likened to a bush in the desert ([Jeremiah 17:5-6](/jeremiah/17-5-6 "Jeremiah 17:5-6 - The Curse of Trusting in Man")), versus the blessed flourishing of those who trust in the Lord, like a tree by water ([Jeremiah 17:7-8](/jeremiah/17-7-8 "Jeremiah 17:7-8 - The Blessing of Trusting in the Lord")). The subsequent verses (Jeremiah 17:9-11) delve into the profound deceitfulness of the human heart, emphasizing God's omniscience as the one who searches hearts and repays according to deeds. Jeremiah 17:12-13 then extols God as the "throne of glory" and "fountain of living waters," sharply contrasting Him with those who forsake Him. Jeremiah 17:14-18 shifts abruptly to a direct, personal lament and prayer from Jeremiah, where he seeks healing, salvation, and vindication from God, specifically pleading that God not be a source of terror but his enduring hope. This intimate appeal underscores the prophet's profound reliance on God even as he conveys messages of judgment to a rebellious nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Jeremiah chronicles the prophet's arduous ministry during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), a period leading inexorably to the Babylonian exile. This era was characterized by profound political instability, pervasive moral decay, widespread idolatry, and a succession of weak kings who largely failed to lead the people back to covenant faithfulness. Jeremiah was divinely called to deliver a message of impending judgment and exile, a message that was deeply unpopular and frequently met with fierce opposition, ridicule, and even violent threats against his life (e.g., [Jeremiah 11:18-23](/jeremiah/11-18-23 "Jeremiah 11:18-23 - Plot Against Jeremiah")). The "day of evil" refers not merely to a single day but to the looming national catastrophe—the invasion, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the subsequent exile—which Jeremiah prophesied and personally endured. Culturally, prophets whose messages were negative or challenging were often viewed with suspicion or hostility, and Jeremiah's consistent warnings of doom made him an outcast, intensifying his personal suffering and making his reliance on God even more critical.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 17:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully highlights the theme of **Divine Refuge and Sovereignty**, portraying God not only as the one who justly brings judgment upon sin but also as the ultimate protector and shelter for those who trust in Him, even His own prophet facing the brunt of that judgment. Secondly, the verse profoundly illustrates **Unwavering Faith Amidst Adversity**. Despite immense personal suffering, rejection by his own people, and the impending national disaster, Jeremiah's declaration of God as his "hope" demonstrates a profound and steadfast reliance on God's unchanging character and promises, even when circumstances are bleak. This echoes the broader biblical truth that genuine faith perseveres through the most severe trials. Thirdly, the verse touches upon the theme of **Vindication and Justice**. Jeremiah's plea for God not to be a terror to him but his hope implies a deep desire for God to act on his behalf, to distinguish him from the wicked, and to ultimately demonstrate His justice against those who oppose His truth and His prophet. This personal prayer for divine intervention and vindication is a recurring motif for Jeremiah, as seen in his laments (e.g., [Jeremiah 15:15-18](/jeremiah/15-15-18 "Jeremiah's Complaint and God's Answer in Jeremiah 15")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **terror (Hebrew, _mᵉchittâh'_):** From the root _ḥāthâh_, meaning "to dissolve," this word properly signifies "a dissolution," and concretely, "a ruin" or "consternation." Jeremiah is pleading with God not to become the source of his ruin, dismay, or utter destruction. In the context of the prophet's suffering and the impending judgment on Judah, he asks that God's powerful presence, which brings terror to the wicked, would not bring terror to him, His faithful servant, but rather protection and security.
* **hope (Hebrew, _machăçeh'_):** Derived from the root _ḥāsâh_, meaning "to shelter," this term denotes "a shelter," whether literally or figuratively. It conveys the idea of a place of refuge, a secure haven, or a source of trust and expectation. Jeremiah declares God as his ultimate shelter and the unwavering basis of his confidence, emphasizing that in the midst of his distress, his expectation and security are found solely in the Lord.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This broad term encompasses anything "bad" or "evil," whether natural (calamity, adversity, distress, harm) or moral (wickedness, wrong). In the phrase "day of evil," it refers to a time of intense trouble, affliction, and disaster, specifically the impending judgment and destruction that Judah was facing and that Jeremiah was experiencing personally through persecution. Jeremiah's hope is anchored in God even when surrounded by the most severe forms of adversity and wretchedness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be not a terror unto me:"** Jeremiah implores God not to become the cause of his dismay, ruin, or fear. Given that God is the source of judgment and the one who brings calamity upon the unrighteous, Jeremiah is expressing a profound desire that God's powerful presence, which is terrifying to the wicked, would instead be a source of comfort and security for him, His faithful servant. It is a plea for God to distinguish between His prophet and the rebellious people, and for His judgment not to fall upon Jeremiah himself, but rather to be a protective force.
* **"thou art my hope in the day of evil."** This clause presents the counter-affirmation and the core of Jeremiah's faith. Despite the "day of evil"—a time of intense suffering, national crisis, and personal persecution—Jeremiah firmly declares that God alone is his ultimate refuge, shelter, and the unwavering basis of his expectation and trust. This statement is not a wish or a fragile desire, but a profound declaration of reliance, asserting God's character as his sole source of security and confidence when all other earthly supports fail.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with emotional and theological depth. **Apostrophe** is prominently used, as Jeremiah directly addresses God ("Be not a terror unto me: thou art my hope"). This direct address intensifies the personal, intimate, and urgent nature of the prophet's plea, making it a direct conversation with the divine. The verse also features a striking **Antithesis** or **Contrast** between "terror" and "hope." Jeremiah asks God not to be a source of dread and destruction, but rather his ultimate security and refuge, setting up a powerful opposition that highlights the transformative nature of God's relationship with His faithful servants. Furthermore, the phrase "day of evil" serves as a **Metonymy**, where "day" stands for the entire period or experience of intense trouble, calamity, and suffering. This concise phrase encapsulates the profound adversity that Jeremiah and Judah were enduring, making the declaration of God as "hope" even more impactful against such a bleak backdrop.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:17 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that God is the ultimate and only reliable refuge in times of distress. It underscores the nature of true faith, which does not deny the harsh reality of suffering or the inevitability of a "day of evil," but rather anchors itself firmly in the unchanging character of God as the secure source of hope. This verse speaks powerfully to God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that while He justly brings judgment upon sin, He also graciously preserves and sustains His righteous ones. It is a testament to the fact that even His prophets, who deliver His sternest warnings, are utterly dependent on His grace and protection. The prophet's plea for God not to be a terror to him but his hope reflects a deep theological understanding of God's dual nature as both a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24) and a compassionate Father, seeking to remain within the sphere of His redemptive grace rather than His punitive judgment.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Nahum 1:7](/nahum/1-7 "Nahum 1:7 - The Lord is Good, a Stronghold")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 17:17 offers profound encouragement and a vital pattern for believers navigating their own "days of evil." In a world often marked by uncertainty, fear, and personal trials—whether financial hardship, relational brokenness, illness, or spiritual attack—this verse calls us to shift our gaze from the overwhelming circumstances to the unwavering character of God. It reminds us that while life will inevitably present moments of crisis, loss, or profound challenge, our ultimate anchor must be the Lord Himself. We are invited to bring our raw fears and vulnerabilities before God, just as Jeremiah did, asking Him not to be a source of terror or despair in our lives, but to be our steadfast hope and refuge. This requires a conscious choice to trust in His sovereignty, His goodness, and His promises, even when His ways are mysterious or His judgments seem severe. It challenges us to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with God, recognizing that true security is found not in fleeting earthly safeguards but in His divine presence and unfailing love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "days of evil" you are currently facing or anticipate in your life? How do these challenges tempt you to lose hope or fear God's presence?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to see God as a "terror" rather than your "hope" when circumstances are difficult or when you face the consequences of your actions?**
* **How can you practically cultivate a deeper sense of God as your "hope" and "refuge" in your daily life, especially when external circumstances are unstable?**
* **What specific promises of God can you cling to when you feel overwhelmed by the "day of evil"?**

