Jeremiah 17:6

For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, [in] a salt land and not inhabited.

For he shall be like the heath {H6199} in the desert {H6160}, and shall not see {H7200} when good {H2896} cometh {H935}; but shall inhabit {H7931} the parched places {H2788} in the wilderness {H4057}, in a salt {H4420} land {H776} and not inhabited {H3427}.

He will be like a tamarisk in the 'Aravah - when relief comes, it is unaffected; for it lives in the sun-baked desert, in salty, uninhabited land.

He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.

For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, a salt land and not inhabited.

Jeremiah 17:6 paints a vivid picture of the consequences for those who place their trust in human strength and resources rather than in the Lord. This verse serves as a stark contrast to the blessed state described immediately after, emphasizing the futility and barrenness that result from misplaced dependence.

Context of Jeremiah 17:6

This verse is part of a prophetic oracle in Jeremiah 17:5-8, which presents a powerful antithesis. Jeremiah, speaking to the people of Judah, frequently warned them against relying on political alliances with foreign powers or their own might, instead of trusting in God's covenant faithfulness. The preceding verse, Jeremiah 17:5, introduces the curse on those who "make flesh their arm." Verse 6 then describes the barren outcome of such a life, setting the stage for the blessed alternative.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Consequences of Misplaced Trust: The primary message is the spiritual and practical barrenness that inevitably follows when individuals or nations rely solely on human capabilities or worldly systems. This trust leads to a life devoid of true spiritual sustenance.
  • Barrenness and Futility: The imagery of the "heath in the desert," "parched places," and "salt land" powerfully conveys a state of desolation, infertility, and lack of spiritual growth. Such a life cannot produce lasting fruit or genuine blessing.
  • Spiritual Blindness: The phrase "shall not see when good cometh" suggests a profound inability to recognize or receive God's blessings and provision, even when they are present. This spiritual blindness is a direct result of turning away from the true source of life.

Linguistic and Imagery Insights

The imagery used in this verse is crucial for understanding its depth:

  • "Heath in the desert" (ערער, ar'ar): This refers to a stunted, desolate shrub, typical of arid regions, which struggles to survive and yields no valuable fruit. It symbolizes a meager, unfulfilled existence.
  • "Parched places in the wilderness" (שרבים, sharabim): This term can imply shimmering mirages, highlighting the illusory nature of hope placed in human strength. It speaks to a place where real water (sustenance) is absent, replaced by deception.
  • "Salt land and not inhabited" (מלחה, melēḥāh): Land rendered infertile and uninhabitable by salt, reinforcing the idea of utter desolation and an inability to sustain life or community. This vividly contrasts with the fruitful life of one who trusts in the Lord, as described in Jeremiah 17:8.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 17:6 challenges us to examine the foundation of our trust. In a world that often encourages self-reliance, accumulation of wealth, or dependence on political and economic systems, this verse reminds us that true flourishing comes only from God. When we trust in ourselves or others above the Creator, we risk spiritual barrenness, a lack of true joy, and an inability to perceive God's goodness in our lives. It calls believers to cultivate a deep, abiding dependence on the Lord, knowing that He alone is the source of living water and lasting fruit, much like the righteous are described in Psalm 1:3.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 20:17

    He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter.

  • Psalms 1:4

    ¶ The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

  • Deuteronomy 29:23

    [And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

  • Jeremiah 48:6

    Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness.

  • Job 15:30

    He shall not depart out of darkness; the flame shall dry up his branches, and by the breath of his mouth shall he go away.

  • Job 15:34

    For the congregation of hypocrites [shall be] desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery.

  • Job 39:6

    Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings.

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