Matthew Poole Commentary - Jeremiah 17:1 - 17:1

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Matthew Poole Commentary - Jeremiah 17:1 - 17:1


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JEREMIAH CHAPTER 17



The captivity of Judah for her sin, Jer_17:1-4. Trust in man cursed; in God, blessed, Jer_17:5-8. The deceitful heart and most secret practices are known to God, Jer_17:9-11. The salvation of God, Jer_17:12-14. The prophet complaineth of the mockers of his prophecies, Jer_17:15-18. Of keeping the sabbath, Jer_17:19-27.



There is much arguing amongst those that are critical about the true signification of words, what is here signified by dyjv which we translate a diamond; most agree that it doth not signify a diamond, (not used in engraving,) but that by the pen of iron, and the point of a diamond, are meant some tools with which they were wont to engrave things upon hard substances; it may be made in a figure resembling the claw of a bird, as the word seemeth to import.



It is graven upon the table of their heart; it is graven in their hearts; they are so accustomed to sin, so inured to idolatry, that there is no hope of any reclaiming them. For how can they that are accustomed to do evil, do well?



And upon the horns of your altars; nor is it a thing done in secret, but it is written, or painted, or engraven upon the horns of their altars. God’s altar was foursquare, and at each corner there was a rising part made of brass something high, these were called the horns of the altar. See Exo_27:2 Eze_43:15,16. Now their sin is either said to be engraven or published upon the horns of the altar, because the blood of the sacrifices which they offered to idols was sprinkled there, or because their altars had some inscription upon them, declaring to what idol that altar was consecrated, as the altar of Athens had.