Jeremiah 17:1

CHAPTER XVII

This chapter begins with setting forth the very strong bias

which the people of Judah had to idolatry, with the fatal

consequences, 1-4.

The happiness of the man that trusted in Jehovah is then

beautifully contrasted with the opposite character, 5-8.

God alone knows the deceitfulness and wretchedness of the heart

of man, 9, 10.

The comparison of a bird's hatching the eggs of another of a

different species, which will soon forsake her, is highly

expressive of the vanity of ill-acquired riches, which often

disappoint the owner, 11.

The prophet continues the same subject in his own person,

appeals to God for his sincerity, and prays that the evil

intended him by his enemies may revert on their own heads,

12-18.

The remaining part of the chapter is a distinct prophecy

relating to the due observance of the Sabbath, enforced both by

promises and threatenings, 19-27.

NOTES ON CHAP. XVII

Verse Jeremiah 17:1. The sin of Judah] Idolatry.

Is written with a pen of iron] It is deeply and indelibly written in their heart, and shall be as indelibly written in their punishment. Writing with the point of a diamond must refer to glass, or some vitrified substance, as it is distinguished here from engraving with a steel burine, or graver. Their altars show what the deities are which they worship. There may be reference here to the different methods of recording events in those days: -

1. A pen or stile of iron, for engraving on lead or wood.

2. A point of a diamond, for writing on vitreous substances.

3. Writing on tables of brass or copper.

4. Writing on the horns of the altars the names of the deities worshipped there. This is probable.

In several parts of India, and all through Ceylon, an iron or steel pen is used universally; with these the natives form the letters by incisions on the outer rind of the palm leaf. Books written in this way are very durable. This pen is broad at the top, has a very fine sharp point, and is sharp at one side as a knife, to shave and prepare the palm leaf. A pen of this description now lies before me.