Глава 17

Thus the Prophet, having foreshadowed the conversion of the pagans, again denounces the wickedness of the Jews. Jeremiah 17:1. The sin of Judah was written in writing, on the nails of adamantine, on the tablets of their hearts, and on the roses of their altars. The strongest thing is the conscience; the writings inscribed on it are durable. If all people testify to something in their conscience as good; then one’s own conscience does not tolerate the deceit of false talkers, but is tormented, wounded, and pronounces an incorruptible verdict. The Prophet says this here too, namely, your deeds accuse you, and your conscience confirms the accusation. He reminds them of the groves, of the altars, of the delight in which they were, and threatens that all their wealth, along with their idols, will be handed over to their enemies. Predicts and launch cities. After this, he calls the people pitiful and most unfortunate, curses those who deviate from God and place their trust in human power, likens them to barren and worthless trees that grow in deserts, and for which no care is taken. For he says: Jer.17:6. And it will be like a wonder of the world in the desert, and it will not see when the good ones come, and it will dwell in dryness, and in the desert, in the land of the land; and uninhabited. What was said: in “dryness”, the Syrian interpreter translated: in holes. And with all that was said, God depicted the uselessness of such benefit. But he likens and equates the one who trusts in God to a plant that is constantly watered, which does not suffer harm from intense heat, and always bears ripe fruit. He said this not in vain, but advising him not to rely on the help of the Egyptians, but to attract God’s assistance by correcting his life. Jer.17:9. The heart is deepest above all, and man is, and who knows him? Jeremiah 17:10. The Lord searches the hearts, tempts the wombs, to reward each according to his path, and according to the fruit of his inventions. For people, says God, the plans of their neighbor are unknown; because the movements of the heart are hidden; and for Me the Creator they are also obvious; because I judge not only deeds, but also thoughts, and about both I pronounce the same and truthful verdict. After this he again turns his speech to the king of Babylon. (Jer.17:11). “Call out the ripples, do not give birth to their congregation, do not create your wealth with judgment.” Those engaged in catching grouse make some of the grouse tame, and at their voice they call other birds of the same breed, which come running and get caught in the net. God likened the king of Babylon to such a tame grouse, who attempts to become the owner of all people and collects unrighteous wealth. But he also predicts sorrowful events. “At the end of his days he will leave him, and in the end he will be mad.” God-wise Daniel also made this known to us; for the king of Babylon fell into madness, became beast-like, and was deprived of his kingdom. Jer.17:12. The throne of glory is exalted; High is our holiness “from the beginning, the place of our holiness”, (Jer. 17:13) “the hope of Israel.” You, Master, says the Prophet, our shrine, the glory of our place, have eternal power. Therefore, I give you tea. You grant us relief from sorrows. Those who have abandoned You will be filled with all shame. Jeremiah 17:14. Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed: save me, and I will be saved, for You are my praise. I commend myself to Your providence; I beg you to grant me the salvation I desire from You. Jeremiah 17:15. Behold, these say to me: Where is the word of the Lord? Yes he will come. Jer.17:16. But I did not bother to follow You, and I did not desire the day of man: You weigh what comes from my mouth, before Your face. They condemn the delay of punishment, and the prophecy is considered false, because you delay it with punishment. And I, even seeing such insensitivity of them, would not want them to fall into disaster. For this is what the words mean: “I have not desired the day of man.” Jeremiah 17:17. Do not cause me to be alienated, You are my hope in the day of cruelty. “A fierce day” the Prophet calls the people’s uprising against him: and begs him to be worthy of God’s care for him; and turn the enterprises of the Jews into nothing, and put them to shame, and make it inaccessible to their malice. After this, the Prophet receives a command to stand at the royal gates and proclaim to everyone, both kings and common people, so that they do not break the law of the Sabbath, but honor this day by abandoning their affairs, and do not compete in disobedience to their fathers. For having done this, says God, you will enjoy the fruits of the world, and those who offer sacrifices to God in the world will be gathered from everywhere. And if you break the law of rest on the Sabbath, and begin to bear burdens on the Sabbath day; then, not only the gates, but the whole city, I will burn.