### FAQ

**What does Jeremiah mean by "Be not a terror unto me"?**

Answer: This phrase reflects Jeremiah's deep personal distress and his unique, often isolated, position as God's prophet. He is essentially asking God not to become a source of fear, dismay, or ruin for him personally. While God is indeed a terror to the wicked and brings judgment upon sin, Jeremiah, as God's faithful servant, pleads for God's powerful presence to be a source of protection and comfort, not a cause for his own destruction or despair. It's a plea for God to distinguish between His prophet and the rebellious people, ensuring that the divine judgment falling on Judah does not consume Jeremiah, but rather that God remains his secure refuge and vindicator. It highlights the prophet's desire to remain in God's favor and protection amidst the unfolding divine judgment.

**How can God be "hope" in a "day of evil"?**

Answer: God is hope in a "day of evil" because He is unchanging, sovereign, and utterly faithful, even when circumstances are chaotic and bleak. The "day of evil" refers to a time of intense trouble, calamity, and suffering, which for Jeremiah included national destruction and profound personal persecution. In such a time, all human sources of security and reliance inevitably fail. God, however, remains the ultimate shelter (`machăçeh`), the reliable source of expectation and confidence. His character, His promises, and His omnipotent power are immutable, providing a steadfast anchor for the soul when everything else is crumbling. This hope is not a naive optimism or wishful thinking, but a profound, Spirit-empowered trust in God's ability to sustain, deliver, and ultimately vindicate His faithful ones, even through the darkest trials, as seen in passages like [Psalm 9:9-10](/psalms/9-9-10 "Psalm 9:9-10 - The Lord is a Refuge for the Oppressed").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:17, with its poignant cry for God not to be a terror but hope in the day of evil, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, God's holy presence could indeed be terrifying, especially to sinners, as vividly demonstrated at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:16-19](/exodus/19-16-19 "Exodus 19:16-19 - The Terrifying Presence of God at Sinai")). However, in Christ, God's presence is no longer a terror to those who believe, but the very source of their hope, peace, and salvation. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full terror of God's righteous wrath and judgment on the cross, experiencing the ultimate "day of evil" in His crucifixion. Through His atoning sacrifice and triumphant resurrection, He became the living hope for all who trust in Him ([1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - A Living Hope Through Resurrection")). For the Christian, God is no longer a source of dread but a loving Father, whose Spirit dwells within us ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")), making us children and heirs. Our hope in the face of all evil—whether personal suffering, societal decay, or the final judgment—is securely anchored in Christ, who has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and promises eternal life to those who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). He is our ultimate shelter, our unwavering foundation of trust, and the guarantee that in Him, the "day of evil" will ultimately give way to the eternal day of God's glorious presence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nahum 1:7

The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

Psalms 59:16

But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

Jeremiah 16:19

O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit.

Psalms 88:15

I [am] afflicted and ready to die from [my] youth up: [while] I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.

Psalms 88:16

Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.

Job 31:23

For destruction [from] God [was] a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.

Psalms 77:2

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.