But blessed is the manThe concept of blessing in the Bible often denotes a state of happiness or divine favor. In the context of Jeremiah, this blessing contrasts with the curse pronounced on those who rely on human strength (
Jeremiah 17:5). The idea of blessing is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen in
Deuteronomy 28, where blessings are promised for obedience.
who trusts in the LORD,
Trusting in the LORD implies a deep reliance and faith in God's character and promises. This trust is a central theme throughout Scripture, as seen inProverbs 3:5-6, which encourages believers to trust in the LORD with all their heart. In the historical context of Jeremiah, the people of Judah were often tempted to trust in political alliances or idols, but the prophet calls them back to trust in God alone.
whose confidence is in Him.
Confidence in God suggests a firm assurance and hope in His faithfulness and sovereignty. This confidence is not based on human understanding or circumstances but on the unchanging nature of God.Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's unseen hand. This phrase also points to the prophetic assurance of God's ultimate deliverance and salvation, which finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God's promises.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Jeremiah is known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel. He ministered during a time of great turmoil and impending exile for Judah.
2.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing imminent judgment and exile due to its persistent idolatry and disobedience to God.
3.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises.
Teaching Points
Trust in the LORD as a Source of BlessingTrusting in God is not just a passive state but an active reliance on His character and promises. This trust brings about divine blessings, as God is faithful to those who place their confidence in Him.
Confidence in God vs. Human StrengthThe Hebrew word for "trust" (batach) implies a sense of security and safety. In contrast to relying on human strength or wisdom, placing confidence in God leads to true security.
The Role of Faith in Daily LifeFaith is not merely a belief but a daily practice of placing our confidence in God’s guidance and provision. This involves surrendering our anxieties and plans to His will.
The Impact of Trust on Spiritual GrowthTrusting in the Lord fosters spiritual growth and resilience. It allows believers to remain steadfast in trials, knowing that God is their ultimate source of strength and hope.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 17:7?
2.How can we trust in the Lord like Jeremiah 17:7 encourages us to?
3.What does "blessed is the man" mean in the context of Jeremiah 17:7?
4.How does Jeremiah 17:7 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 about trusting God?
5.In what ways can we demonstrate trust in God daily?
6.How can Jeremiah 17:7 inspire us during challenging times?
7.What does Jeremiah 17:7 reveal about trusting in God versus human strength?
8.How does Jeremiah 17:7 challenge modern self-reliance and independence?
9.In what ways does Jeremiah 17:7 connect to the broader theme of faith in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 17?
11.What thrives like a tree planted by water?
12.Do you trust in the Lord with all your heart?
13.Do you trust in the Lord with all your heart?
14.What messages do the prophets convey about faith and justice?What Does Jeremiah 17:7 Mean
but blessed• “But” signals a sharp contrast with the cursed person who relies on human strength inJeremiah 17:5-6.
• Scripture consistently shows God’s favor resting on those who look to Him rather than to themselves, as inPsalm 1:1-3: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked… but his delight is in the law of the LORD.”
• This blessing is not merely earthly prosperity; it is the wholeness and well-being that flow from God’s own character (Proverbs 10:22).
is the man• The promise is personal and individual—anyone can enter into it.
• God’s Word emphasizes personal responsibility: each person must choose where to place trust (Deuteronomy 30:19;Joshua 24:15).
• The singular “man” highlights that God sees and rewards individual faith, just as He noticed Noah (Genesis 6:8) and Daniel (Daniel 6:23).
who trusts in the LORD• Trust means leaning the full weight of life on God’s revealed character and promises (Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”).
• Such trust involves:
– Believing God’s Word even when circumstances appear contrary (Romans 4:18-21).
– Obeying His commands, convinced He will act for our good (Psalm 37:3-5).
• Trust is directed at “the LORD”—the covenant-keeping God whose name guarantees His faithfulness (Exodus 34:6-7).
whose confidence is in Him• Confidence deepens trust—it is settled assurance, not momentary optimism (Hebrews 10:35-36).
• The phrase points to an enduring stance of heart:
– Resting, not striving (Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast mind, because he trusts in You”).
– Speaking hope aloud (Psalm 118:8-9;2 Corinthians 4:13).
• Confidence in God displaces fear of people, lack, or future threats (Psalm 27:1;Philippians 4:6-7).
summaryJeremiah 17:7 draws a vivid line between self-reliance and God-reliance. The one who deliberately transfers the weight of life onto the LORD enjoys God’s holistic blessing—peace, stability, and fruitfulness—regardless of outward conditions. Trusting hearts become confident hearts, and confident hearts become blessed lives.
(7)
Blessed is the man . . .--The words that follow in
Jeremiah 17:8 are almost a paraphrase of
Psalm 1:3. and, we may well believe, were suggested by them. The prophet has, as it were, his own Ebal and Gerizim: trust in God inheriting the blessing, and distrust the curse.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
But blessedבָּר֣וּךְ(bā·rūḵ)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 1288:To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse[is] the manהַגֶּ֔בֶר(hag·ge·ḇer)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1397:A valiant man, warrior, a person simplywhoאֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thattrustsיִבְטַ֖ח(yiḇ·ṭaḥ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 982:To trust, be confident, surein the LORD,בַּֽיהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelwhose confidenceמִבְטַחֽוֹ׃(miḇ·ṭa·ḥōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4009:A refuge, security, assuranceisוְהָיָ֥ה(wə·hā·yāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, be[Him].יְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man who trusts (Jer.)